Only five countries are representing Africa at the ongoing 2022 World Cup tournament happening in Qatar.
Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, and Cameroon are those representing the continent.
This time around, all of these teams are being led by their own respective national coach, which is unprecedented.
Otto Addo is leading the Black Stars of Ghana, Rigobert Song is handling Cameroon, Aliou Cisse leads Senegal, while Morocco is being led by Walid Regragui and Jalel Kadri is leading the charge for Tunisia.
The coaches and how they are currently performing:
Otto Addo
The 47-year-old faced defeat in his opener against Portugal on Thursday, November 24. The scoreline read 3:2 at the end of the game. Ghana bounced back during the second half of the game.
Otto Addo, a former midfielder says Ghana is under pressure to qualify. Ghana will face South Korea next week Monday and, subsequently, Uruguay on December 2.
Aliou Cisse
The 46-year-old who was part of the Senegal team that reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals in South Korea suffered a two nil defeat against Netherlands in their opening game. The Senegalese players have however proven to be formidable despite their defeat and the absence of their star player, Sadio Mane.
Today, Senegal will play against Qatar. They will later face Ecuador on November 29.
Rigobert Song
Also 46-years old, Song could not secure victory for Cameroon when his side came up against Switzerland on Thursday. Their defeat was a goal to nil.
Song who masterminded a shock World Cup play-off victory over Algeria will next week Monday face Serbia. Brazil will be their next contender, whom they face on December 2.
Walid Regragui
Morocco being led by Walid, 47, met a stalemate when they faced Croatia on November 23. None of the teams managed to score. Beginning his coaching career in 2012, Walid will once again bring his experience to test when Morocco faces Belgium this Sunday.
On December 1, they come up against Canada.
Jalel Kadri
Last but not least, and oldest among the coaches, Jadel, 50, also could not secure a win for Tunisia, but neither did he lose. He drew against Denmark on November 22.
Taking over from Mondher Kebaier, will have to play a fast one on Australia on Friday to secure a place in the tournament. Tunisia face France on November 30.
From the performances so far, these five African countries would have to up their game as they are not in a comfortable lead.
Source: The Independent Ghana