Club World Cup: African teams exit in the Group stages

Downs knew they needed a win to progress from the Group, and become the only African team in the Last 16. They could have taken the lead early on, but once again they wasted their few early chances before fading out for the rest of the game. This means all four African teams – Sundowns (South Africa), Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad (Morocco), Esperance (Tunisia) have been knocked out in the group stages. Here we review the disappointing results from the continental teams.

Sundowns (South Africa)

Of all four African teams eliminated in the group stages, Sundowns will be the proudest, and for good reason. Downs finished with more points than any other African team (4), after winning, drawing and losing one each. Downs began their tournament with a nervy, if expected, win over Ulsan HD. They went on to lose 4-3 to Borussia Dortmund in one of the games of the tournament, despite creating more chances and generating a higher xG (2.7 – 1.7) against one of Europe’s top teams. Ultimately, the failure to beat Fluminense proved fatal, given that they (Fluminense) also remained unbeaten throughout, and took a point off Dortmund. Yet, Downs will rue their missed chances on all three matchdays.

2 – Ronwen Williams kept two clean sheets in the tournament no keeper had more.

Al Ahly (Egypt)

The Egyptian giants also entered the tournament with a certain aura attached to their name, given that they have represented Africa at this tournament more than any other team. Former Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, led his new team out for the tournament, having joined the club a month ago. Like Sundowns, their performances certainly deserved a bit more. Palmeiras outclassed them in their clash, but the Egyptian side created enough chances to score and win. They outperformed both Inter Miami (2xG – 0.9xG) and Porto (3xG – 1.7xG) on the xG front, but could only come out with draws on both occasions. The Red Devils will already have their eye on the next tournament.

28 – No team in the world has played more games in the competition than Al Ahly (28)

The Fluminense game was always the key clash given how close the teams are on Opta’s global rankings. At the moment Downs (196) are just ahead of Fluminense (213) in the OPTA world ranking.

 If Sundowns advance, it’s River Plate or Internazionale waiting in the Last 16 (as things stand). Facing such giants could be the extra motivation that the players need.

Wydad (Morocco)

Having let go of Rulani Mokwena towards the end of the season, Wydad came into this tournament with backroom staff. That already complicated their task, think later the difficult group they were placed in. Before the tournament, Wydad were given a mere 11% chance to progress, the 3rd lowest of all 32 teams in the USA – proof of how difficult their group was. Losing to Manchester City and Juventus is never an embarrassment, but how they lost (4-1 to Juve in particular) left a lot to be desired. They still have a game to play against Al-Ain, but it’s effectively a dead rubber – even a 10-0 win won’t reverse their fate. That said, they can also get their maiden win in that game.

0 – Wydad have never won a game at this tournament (P5 W0 D1 L4), the most games without a win by an African team currently.

Esperance (Tunisia)

Tunisian champions Esperance were also in a very difficult Group, featuring Flamengo of Brazil and Chelsea of England. Like all African teams, they came in as third favourites in their Group, meaning they needed a win against the second seed (Flamengo in this case). Like all African teams, they failed to get that all-important win. Moreover, they were outclassed by both Famengo and Chelsea, but at least they went home with a win against LA FC in a closely fought encounter. Frustration also creeped in as they struggled, with the Tunisians earning nine yellow cards throughout, the joint most of all teams.

1 – Esperance scored just one goal at the tournament, the joint-fewest of all teams.