When the party started in Russia on June 14, five African countries were in action, but today even with one group match left to be played tomorrow, four of those African countries Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have already hit the exit door even with Tunisia having a date with world cup debutants Panama.
Both countries lost two of their opening games and will only be playing the match for purposes of classification.
Left to be walking the tight rope however, are the Teranga Lions of Senegal.
Senegal took the world by storm in 2002 in Korea/Japan when they went all the way to the quarterfinals before losing by a lone goal to Turkey. They shocked the world in the opening match of Korea/Japan with a lone goal defeat of France, but that was 16 years ago. But in Russia it is a different ball game.
Led by former Coach Aliou Cissé, former captain of the side, Senegal opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat of Poland, followed by 2-2 draw against Japan.
Tied on four points with Japan and with Columbia on three points, Senegal will need to beat Columbia to advance to the next stage just as Japan will need to beat already sacked Poland to book a place in the round of `16. Can Senegal rise to the occasion at a time when all African brothers have hit the exit doors?
The last meeting between Colombia and Senegal was in a friendly match in May 2014 ahead of the 2014 World Cup. Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half, while Senegal leveled matters with two goals in the second half. Senegal must resist the temptation to fall to crosses especially corner kicks like the other African representatives. A place in the round of 16 in Russia will be a plus for them and the continent.
Senegal must rise to the occasion and make the difference like they did in 2002