Qatar 2022 World Cup
France were pushed by World Cup leaders Morocco before the champions qualified for Sunday’s final against Argentina.
The first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup refused to give up despite the early setbacks of losing defender Nayef Aguerd who was injured after being named in the first team, and then going behind with Theo Hernandez’s goal in the fifth minute.
France, with the effort and spirit of Morocco, did better and substitute Randal Kolo Muani ensured they defended their title against Argentina and Lionel Messi at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday when he saved Kylian Mbappe’s shot 11 minutes from time.
Morocco also lost Romain Saiss who was not fit due to injury before the first half but, cheered on by thousands of fans, they almost reached their level, especially when Jawad El Yamiq’s attack was blocked by the French goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris.
France, with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate steady in front of their goalkeeper, kept calm in the atmosphere at Al Bayt Stadium and had their chances, with Olivier Giroud hitting the crossbar in the first half.
Didier Deschamps’ side threatened throughout the break and it was evident that the lurking Muani finally broke through the Moroccan defense with his first touch, 44 seconds in and scored his first goal for France and second for the defending champions.
France plays calmly
France had to play it safe to become the first country to retain the World Cup for 60 years following Brazil’s victories in 1958 and 1962.
They faced a wall of noise from the Moroccan fans, along with ear-splitting whistles every time they had possession, and despite failing to produce their usual good performances, France rallied to ensure a place in the final against Argentina on Sunday.
Konate, who replaced the injured Dayot Upamecano, controlled the French defense and coach Didier Descahmps did not feel any pressure to make changes in that line. on sunday.
And of course, the Mbappe vs. Messi narrative will reach its climax on Sunday as France look to repeat their 2018 victory in Moscow when they beat Croatia in the final.
Deschamp who has been unrecognized has managed to put together a French team led by Mbappe and they have managed to show their competence at times.
France, however, have booked their place in another World Cup final and 54-year-old Deschamps, who captained them to the title on home soil in 1998, now has the chance to make history by winning the tournament twice in a row as coach.
A proud night for Morocco
The Moroccan players and the coaching team were receiving loud and prolonged cheers from their fans, who have been a real attraction in this World Cup, when they went to thank them after the final whistle.
And it was well deserved after another performance of talent and character that showed why they have been such an amazing package at this World Cup.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui could be forgiven for feeling that fate was against them after losing key players shortly before kick-off, as well as going backwards.
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
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