CAF president hails Africa’s World Cup teams

by Staff Reporter

Friday Dec 23, 2022. 16:00

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has hailed the continent’s representatives from the 2022 World Cup, especially semifinalists Morocco.

Cameroon, Tunisia and Ghana all missed out on progression from difficult groups, while Senegal advanced to the round of 16 before falling at the hands of England.

Morocco, meanwhile, topped their group ahead of Croatia, Belgium and Canada, before eliminating Spain and Portugal in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively.

They ran out of steam in the semifinals against France, and were beaten again in the third-place playoff by Croatia, but in reaching the final four the Atlas Lions broke significant new ground for African football.

“The 54 African countries who are members of CAF are extremely proud and inspired by the victories and successes of the five African Nations that represented CAF at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” Motsepe is quoted in statement released by CAF.

“We are also particularly proud of Morocco’s historic qualification to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“It is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that an African Nation has qualified for the semifinals.

“I would like to express our deep gratitude to the players (Les Lions de l’Atlas), the technical team, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football under the outstanding leadership of President Fouzi Lekjaa, the people of Morocco and His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.

“Our objective of ensuring that an African Nation wins the FIFA World Cup is alive and within reach.”

Motsepe added: “We are making significant progress in ensuring that African football is self-supporting and globally competitive.

“This is partly reflected by the outstanding performances by Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Tunisia and Ghana at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“We will continue to invest in schools football, youth academies for boys and girls and football infrastructure and facilities.

“CAF is also committed to improving the quality of trainers, coaches, referees and football in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations.

“The implementation of governance, auditing and administrative global best practices is bearing fruit as mutually beneficial discussions are taking place with our sponsors, partners and financial investors.

“We are also making good progress on the African Super League and announcements in this regard will be made in due course.

“We will continue to use football as a tool to unite people from different races, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds and to contribute to improving the socio- economic and living conditions of all people.”