Ed Dove of GOAL assesses the continent's most memorable moments on history's biggest stage.
6Gyan pioneers new territory for Ghana
After an impressive group stage performance, Ghana became the third—and to date, last—African team to advance to the quarterfinals by defeating the United States in the Round of 16.
The Black Stars had a difficult match; Kevin-Prince Boateng gave them the lead, but Landon Donovan answered from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
So, extra time was played. In the 93rd minute, Gyan held off a defender to bring down a long ball, spun around, and slammed home past Tim Howard for his standout moment of an excellent personal tournament.
It advanced the Black Stars to the quarterfinal and, of course, their notorious match against Uruguay in the Last Eight.
5Mexico vs. Tunisia
Africa had a presence at the World Cup as early as 1934, but it took them till 1978 to win their first game there.
That was partially caused by Africa's absence from all competitions from 1938 to 1970 and the fact that there was only one participant from the continent there until 1982.
A turning point was reached in 1978 when Tunisia overcame a goal deficit to upset Mexico 3-1 with goals from Ali Kaabi, Nejib Ghommidh, and Mokhtar Dhouieb.
Even though the Carthage Eagles didn't advance past the group stage, the outcome encouraged the rest of the world to take African football more seriously, which ultimately led to more African presence.
African celebrations in the World Cup have on multiple times overshadowed the goals that came before them, as the continent's uniqueness and energy grabbed center stage at the competition.
This happened in 1994 when Nigeria's Golden Generation destroyed Bulgaria 3-0 to kick off the Super Eagles' World Cup campaign.
It is still tied with the Ivory Coast's 3-0 thrashing of North Korea and Morocco's 3-0 victory against Scotland as the highest winning margin by an African team in the competition.
Nigeria's first goal was accompanied by Yekini with a ferocious net-grabbing celebration that has become synonymous with the Super Eagles at this World Cup.
Argentina is defeated by 3Omam-Biyik
Although it won't be the best or the last giant-killing on this list, Cameroon's victory against Argentina in the 1990 tournament opening sent shockwaves around the globe.
Francois Omam-powerful Biyik's header in the 67th minute put an end to the tense match. Nery Pumpido had no chance as Cameroon, unfazed by the situation, claimed a significant victory to advance to the round of eight.
2The dance of Roger Milla
After scoring a beautiful goal against Romania at the 1990 World Cup, Milla performed a hip-swaying corner flag dance that marked a turning point for African football.
In addition to establishing Cameroon as legitimate tournament contenders, Milla's celebration vividly captured the spirit and excitement of African soccer on TVs around the globe.
Senegal shocks France 1
The Teranga Lions made a mockery of France's position as the tournament's favorite by defeating Les Bleus 1-0 in Senegal's opening game. This match unquestionably ranks as Africa's best moment at the World Cup.
The defending world and European champions France were defeated by a Senegal team that was largely made up of journeymen, almost all of whom played their club football in France, despite having a roster filled with some of the biggest stars in the game.
The Lions made their presence known on the international stage after Papa Bouba Diop scored the game's lone goal and danced in celebration.
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