All African teams are alike; each unhappy ending has the same plot
You know the saying: trick me once, shame on you; trick me twice, shame on me. But what lesson do we learn when it happens a third time? Do we have to recognise a deeper problem, or is there a lesson waiting for us in these repeated defeats?In just three days, African teams endured three heartbreaking World Cup losses to European opponents – each loss nearly identical and equally devastating.Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Senegal exited in the Round of 32, each narrowly missing a heroic win. To make matters even more dramatic, the notorious 86th minute struck in all three games.These African teams all ultimately lost to European teams after conceding at the 86th minute 🤔Unlucky timing for the Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal 😔 pic.twitter.com/9PPmv1sLaS— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 2, 2026 Haaland’s late goal sealed Norway’s win over Ivory Coast. Harry Kane broke DR Congo hearts with a second for England, and Romelu Lukaku sparked Belgium’s dramatic comeback. How did all three African sides le..