Nine of Africa's 10 reach World Cup last 32 as progress widely praised | OneFootball

Nine of Africa's 10 World Cup teams have reached the last 32, a landmark that underlines the continent's progress and justifies extra finals places.

According to L'Équipe, only Tunisia went out, with the new format also advancing the eight best third-placed sides.

Didier Zokora said the unprecedented share may owe something to the format yet is fully earned by performance levels, noting his star-laden Côte d'Ivoire generation still fell short.

There were stern tests along the way. DR Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal on 17 June, and Ghana held England 0-0 on Tuesday amid very unfavourable refereeing.

Five African teams finished second in their pools. Côte d'Ivoire ended above Ecuador, a sharp contrast with 2014 when Greece eliminated them 2-1 at the death.

Few foresaw Cape Verde ahead of Uruguay or Egypt level with Belgium on five points. The expansion, up from five African slots before the 48-team format, already looks vindicated, said Congo coach Claude Le Roy.

The rise of dual nationals has shifted the balance, while Egypt and South Africa, largely domestic-based, advanced. Burkina Faso coach Amir Abdou believes Africa is not far from winning a World Cup, and Zokora added that, aside from France, Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire can believe.

Source: L'Équipe