Desailly backs Africa for 2018 World Cup semis

Former France captain of Ghanaian descent Marcel Desailly has tipped an African country to reach the last four of the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia have been confirmed as the five teams to represent the continent in Russia next year.

Africa's best position since debuting in 1934 has been quarter-final berths achieved by Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana in 1990, 2002 and 2010 respectively.

"My native Ghana did not get into the final part,” Desailly told Sport Express Russia.

“This is my spiritual wound. But other African teams are able to surprise.

”And Nigeria, which has a strong squad, and the Arab countries – Tunisia, Egypt.

“Perhaps, the moment has come when a team from Africa will finally reach the semi-finals.”

In the final draw conducted on Friday, Egypt - the first African country to play at the World Cup - have been placed in Group A, alongside hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Morocco find themselves in Group B, which also contains Portugal, Spain and Iran.

Nigeria are set to play Argentina in the group stage for the fifth time as both sides made Group D. Iceland and Croatia are the other teams of the group.

Tunisia have England, Belgium and Panama to battle in Group G, while Senegal, who are set to return to the global showpiece for the first time since debuting in 2002, will square off against Poland, Colombia and Japan in Group H.