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Africa’s hopes of producing a champion at the tournament ended on Thursday after the continent’s last remaining representative suffered a 2-0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals.
Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele secured victory for the French team, ending the impressive run of the last remaining African team in the competition and giving Les Bleus a place in the semi-finals.
The result also marked the end of Africa’s participation in this year’s tournament, after a spirited campaign that saw one of the continent’s representatives advance to the last 16 before meeting one of Europe’s footballing powers.
Mbappe has a decisive impact
France dominated possession for much of the match but found it difficult to break down a determined defensive display in the first half.
Mbappe had the opportunity to give his team the lead from the penalty spot but failed to convert, leaving the scores level before half-time.
The French captain, however, made amends in the 60th minute, when with a brilliant shot he beat the goalkeeper and gave his team the breakthrough.
The goal was Mbappe’s eighth goal of the tournament, putting him level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot awarded to the competition’s top goalscorer.
Dembelé seals the quarter-final victory
France continued to press after taking the lead and doubled their lead six minutes later through Ousmane Dembele.
The winger showed great composure inside the penalty area before firing a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 and effectively settle the contest.
With a comfortable lead, France controlled possession for the remainder of the match and denied their opponents any realistic chance of a comeback.
The victory underlined France’s status as one of the title favorites as they continued their impressive run in the competition.
Africa’s journey ends
The defeat means there will be no African representative in the semi-finals, thus ending the continent’s championship.
Despite the disappointment, the last remaining African team earned praise for reaching the quarterfinals and competing strongly against one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
France will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in a bid to reach the final.
Mbappe’s latest goal also leaves him tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals, setting up an intriguing battle for the Golden Boot as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
