With less than 50 days until the start of the World Cup in Brazil, Soccer Laduma takes a look at our Top 50 World Cup moments – today number 21: Tunisia Puts Africa On The World Map.
Tunisia performed one of Africa’s first-ever football miracles at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
When they met Mexico at it’s first-ever World Cup appearance no one gave the minnows a chance against the well acquainted Americans.
Mexico had the better start as Tunisia started out shaky and went ahead in the first half. But remarkably, the Africans staged a second-half comeback, scoring three without reply.
Ali El Kaabi, Nejib Ghommidh and Mokthar Douieb scored the goals for Tunisia and the Argentinian fans chanted “Tunez, Tunez, Tunez” after the final whistle.
Unfortunately Tunisia lost their second game narrowly 1-0 to Poland and were eliminated despite another horrendous result, a goalless draw, against the defending champions West-Germany.
Tunisia’s win over Mexico, however, was a massive breakthrough for the confidence of the African game.
The first-ever World Cup win for an African side led directly to a second spot at the next finals for the continent.
Not many will remember this moment, but it had to appear in our Top 50 list as it truly put Africa on football’s world map.
Which other great African moments do you remember? Have your say in the comment section below.
