The African World Cup qualifying group stage came to a thrilling conclusion this week, with 10 teams left standing after three gruelling international windows and 120 fixtures across the continent. We turn the page on an engrossing campaign, and pick through the big talking points from the final gameweek of World Cup qualification. "To get to the World Cup, African teams have to completely exhaust themselves; this qualifying campaign is too hard. Morocco are looking the part, despite Vahid Halilhodzic's controversial decision to exclude Hakim Ziyech, Amine Harit and Noussair Mazraoui from his plans, and they are the only team in world football to have a 100% record in World Cup qualifying. "We're kicking off the year 2022 with the objectives of realising a beautiful Nations Cup, succeeding in the World Cup playoffs, and making all Moroccan people proud."

Source: The North Africa Journal November 18, 2021 03:03 UTC