As of Thursday last week, the African contingency participating at the World Cup have not done their continent any real justice, with the overall record between the five nations amounting to one win, one draw and three losses.

Cameroon crashed out of the World Cup after two extremely dismal performances. In their first match against Mexico, two extra goals were incorrectly called offside, meaning that they could have been destroyed even by half time. Then came the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Croatia, where team focus was at an all time low after Song’s moment of madness and Assou-Ekotto headbutting his own team-mate.

In what was branded as the World Cup’s most boring match so far, Nigeria thought they would easily dispose of Iran. Little did they know that this match would hold the Super Eagles to a goalless draw in an encounter which could have seen the Iranians as victors.

Ghana were hoping that star players Essien and Boateng would be the shining light to guide the nation through to the knockout rounds. They still, however, lost their first match 2-1 to the Yanks, and with Germany and Portugal coming up, chances are they’ll be on their flight back home sooner rather than later.

Algeria had a very bright start against Belgium, getting a penalty, slotting it in and keeping control of the match until the 70th minute. A few substitutions from Belgium turned the tide as two goals in ten minutes left Algerian players wondering what could have been.

Africa’s only current shining light comes in the form of Ivory Coast following their convincing 2-1 victory over the Japanese. Drogba wasn’t included early on in the match, yet his presence was felt as soon as he stepped on the pitch, hoping to convince manager Lamouchi to start him in the upcoming match against Colombia.

All in all, the foresight for African nations looks dim, with Ivory Coast currently in the best position of progressing past the group stages.