No African team in last 16 following Senegal's cruel elimination

Senegal was sent home from the World Cup on Thursday due to possessing a worse disciplinary record than Japan.

Senegal and Japan were level on points, goal difference, goals scored, and drew 2-2 with each other in their second Group H match, meaning the tiebreaker went to fair play. The Lions of Teranga had six yellow cards to Japan's four, and therefore became the first team to be dumped from the tournament by the harsh rule.

Senegal's elimination means that each of the five African nations to enter the competition have been sent home in the group stage. It's the first time a team from the continent hasn't appeared in the last 16 since 1982.

How the other African teams fared:

Egypt

It was a disappointing campaign for Mohamed Salah's Egypt. The Pharaohs fell to an 89th-minute Jose Gimenez winner in their Group A opener with Uruguay, were soundly beaten 3-1 by host Russia in their second game, and then were shamefully overcome 2-1 by Saudi Arabia courtesy of another late goal.

Morocco

The Atlas Lions were a popular pick to upset Spain and Portugal in Group B, but finished below both Iberian countries and Iran. Only one point was plucked from the quartet - a thrilling 2-2 draw with Spain in Morocco's final match - but Herve Renard's side had already been eliminated by Cristiano Ronaldo in the second matchday.

Nigeria

Nigeria's cool kits and immensely likeable squad were booted from the World Cup by Argentina on Tuesday. In that meeting, the Super Eagles fell victim to Lionel Messi's brilliance and a surprising right-footed wallop from Marcos Rojo, leaving the previous outing's impressive 2-0 shunning of Iceland a mere consolation to take away from Russia.

Tunisia

The pre-tournament injury to Youssef Msakni robbed Tunisia of some artistry, so it was no surprise that the Eagles of Carthage produced a backs-to-the-wall performance in their Group G opener against England. There wasn't much of a response to that 2-1 defeat, though, as Tunisia was routed 5-2 by Belgium and was therefore eliminated in its second match.