Immediate past Super Eagles foreign manager Gernot Rohr believed Africa’s trio of Morocco, Senegal and Ghana can pull their chestnuts from the fire to secure their spots in the Round of 16 knockout stages of the on-going FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The self-styled Franco-German who saw Cameroon’s pulsating 3-3 draw against Serbia yesterday at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, said the Indomitable Lions would have a daunting task against favourites Brazil in their last Group G game on Friday at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
I saw Cameroun against Serbia in Al Janoub Stadium and the game was full of suspense and nice goals, “ Rohr said.“ In fact, today was good for African strikers at the World Cup here in Qatar because we had six goals from the two games involving Cameroon and Ghana.”
The vastly travelled Rohr, however highlighted the pitfalls within the rank and file of the Indomitable Lions, adding the 1990 quarter finals may have reached the end of the road with just one point going into the last game after their 10 loss to Switzerland and yesterday’s 3-3 draw to Serbia.
“While we appreciated the (Indomitable Lions) attack with three good strikers, Cameroun had a problem with discipline and it’s a pity that Onana could not play,” Rohr further said. “ Their exit (from Qatar 2022) can come with the game against Brazil.
Cameroon doesn’t have anything to lose, so they still can hope for a miracle against Brazil.”
Yet the former Bayern Munich defender has thrown his weight behind Morocco, Ghana and Senegal to progress to the Round of 16.
He said: “Morocco is in the best position to qualify because Canada is already out. Very solid team and well led by Walid Regragui.
“Ghana improved in their second game by beating South Korea and has a mix of experience and youthfulness. They should be able to qualify against Uruguay.
“ The Same for Senegal. Though Ecuador is difficult to beat, Senegal despite missing Sadio Mane , they still have enough great players to beat them (Uruguay .”
In a related development, Rohr who saw Sunday’s electrifying 1-1 draw between his native Germany and Spain at the Al Bayt Stadium, described the game one of the best yet at Qatar 2022.
“ That was a high level game between Spain and Germany,” the 68-year-old coach said. “Quickness, technics and tactics were first class.