Australia haven’t faced an African nation since June 2010, when they drew 1-1 with Ghana in Rustenburg but in Friday’s World Cup Group Stage draw the Socceroos have every chance of being pitted against another of the continent’s sides.
Ange Postecoglou’s team have been placed in Pot 3, while all five of Africa’s representatives are in Pot 2.
There is, therefore, a five in eight chance that Australia will find an African side standing between them and progression to the knock-out round next summer.
This article outlines what the Socceroos can expect from each of Africa’s five World Cup contestants should they encounter them in Brazil.
Nigeria
The Super Eagles are Africa’s reigning champions and it is thus not surprising that they are a threatening prospect.
Vincent Enyeama is an outstanding keeper, currently in the form of his life, and closing in, rapidly, on the Ligue 1 record for clean sheets.
Ahead of him, a centre-back pairing of Godfrey Oboabona and Kenneth Omeruo is inexperienced but remarkably accomplished.
Australia would be more likely to enjoy success down the flanks; Elderson Echiejile and Efe Ambrose are encouraged to push forward, which could well leave space for the likes of Robbie Kruse and Tommy Oar to exploit.
In midfield, John Obi Mikel is a majestic figure but can get caught in possession while speedy attackers Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike will ask questions of the ageing legs in the backline.
Ghana
Australia earned a point when they faced Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, however, Richard Kingson the goalkeeper who gifted them a goal that day, is no longer present and the Socceroos ought not expect such generosity again.
Ghana’s main strength is their midfield which is packed with exceptional talent such as Kwadwo Asamoah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.
The energy and dynamism that exists will pose a mighty test for Mile Jedinak, the organiser in the heart of the pitch who would need to be at his best to marshal those around him and disrupt the Black Stars.
The supporting cast have been upgraded extensively since 2010 and Ghana would feel confident about beating the Socceroos.
Cote d’Ivoire
The faded Golden Generation of the Cote d’Ivoire may be ambling towards the end of their career, but they still possess some sublime talents.
No one will relish the prospect of drawing the Elephants.
Legendary forward Didier Drogba loves an aerial battle and would provide a major test for the likes of Lucas Neill and Rhys Williams.
However, if Australia focus too much on protecting the middle of the terrain, they risk leaving themselves exposed to the pace and incisive movement of Gervinho and Salomon Kalou down the flanks.
Yaya Toure provides drive, creativity and muscle in midfield while Didier ‘Maestro’ Zokora is a calm and considered head in the backline.
Cameroon
Cameroon can boast an excellent collection of defensive players, indeed, the best defence in Africa, but what they offer in grit and resolve, they lack in creativity and attacking thrust.
Chelsea forward Samuel Eto’o, now 32, is often called to play in a deeper role for the national side in order to compensate for a lack of an offensively-minded midfielder.
He remains an exceptional competitor, however, if Jedinak – a fine man-marker – can keep a close eye on the former Barcelona man, then the Indomitable Lions might be starved of inspiration.
Australia should not be too downhearted by the prospect of a battle – and it would be a battle – with Cameroon.
They could, quite feasibly, sneak a 1-0 victory which could serve their knock-out aspirations well.
Algeria
Algeria are a dogged and determined side in the model of great North African teams of the past. However, they certainly have frailties in defence, where coach Vahid Halilhodzic has shuffled his deck in recent fixtures.
Like Cameroon, they will likely rely upon one outstanding individual, in this case, Valencia playmaker Sofiane Feghouli.
The Fennecs have the defensive midfielders upon whom to build a platform for the enigmatic creator, although it remains to be seen whether he can rise to the occasion.
Again, I envisage Australia’s central midfielders, Jedinak and Mike Milligan being the difference between victory and defeat.
If they can subdue their Algerian counterparts and silence Feghouli, then anything is possible.
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