Egypt secured their first ever World Cup knockout victory, edging Australia in a penalty shootout, but the same night brought the curtains down on Africa’s historic challenge. Ghana, the continent’s last hope to swell the numbers, succumbed to a sterile 1-0 defeat by Colombia, while debutants Cape Verde pushed Argentina to the brink before a cruel own goal in extra time. The twin results left only Morocco and Egypt standing from the record nine CAF sides that had surged into the Round of 32, equalling Africa’s best return in the tournament’s 96-year history.

In Miami, the Blue Sharks refused to be intimidated. Lionel Messi’s 20th World Cup goal – a landmark strike – put the holders ahead, but Deroy Duarte levelled after the interval. Lisandro Martínez restored the lead in extra time, yet Sidny Lopes Cabral’s curling effort drew Cape Verde level again at 2-2. With penalties looming, a 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges sent them out and propelled Argentina into a meeting with Egypt. In Kansas City, Ghana had no such bite: Jhon Arias’s early goal was enough for Colombia, and the Black Stars failed to muster a single shot on target across the ninety minutes.

The cull was sweeping. South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria had all exited earlier, often by the narrowest of margins. Senegal, two goals up against Belgium with 20 minutes remaining, capitulated in extra time. Congo led England until Harry Kane’s late double. Ivory Coast were level with Norway until the 86th minute. Tunisia had already fallen at the group stage. For all the first round ecstasy – nine teams in the last 32 outclassed the combined Asian and Concacaf representation – the knockout phase exposed familiar frailties. “For a long time, African nations have been doubted in what they can do at major competitions,” Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante said earlier in the tournament. “I’m glad to see so much success among all the African nations – it shows how much talent there is.”

Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, were the first to book their last-16 ticket, taming the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw. They face co-hosts Canada in Houston on Saturday. Egypt’s reward for their nerve-shredding shootout win over Australia is a Tuesday date with Messi’s Argentina in Atlanta. The Pharaohs carry the hopes of a continent seeking only its second ever quarter-finalist; none of the previous two-team last-16 returns – in 2014 and 2022 – produced a further step. Congo coach Sébastien Desabre spoke of “great pride” at the sheer scale of African qualification. Whether it translates into a deeper run remains, for now, an open question.