Belated backbreakers: Late goals derail African World Cup hopes

African sides at the World Cup have been hampered by a slew of cruel twists of late fate.

Nigeria was the latest offering from the continent to suffer a demoralising defeat at the 2018 World Cup courtesy of Marcos Rojo's 86th-minute strike, highlighting an unwelcome trend for the five sides representing Africa at the quadrennial contest.

Through 13 matches, African teams have conceded eight goals at the 85th-minute mark or later, with four of those coming off set pieces, and five amounting to match-winners.

With Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco packing their respective bags, and Senegal's spot atop Group H perched on a teetering pedestal ahead of a clash with Colombia, here's a look in chronological order at the late goals that have defined the fortunes of Africa's five teams at the World Cup:

Egypt 0-1 Uruguay (89th - Gimenez): The Pharoahs entered the World Cup under a veil of uncertainty stemming from Mohamed Salah's Champions League final injury. Without its star in the Group A opener with Uruguay, Egypt performed admirably before suffering a late defeat thanks to centre-half Jose Maria Gimenez's towering header off a free-kick.

Morocco 0-1 Iran (95th - OG Bouhaddouz): Hours after Egypt dropped points, fellow North African outfit Morocco dominated an Iran side that did not manage a shot after the interval. Seconds from securing the draw, second-half substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz inexplicably headed an Iranian free-kick beyond his own 'keeper, Munir El Kajoui, which sealed the catastrophic 1-0 defeat.

Tunisia 1-2 England (91st - Kane): The Three Lions snatched victory in the closing moments of a Group G clash that saw Harry Kane complete his brace with a deft header off a Kieran Trippier set piece. With Tunisia's late collapse, that's now three defeats for North African sides on dead-ball situations late in matches.

Senegal 2-1 Poland (86th - Krychowiak): In the waning performances of an individually atrocious outing from Poland's Grzegorz Krychowiak, the midfielder leaped to head Kamil Grosicki's looping free-kick into Senegal's net. The Lions of Teranga would hold on for a deserved win, but that's now four goals off set pieces for AFCON's finest.

Tunisia 2-5 Belgium (90th - Batshuayi): The Eagles of Carthage were thoroughly outplayed by high-flying Belgium in a one-sided affair that saw substitute Michy Batshuayi score the Red Devils' fifth thanks to a world-class deep ball from Youri Tielemans. If it's any consolation for Tunisia supporters, it wasn't off a set piece, rather two flashes of individual skill.

Egypt 1-2 Saudi Arabia (95th - Al Dawsari): Egypt's dismal World Cup was given one final kick in the groin when Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari fired home from close range in the dying moments of the Group A closer. The last-second winner ensured the Pharaohs would leave Russia without a result, meaning they've amassed just two points in three World Cup appearances.

Morocco 2-2 Spain (91st - Aspas): On the same day Egypt conceded late, Morocco matched that effort with Iago Aspas' backheel flick off a corner-kick that fired Spain to the top of Group B in a frenzied final that coincided with Portugal's stunning draw with Iran. The Atlas Lions leave Russia with a scant point despite playing some entertaining attack-minded football.

Nigeria 1-2 Argentina (86th - Rojo): Minutes from progressing to the knockout stage at Argentina's expense, Nigeria conceded a stunning match-winner from an unlikely source. It was just Rojo's third international goal in 58 outings. Nigeria was bounced from the World Cup courtesy of a late heartbreaker, and an own goal, and penalty versus Croatia. Football is cruel.

Senegal, all hopes now rest on you. No pressure.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)