No African team can reach semis in Russia - Agyemang Badu

Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu doesn't believe any of the five African representatives at the 2018 World Cup can make history by reaching the semi-finals in Russia.

The continent will be represented by Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria.

Africa's best record at the global showpiece has been a quarter-final finish with Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana the only teams to have achieved that feat.

However, of the three countries, it was Ghana that came very close to reaching the semi-finals in 2010 but lost to Uruguay on penalties after Asamoah Gyan missed a last minute penalty in extra time.

''Reaching the last four is always difficult [for the African teams] because they can't deal with the strong teams, however, soon an African team will break that record [qualify for the semi-finals], but not this year. I don’t fancy any of five teams to reach the semis,'' Badu said on Joy Sports Link.

''Maybe Morocco or Senegal can advance from their respective groups[this year] but I don't see them going as far as the semi-finals.''

Badu, who represented Black Stars at the 2014 World Cup, however, wished the teams the best of luck.

Egypt face host nation Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group A.

Morocco are in Group B in Russia alongside Iran, Portugal and Spain.

Nigeria have been drawn with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in Group D.

Senegal find themselves in Group H and will square off against Colombia, Japan and Poland.

And Tunisia will come up against England, Belgium and debutants Panama.

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