African contingents continue to soar, is there a ceiling for them?

Cape Verde is riding on a wave at the World Cup, they face Argentina next, and they won't bother about that. How far can the brave debut...

Cape Verde is riding on a wave at the World Cup, they face Argentina next, and they won't bother about that. How far can the brave debutants go? (Photo credit: Al Jazeera)

After the final rounds of the World Cup group stage games, it's laudable to note that nine of the ten African countries in the tournament are still alive and kicking.

This is the rise of Africa. The tournament has seen the participation of teams from Morocco, CIV, Ghana, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, and DR Congo. Cape Verde's story is the most important of all the African World Cup tales. The story continues.

Cape Verde held off the powerhouse of Spain, forced Uruguay to an entertaining 2-2 draw, and stood toe-to-toe with Saudi Arabia to finish second in their group. Not sure anyone saw the result coming, but Cape Verde is in the round of 32.

When FIFA extended the African tickets to ten, many thought lots of these first-time qualifiers wouldn't last the first two games. South Africa came second in the group that had South Korea and the Czech Republic; what a story!

The round of 32 is here, and the Bafana Bafana will start the round with a fixture against one of the hosts, Canada. There's nothing to fear; it's a knockout game that can swing either way. If South Africa takes the fight to the hosts, they will have a full day.

Algeria came third in a group that had Argentina and Austria, and their reward is a fixture against Group B winners, Switzerland. The Swiss haven't exactly impressed, but they will fancy their chances against the Desert Foxes. Over to you, Algeria!The 

Netherlands will face Morocco in the round of 32. This is one fixture to look out for, with both sides having points to prove. The Moroccans made it to the semifinals last time out, while the Oranje have been among the most underwhelming in terms of achievements on the biggest stage. Something has to give.

Belgium eventually found their feet in their final group game, but it played against a New Zealand side that didn't offer much. The Terenga Lions of Senegal will take on the Red Devils; this one can excite Senegal. We look forward to this one.

Ivory Coast and Norway both finished second in their respective groups. The elephants of the Ivory Coast know that a good start is not enough; they must stay in the game until the end if they want to stand a chance to make it to the round of 16. Their 2022 story led them to the last 8. Will they go one better?

The fearless boys of Cape Verde will face the reigning champions. Lionel Messi came on to score in their final group game to make it six goals from three games. Cape Verde has nothing to lose; no one gave them a chance. Is an upset on the cards?

Australia and Egypt will face off in the round of 32; it will be a huge game for both sides. The Pharaohs will fancy their chances on this one, but there's a banana peel waiting to happen there. Both sides must step up if they want to avoid a possible shock.

Ghana survived; now they have to play against Colombia. It will be a cracker. The Black Stars have built their game around their defensive structure; they're facing a side that is built on attack. This will be a game of sensational effect.

Finally, DR Congo will face England. African countries struggle against the 3 Lions, but Ghana earned a precious point in the group stage, and Senegal beat England in a friendly earlier in the year. Can DR Congo step up to the challenge?