FT World Cup 2018: Tunisia goes down hard but they go down swinging

The odds really seem to be against the North African Les Aigles de Carthage in this tournament as they once again lost a game that they really needed to win to stay in the competition. Belgium did not just beat them, they scored more than double what Tunisia produced in an overwhelming 5-2 win. In case you are wondering how so much was accomplished, here is a snippet below.

Wahbi Khazri capitalized on the assist from Hamdi Nagguez and scored for Tunisia just before the referee blew the whistle. What a redemption for Tunisia! Earlier in the game, Dylan Bronn had taken a free kick from Saif-Eddine Khaoui which he then headed into the center of the net. Maybe this undesirable outcome can be accredited to the change of the players that started off the game from the Tunisian side. Farouk Ben Mustapha had to step in for the Tunisian goalkeeper who got injured during the game with England. Such a critical change during a desperate time is least likely going to yield good results in most cases, and this one happened to be one of them. Two of their players also had to exit the game before the end of the game, due to injury and this may have had an impact on the team too.

On the Belgium side, the drops of the victory started to pour in early into the game. Just after 6 minutes, a foul that worked in Belgium’s favor gave Eden Hazard a chance to capitalize with a penalty and he easily put the ball into the net while the Tunisian goalkeeper just knelt in front of the goal post. Lukaku was on fire too! Just before the teams adjourned for the first half, he had two goals under his belt for the Belgians. Even though he eventually left the game due to an injury, it did not stop the Red Devils from pouring in goals. Hazard and Batshuayi also each contributed one goal to the game which led to this incredible victory.

Tunisia needed to win this game, but we do not always get what we need. Tunisia will face Panama on Thursday, the 28th of June which might be their last game. As they pack their bags, they will say “we did not win the World Cup, but we participated and represented Africa in the World Cup!”

FT 2017/18 Best Africa XI: ST - Mohamed Salah

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

ST - Mohamed Salah [Liverpool & Egypt]

Without a doubt, a Ballon D’Or contender this year, Mohamed Salah of Egypt has had the season of his life. Not many players score more than 40 goals in a single season let alone in their first season for their club. Not even the current FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 44 goals in his first season at Real Madrid. Such is the impact that has been made by the African player who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2017. He has repaid the efforts of the scouting team at the Merseyside club who pushed the club into purchasing him ahead of other talented players on their transfer list. Liverpool finished 4th in the English Premier League behind Tottenham Hotspur in third, Manchester United in second and the winners Manchester City. Mo Salah also guided his team to the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid even though they eventually lost 3-1. The player’s FIFA World Cup contribution level is in doubt, however, since he picked up a shoulder injury in an early clash with Sergio Ramos and it will be a big miss if he does not represent Egypt this summer.

FT 2017/18 Best Africa XI: ST - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

ST - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang [Borussia Dortmund/Arsenal & Gabon]

The Gabon international is undeniably Africa’s best striker in the last few seasons. He has proved that he can score goals consistently in Europe’s toughest leagues. He started off well at Borussia Dortmund where he scored 22 goals in all competitions and provided 3 assists before attracting a bit of controversy in the dressing room of the club when he started skipping training. Many took it as a sign that the player wanted to leave the club and when Arsenal came calling in January, there was no way he was going to turn down such an opportunity to be a part of the history of the North London club. He came to England and he scored 10 goals and also assisted 4 in 12 appearances. All in all, he sits at 32 goals and 7 assists in 42 appearances. The striker is amongst the elite in European strikers and is the next best thing to Salah on the continent of Africa this season. Will he lead Arsenal to glory under new coach Unai Emery in the upcoming seasons?

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CAM - Riyad Mahrez

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking for the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

CAM - Riyad Mahrez [Leicester City & Algeria]

Not surprising to see the Algerian international being named as one of the best performers from the African continent in the 2017/18 season. A former winner of the PFA Player of the Year Award in 2016, that he guided Leicester to an English Premier League crown. This season did not start off as well for the player who was declined a move to AS Roma by Leicester City, when clearly he is in need of a better club that will give him the opportunity to challenge for trophies. He was not as motivated until he gradually came back to his best before the winter transfer window. Manchester City came calling for the player in January and the deal looked to be closed until Leicester rebuffed any attempts from the club to take their most-prized asset away. The player was disappointed and took a break from his club in protest. He eventually returned and contributed 12 goals and 10 assists. Imagine what his season could look like without any disturbances.

FT Best African XI: LM - Sadio Mane

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking for the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

LM - Sadio Mane [Liverpool & Senegal]

Another Senegalese player in the FT African Players of the Season 2017/18. The left winger has enjoyed a great campaign again at Liverpool ever since his move to the club in 2016. He scored 20 goals this season as well as providing 8 assists in 44 matches for both Liverpool and the Senegal national team. Mane is part of the famous, lethal attacking trio of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, which has scored many important goals this season. The 26-year old will be representing Senegal in Russia and will look to lead his country out of the group stage. He will be out to beat the odds and potentially make it to the final just like his club Liverpool did in the UEFA Champions League. Who is ready for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and rooting for these African nations to challenge for the title?

