Is this the year for one of the African sides to reach the final because they seem to be getting closer as the finals pass so at some point it will happen unexpectedly.
No. Don't think so. Evidence suggests they aren't getting very close at all.
1998 only Nigeria got out the groups, lost in last 16.
2002 only Senegal got out the group, went out in QF
2006 only Ghana got out the group, went out in last 16.
2010 only Ghana got out the groups lost in QF
2014 Algeria and Nigeria got out the groups, both last in last 16.