The African play-offs for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have reached a fever pitch, with the Egypt-Senegal showdown stealing the spotlight. After Senegal’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Egypt in the February 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final, Egypt struck back with a 1-0 win in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier on March 25, 2022, thanks to an own goal by Senegal’s Saliou Ciss. The decisive second leg, set for March 29 at Stade Abdoulaye Wade near Dakar, promises high stakes. “It’s a 0-0 World Cup game. Everything is open,” said Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz, emphasizing the need for resilience in what he expects to be a fierce battle.
Senegal’s Call to Fans
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé, a veteran of the 2002 World Cup quarter-final run, urged supporters to create an electrifying atmosphere. “We must have more chauvinism,” he told reporters, calling for fans to fill the stands with Senegal’s green, yellow, and red colors. Cissé’s plea reflects the critical role of home support as Senegal aims to overturn Egypt’s slim lead. With the away goal rule doubling the value of scores in Dakar, the match could hinge on fine margins, much like Senegal’s 2018 World Cup exit due to fair play points.
Other Play-Off Battles
Across the continent, other ties remain tightly contested. Tunisia holds a 1-0 edge over Mali, courtesy of another own goal by Moussa Sissako, offering a chance to redeem their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final loss. Algeria, still stinging from a group-stage exit as defending champions, secured a 1-0 win in Cameroon, with coach Djamel Belmadi praising his team’s “heroic” performance and the 2,000 fans who traveled. “We know our fans do everything to be the true 12th man,” he said. Cameroon, now led by Rigobert Song after a coaching change, faces pressure to deliver at home.
Morocco and Ghana Seek Redemption
Morocco and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw in Kinshasa, with Tarik Tissoudali’s late equalizer keeping the Atlas Lions in contention. Coach Vahid Halilhodzic rallied fans for the return leg in Casablanca, stating, “We need your unconditional support.” Meanwhile, Ghana and Nigeria’s goalless draw in Kumasi sets up a tense second leg. Ghana’s new coaching duo, Otto Addo and Chris Hughton, aim to reverse a decline since their 2010 World Cup heroics, while Nigeria seeks to build on their 2014 last-16 finish.
