Antony Chawagarira
African football’s long wait for a major international breakthrough has once again been overshadowed by a familiar and painful storyline – late-game collapses that have ended promising campaigns in dramatic fashion.
The trend resurfaced dramatically at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where four African nations saw their knockout hopes shattered by goals in the closing minutes. Senegal surrendered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Belgium, South Africa conceded in stoppage time to Canada, DR Congo were undone by England captain Harry Kane’s late winner, while Côte d’Ivoire also fell to a decisive strike in the dying stages against Norway.
Senegal looked destined for the Round of 16 after first-half strikes from Habib Diarra in the 24th minute and Ismaila Sarr in the 51st minute gave the Teranga Lions a commanding 2-0 lead. Belgium fought back through Romelu Lukaku in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalised in the 89th minute and completed a stunning turnaround to win 3-2.
South Africa’s World Cup journey also ended in cruel fashion. Bafana Bafana held Canada for more than 90 minutes before Stephen Eustáquio struck in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2′) to seal a 1-0 victory and deny the Africans extra time.
DR Congo were equally unfortunate after Benjamin Cipenga’s seventh-minute goal gave the Leopards an early lead against England. Harry Kane levelled in the 75th minute before scoring the winner in the 86th minute to complete England’s 2-1 comeback victory.
Côte d’Ivoire also suffered a similar fate in the Round of 32. The Elephants fought back through Amad Diallo’s 74th-minute equaliser after Antonio Nusa had put Norway ahead in the 30th minute. However, Erling Haaland struck in the 86th minute to hand Norway a 2-1 victory, ensuring yet another African team exited the tournament after conceding late.
The sequence of late goals has reignited debate among football analysts and supporters, with many pointing to game management, concentration and experience in the closing stages as recurring challenges for African teams competing against the world’s elite.
The heartbreak is not unique to this tournament. Over the years, several African nations have seen historic opportunities slip away in the dying minutes of major competitions, reinforcing the perception that fine margins continue to separate success from disappointment.
Despite the painful exits, African teams have continued to demonstrate their growing competitiveness on the global stage. Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals proved the continent is capable of competing with football’s traditional powers, while Senegal, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and other representatives have shown resilience and quality throughout the 2026 tournament.
As the World Cup progresses, the continent will once again reflect on what might have been, while hoping the lessons from these painful defeats will help future generations finally break the cycle of late heartbreak and deliver Africa’s long-awaited World Cup glory.
