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Africa’s Eyes On Senegal And DR Congo Today After Cote d’Ivoire Bows Out Of FIFA World Cup With A Narrow Loss To Norway
Côte d’Ivoire produced an impressive second-half display, inspired by the introduction of Amad Diallo, but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Norway after Erling Haaland struck late to seal victory.
The Elephants came within inches of earning a deserved point, only for Evann Guessand’s header deep into stoppage time to drift just wide.
The Ivorians made a cautious start against the dangerous partnership of Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland. Yan Diomandé tested the Norwegian defence early before Emmanuel Agbadou also threatened, but the best first-half opportunity fell to Nicolas Pépé, who failed to hit the target from close range in the 28th minute.
Norway capitalized moments later. Antonio Nusa took advantage of a lapse in concentration to fire a superb effort beyond Yahia Fofana and give the Scandinavians a 1-0 lead six minutes before the break.
The changes transformed the contest after the hour mark as Elye Wahi and Amad Diallo entered the game. The substitutions injected fresh energy into Côte d’Ivoire’s attack, with the Elephants pushing Norway deep into their own half.
After goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland denied both Pépé and Franck Kessié, the equaliser finally arrived in the 74th minute. Released by Pépé, Diallo showed great composure to finish low with his left foot and bring Côte d’Ivoire level.
The momentum appeared to be firmly with the African side, but Norway’s clinical finishing made the difference.
Having been largely quiet throughout the second half, Haaland took advantage of a brief lapse in the Ivorian defence to restore Norway’s lead in the 86th minute.
Côte d’Ivoire threw everything forward in search of another equaliser. Diallo forced Nyland into an outstanding save with a powerful effort before Guessand missed a glorious chance with virtually the final action of the match.
Despite the defeat, Côte d’Ivoire’s performance offered plenty of encouragement as they bow out of the global showpiece.
Meanwhile, Africa’s hope of having another team join Morocco in the Round of 16 lies with Senegal.
Fresh off a convincing win over Iraq in their final Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Lions of Teranga will now prepare to battle one of Europe’s most feared opponents as they look to face Belgium in the Round of 32 at the Seattle Stadium on Wednesday night.
CURRENT FORM
Having been drawn alongside France, Norway and Iraq in Group I, Senegal secured third position following their 5-0 win over Iraq last time out. Their victory was a major relief in their bid to advance to the knockout stage as they finished as one of the best third-placed sides at the tournament.
Senegal commenced the tournament with a 3-1 loss to 2022 finalists France at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 16 June, followed by a 3-2 defeat against Erling Haaland’s Norway at the same ground a week later.
The Red Devils on the other hand, remained as one of the competition’s unbeaten teams heading into the Round of 32 after claiming top spot in Group G.
Following stalemates with Egypt and Iran in their first set of group games, Belgium finished strong during matchday three with a 5-1 win over New Zealand at the BC Place Vancouver Stadium on 27 June.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking on Senegal’s win over Iraq, Lions of Teranga coach Pape Thiaw lauded his side for their determination in reaching one of their mandates at the world-renowned showpiece.
“We won 5-0, and I think it was well deserved. The team handled this match well,” Thiaw said.
“It wasn’t easy at first because we were playing against a direct rival who wanted this victory too. Our future is no longer in our own hands. We will have to wait and see. But we got the job done.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne – The Napoli star remains one of Belgium’s most important players, particularly in the creative hub on the pitch. Along with his vision and passing, KDB’s experience will no doubt be needed in yet another crucial WC encounter.
Senegal: Sadio Mane – Similarly to De Bruyne, Mane will come in as an experienced talisman for his team. Expected to lead the line, Mane’s willingness to chase second balls and quality in the final third could be a problem for Belgium throughout the game.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first meeting between Belgium and Senegal.
DR Congo, who infamously competed at the 1974 World Cup as Zaire, have fared far better in North America this summer. Sébastien Desagre’s side held Portugal and ran Colombia close in Group K, and a 3–1 come-from-behind victory over debutants Uzbekistan saw it into the next phase.
Now, the spirited Leopards, who’ve been able to galvanise a perpetually divided and war-torn country back home, is aiming to notch the most significant result in its history.
England has already been warned, not just by Ghana and, to a lesser extent, Panama, but also by Paraguay at the start of the round of 32. DR Congo must’ve been inspired by its performance against four-time winners Germany, which it won on penalties.
The Three Lions have suffered post-Croatia, but Thomas Tuchel’s men are in a good position. There’s a sense that the roster he’s picked is better suited to playing against opponents that’ll afford them space to operate, but DR Congo is unlikely to offer them such luxuries.
England needs an early goal to avoid tension, even if the Leopards proved in Group K that it’s more than capable on the counterattack.
Today and tomorrow’s fixtures:👇
England vs DR Congo- 5pm
Belgium vs Senegal- 9pm
Thursday:
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina- 1am
Spain vs Austria- 8pm.
Credit: Caf online/Super sports