FT Best African XI: CM - Naby Keita

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig & Guinea]

RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita is another midfielder who had a great individual season. The Guinea international is known for his creative prowess. The player scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in the German Bundesliga this season but this was not enough to secure his team a European spot for next season. His pending move to Liverpool is set to be completed on the 1st of June when the transfer window officially opens. The player has drawn comparisons from players like Iniesta and Xavi of Spain who is considered to be Legends of the game. He is just 23 years of age and is ready to test himself in the most competitive league in the world. His national team, however, is miles away from being a competitive team and he has so much responsibility if he is to one day lead them to a qualification to the FIFA World Cup. For now, he will have to watch the aforementioned players this year in Russia.

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CDM - Thomas Partey

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

CDM - Thomas Partey [Atletico Madrid & Ghana]

Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Thomas Teye Partey had a great season playing for the Spanish club. The Ghanaian has grown to become an important player in the starting lineup of the Madrid club where he contributed both defensively as well as instigating attacks to the opposition. Thomas predominantly plays as a DM but his versatility allows him to cover up in the right-back or even centre-back positions when his teammates are injured or need to be rested. He played 53 games across all competitions this season where his performances helped his team to a UEFA Europa League trophy as well as a second placed finish in the La Liga ahead of Real Madrid. Partey’s closest competitor in this position is Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria who had an amazing season with Leicester as well but just fell short when comparing him to the outstanding Ghanian. None of these players will be at the grandest football tournament in June so the summer will probably be filled with transfer speculations because they really are good players being sought after by bigger clubs.

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RM - Wilfred Zaha

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

RM - Wilfred Zaha [Crystal Palace & Ivory Coast]

The Crystal Palace winger has once again proved that he is the top player in English Premier League this season. Crystal Palace were in the relegation zone this season until the Ivory Coast player returned from injury and guided his team to safety. He scored 9 goals and assisted 3 in the process but these numbers do not do justice to his importance in the team. Sometimes the player is used to distract and subtract three to four players at one go and get his teammates some free space to score goals. Keita Balde of Senegal had a great season at Monaco this season but was just edged out by the 25-year old’s contribution in just 29 English Premier League games. Zaha seems to have matured ever since he returned to Crystal Palace from his short stint at Manchester United. Many rumors are suggesting that he could once again make a big move but this time to Tottenham who are looking for quality players to compete for trophies.

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: LCB – Medhi Benatia

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

LCB – Medhi Benatia [Juventus & Morrocco]

Another defensive rock in Benatia, he plies his trade in the Italian Serie A. This league is known for being the most tactical with disciplined sides who are hard to score against. In such a league, another African stands out in being one of the best defenders in the 2017/18 season. Benatia of Juventus played 34 games for both club and country this season. He played a part in their club’s UEFA Champions League run that was ended by Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. The Moroccan defender will be leading his team from the back at the FIFA World Cup tournament hosted by Russia next month. He will be under a lot of pressure to shut out all the attacks by the opponents. Will his team make it all the way to the final and win it?

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CB – Kalidou Koulibaly

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation

CB – Kalidou Koulibaly [Napoli & Senegal]

The centre-back has been at his best in recent years and had another wonderful season with his club Napoli who gave Juventus a run for their money in the Italian Serie A. Koulibaly was at the heart of the defense in a season where they came close to winning the league to end the 7-year reign of the Old Ladies. The 26-year-old Senegalese midfielder is once again a transfer target for the biggest clubs in Europe to prove how much of a great talent he is. It would not be surprising to see him joining Arsenal, Manchester United or even Real Madrid this summer after playing 45 times across all competitions. He scored 5 times and provided an assist on top of his defensive duties which makes him a great threat and asset on both ends of the pitch. Kalidou is going to the FIFA World Cup as well this year. Will he have a great tournament with a team that looks strong on paper?

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FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RCB - Hamdi Nagguez

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

RCB - Hamdi Nagguez [Tunisia & Zamalek SC]

A disappointing season from the ever-present Serge Aurier meant that the right-back spot would be up for grabs. Victor Moses who was predominantly used in the right wing-back position last season by Antonio Conte lost his place in the Chelsea lineup as the manager was trying new tactics. He later returned to the team but it was already too late. Hamdi Nagguez of Tunisia who plays for Zamalek in Africa had already done enough to deserve a place among the best African Players of the 2017/18 season. The 25-year old was solid in the position for the greater part of the season and also contributed 6 assists to his teammates. Thumbs up to the Tunisian who is going to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. It would be a great opportunity for him to test himself against the world’s best.

FT 2017/18 Best African XI: GK - Itumeleng Khune

The 2017/18 season was as entertaining as any. Our African players took the European leagues by storm once more as they were taught by the legends who left a mark in these leagues as early as the 1970s. Most definitely, Mo Salah has been the talk of the town for his remarkable contribution to his club, Liverpool both in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. In this piece, we are looking at the best African players to have played this season by each position and see who deserves to rub shoulders with the Egyptian King in the Starting XI. Here are our FT 2017/18 African Players of the Year lined up in a 3-5-2 formation.

GK - Itumeleng Khune [South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs]

First up, we have the South African goalkeeper as our No. 1. Quite surprising to see that the Amakhosi goalkeeper is just 30 years old having represented Kaizer Chiefs for the longest time. If you do not know him then it is important to mention he is one of the best distributors of the ball in the whole world. Khune is also one of the Legends in the making to join the list that includes Vincent Enyeama and El-Hadary. In the 2017/18 season, the experienced Khune had 20 shutouts (clean sheets) in 4 competitions. This is thanks to his reflexes, shot stopping abilities as well as his defensive organization at the back. He has the voice to command the backline and deserves a place in FT 2017/18 African XI. By far, the best African goalkeeper this season.