Elimination of the four African teams at the Club World Cup highlights a worrying gap between African teams and those from other regions, particularly Europe and South America.
Oliver Ochieng
All four African clubs are out of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup tournament in the United States of America (USA), after falling short in the group stage.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly finished bottom of group A behind Palmeiras, Inter Miami and FC Porto respectively, Tunisia’s Esperance finished third in group D behind Flamengo and Chelsea, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns managed a third-place finish in group F behind Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, while Morocco’s Waydad Casablanca could not get the better of Juventus and Manchester City in group G.
Mamelodi Sundowns provided the best return of the four African sides with 4 points, managing a win against Ulsan HD and a draw against Fluminense tacked in between a loss to Dortmund.
Making their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, Masandawana dominated most of their group opponents, in the end missing just one point to qualify for the knockout round.
In the stands, their fans were small in number but mighty in energy, providing the 12th man atmosphere throughout all the group games.
“I’m so proud of my boys. I’m so proud of the club. We have played some of the most beautiful football in this tournament,” coach Miguel Cardoso told the press after the 0-0 draw against Fluminense.
“Our FIFA CWC journey comes to an end in Miami but we leave the US with our heads held high! Thank you for all of your support,” the club declared in a social media post.
But why did African teams fail to deliver on the football’s grandest stage, even after seemingly landing fair group pairings?
According to Dennis Mogendi, a Kenya football analyst based in Nairobi, the elimination of the four teams highlights the growing competitive gap between African teams and those from other regions, particularly Europe and South America.
“Factors such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient investment in youth development programs and coaching expertise may be contributing to their struggles, as seen in their early exits,” he said.
“These outcomes underscore the urgent need for African football to address these challenges and work towards bridging the gap with the rest of the world,” added the analyst.
Brian Wanyama, Kenyan sports journalist concurs, but adds that the organization of teams in European or South American teams may be different from what is happening in Africa.
“I think the organization of leagues out there is different from what is happening in Africa. Look at the Germany, English, Spanish or even French leagues; they are very competitive compared to African leagues,” he noted.
Shaffie Zelle, a radio sports show presenter said generally, African teams gave a good account of themselves but were undone by lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
“They lacked ruthlessness in the final third which is critical in getting goals. They were so solid at the back and the flow was there, but they missed some big chances which could have changed games in their favour.”
The tournament now progresses without African representation, signaling a pressing need for structural reforms if clubs from the continent are to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
