World Cup: Why African countries struggle to perform - Chelsea legend, Drogba

Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, has given a reason why African countries struggle to perform at World Cup tournaments.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar commenced last Sunday, with the host losing 2-0 to Ecuador.

No African country has ever reached the World Cup semi-finals, and that doesn't appear likely to change in Qatar.

Senegal, who won the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, earlier this year, lost 2-0 against the Netherlands as they played without their star player Sadio Mane, who has since been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Tunisia drew 0-0 against Denmark, while Morocco also drew 0-0 against Croatia on Wednesday.

And while Cameroon and Ghana are yet to play their first games, Drogba believes African teams struggle because the continent has individualities.

Speaking to the BBC, the Ivory Coast's all-time top goal scorer said, "When you look at the game [Senegal against the Netherlands], [Sadio] Mane on his own could not have done much better than what we saw.

"It's very difficult for African teams because you have got individualities. They are very good at their clubs, especially those playing in Europe.

"But when they come together, it becomes more difficult for the manager to find the right system. To play the right guys at the right position, to keep that intensity that's required when you play at that kind of level."