Although the best is yet to be showcased in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, African teams suffered double tragedy after its two representatives failed to register victories.
Highly rated Egypt conceded a late goal despite exhibiting masterclass performance against the Latin Americans Uruguay and in absence of key player Mohammed Salah.
While star striker Luis Suarez was kept at bay in most spells of the game, Jose Gimenez scored a stoppage time winner to kill Pharaoh's hopes in a 1-0 victory.
And a wonder own goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz earned Iranians the first World Cup victory since 1998 in dying minutes which subsequently destroyed hopes of dominant Morocco.
With Nigeria, Tunisia and Senegal yet to play their first games, former Tusker FC midfield maestro Jackson Temu says Africa can still cruise despite the mundane show off on Friday.
"Both Egypt and Morocco dominated their respective games. What happened is just bad luck and it does happen in football," he says.
He further says: "We can have one of them even going past quarters. There is quality in all representatives and we should not judge them this early."
The furthest an African representative has ever reached in world's most cherished football bonanza is quarters with Ghana (2010), Senegal (2002) and Cameroon (1990) taking credit.
And Mr. Temo, who now plays for Borabu Chiefs adds that, for that to happen, the teams need concentration all the time while playing in the Russian tourney.