During the international break, African football stars returned to their home countries for international assignments. After breaking for almost 11 months, there are fascinating encounters. Punters on Betway will also have an opportunity to bet on their favorite teams as countries clash in international friendlies. African soccer fans have been treated to outstanding performances so far. In the friendlies, the North African countries enjoyed their matches, while Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal were awful. Here are the highlights of the international games.
Dual Nationals Made Their Debuts Across The Continent.
There has been a talent drain from Africa, with many stars switching their nationalities to represent European countries. Examples of stars with African roots representing European countries include Bukayou Saka, who plays for England, Adama Traore, who represents Spain, and Houssem Auoar, who plays for France.
In September, FIFA allowed players who had represented one country in a full competitive international to make nationality switches. In this regard, Morocco were ready to welcome former Spain forward Munir El Haddadi but were forced to wait after FIFA blocked his nationality switch. Other notable faces in the squad are Aymame Barkok, who made his debut after switching from Germany.
Cameroon drew 0-0 with Japan in a match played in the Netherlands. In the game, there were six debutants. Among the players that made their international debut was Franck Evina, a former Germany under 18 player.
In the match against Algeria and Nigeria, there was also another face, French-born Farid Boulaya, who made his debut for Algeria. The Algerians saw off the Nigerian Super Eagles 1-0. Other players who played after making the switch include Kenyan Clark Oduor, who plays for Barnsley.
Ghana Had A Miserable Start.
C.K. Akonnor began his tenure as the Black Stars coach with a heartbreaking 3-0 loss to Mali in a friendly played in Turkey. Despite conceding in the opening minutes to a strike by Hamari Traore, Ghana was in the match for much of the first hour. The scoreline would have been different had Jordan Ayew converted one of the chances he had in the game.
In the second half, Akonnor’s men, who lacked cohesion and their defense looked shaky, conceded two more goals. Some of the team stars, including Arsenal’s deadline day acquisition Thomas Partey, could not lift their team out of their misery. They, however, pulled themselves together in their next match to win 5-1 against Qatar.
There Were New Faces At The Super Eagles Camp.
After losing their first match to Algeria, Nigeria battled to a one-all draw against Tunisia. Kelechi Ihenacho put the Super Eagles forward and missed an opportunity to double their lead when he missed a penalty. They would later pay for their missed opportunity when Drajer Mohammed equalized for Tunisia before the break. In the second half, the Nigerians did not have what it takes to break down the well organized Tunisian side. Football betting fans on leading betting sites such as Betway must have been disappointed by the Super Eagles’ performances so far.
The Super Eagles gave debuts to new faces after losing some of their stars to injuries. The likes of Wilfred Ndindi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and Aghenerakaro Etebo were not available for selection. Coach Gernot Rohr called on other players to step up and claim their spot in the starting lineup. Some of the new faces include Zaidu Sanusi, Cyriel Dessers, and Chidera Ejuke.
