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This is why Wanyama is optimistic an African nation could win the World Cup very soon.
Former Harambee Stars and Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama sees Morocco's groundbreaking journey to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals as a pivotal moment for the continent's footballing prowess on the global stage.
The Atlas Lions captured worldwide attention in Qatar by becoming the first African team to reach the last four of the tournament, securing historic victories over football powerhouses Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.
Wanyama, renowned for his contributions both on the pitch and off, believes that Morocco's remarkable achievements have instilled a newfound sense of belief within African teams.
In an interview with FIFA.com, the former Kenyan captain emphasized the transformative impact of Morocco's against-the-odds success, stating, "What they (Morocco) did has brought belief to African teams. Morocco showed that, with good preparation, African teams are capable of a lot. They can beat even the top countries in the world."
With a career spanning from the FKF Premier League to the heights of the UEFA Champions League with Tottenham Hotspur, Wanyama speaks from a wealth of experience.
At the age of 15, he earned his first senior international cap, marking the beginning of a journey that would see him captain his country and become the first Kenyan to grace the English Premier League.
Notable successes at club level include winning back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic and clinching the Canadian Championship with CF Montreal in 2021.
Reflecting on Morocco's trailblazing performance in Qatar, Wanyama expresses optimism about the potential ripple effects for African football nations.
He believes that Morocco's success could usher in a new era of prosperity, citing increased investments in football across the continent, even at the grassroots level.
"Football has changed a lot in Africa. Many countries are investing more, right down to the grassroots," Wanyama stated. "Morocco did so, so well. They showed it is possible."
Wanyama's assessment aligns with the growing evidence of Africa's rising strength in football, exemplified by Senegal's recent triumph as continental champions and Nigeria's successes at youth levels.
However, Morocco's feats have set a higher standard, offering a blueprint for prudent preparation, unwavering belief, and tactical acumen to elevate Africa's elite into genuine contenders on football's grandest stages.
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The resonance of Morocco's success story reverberates deeply, instilling renewed hope that an African nation could one day clinch the ultimate prize at a World Cup.
"With good preparation, African teams are capable of a lot," Wanyama reiterated. "They can beat even the top countries in the world."
For a continent that has historically fallen short at the highest level, Morocco's achievements may indeed herald the dawn of a new era in African football.
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