2002: Year of the Lions

El Hadji Diouf was one of the stars of the tournament

By Durosimi Thomas BBC Sport Online

In a World Cup full of surprises, Africa's image was rescued by an astounding Senegalese performance.

Lions prove a point

Thanks to Pape Bouba Diop, Henri Camara, Tony Sylva and sometimes the goalpost, the exploits of the Dakar Lions in a way bettered that of Cameroon 12 years ago.

After four breathtaking games - including two convincing wins - the Senegalese bowed out in the quarter-finals just as Cameroon did in 1990.

This time it was a golden goal that shattered Africa's dreams, as Ilhan Mansiz's sweet volley put Turkey into the last four and left a continent stunned.

Tough groups

But with five teams at the World Cup for only the second time, it was a big disappointment for Africa to see four out of the quota packing their bags for home after the first round.

There were high hopes that at least three teams should have gone beyond the group phase.

Tunisia were the biggest flop, taking only one point, while African champions Cameroon were expected to be in the last four.

But they were knocked out just like the other hot favourites, Argentina, France and Portugal.

SA's bad luck

Nigeria could not survive a tough group, including England, Argentina and surprise table-toppers Sweden.

Onigbinde's swansong

South Africa, however, were very unlucky and arrived home as national heroes after putting up a great showing, only being eliminated on goal difference.

South Africa became national heroes once more

Apart from Senegal, the other consolation is that at every World Cup since 1986, an African team has negotiated the group stages.

This statistic is enough reason to believe that Africa merits keeping its five places for the next World Cup.

Seeing an Asian team - South Korea - and European dark horses Turkey close to the final should now give Africa the fervor to do well in four years time.

Cloud over Korean preparations

A final between Korea and the Turks is nothing short of a mickey mouse prediction.

But who knows, if they both line up in Yokohama, why not prepare for Zimbabwe against Iceland in 2006.