Africa’s hope of making meaningful impact at the on-going Brazil 2014 World Cup has been left in jeopardy after two of the continent’s big hopes unexpectedly disappointed in their opening games.

The continent was still bemoaning Nigeria’s failure to beat their weakest rivals Iran last night in Curitiba (the match ended barren) when Ghana lost 1-2 to the USA, who are generally seen as their weakest opponents, in Natal.

With the turn of events, it appears that both Nigeria and Ghana need a miracle to remain in the competition after the group games. While Nigeria has to contend with Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina in her remaining Group F matches, Ghana equally has a mountain to climb against Germany and Portugal in Group G.

Africa’s only consolation thus far is Ivory Coast, which defeated Japan 2-1 in Group C on Sunday in Recife. Cameroon had on Friday lost by a lone goal to Mexico in the second match of Group A played in Natal.

The continent’s fifth representative, Algeria, takes to the battle field today against Belgium in Group H.

Africa has yet to go beyond the quarter-final of the World Cup despite dominating the age grade competitions, thus exposing the failure to build on age grade success.

•Photo shows USA players celebrating their victory over Ghana . . . late last night in Natal.