The Senegalese national Beach Soccer team mauled Guinea 9-3 in Conakry to brighten chances of qualifying for the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. The defending champion opened the scoring through Mandione Laye Diagne in the 2nd minute of play, however, Guinea, who is seeking a first qualification for the Beach Soccer AFCON, remained difficult to tame during the first period. The two teams were neck and neck (3-3) at the end of the first period.
The second period was controlled by the Lions who manage to muzzle the Guinean attack and take off (6-3). Moreover, the men of Ibrahima Sory Sampou will not manage to score anymore, as the men of Ngalla Sylla added 3 more goals to close the last period. Senegal dominated Guinea by 9-3. The return leg is scheduled for Sunday, July 28 at 5 p.m. (Senegal time) at Diamalaye beach in Dakar.
In the meantime, two-time Champion, Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria returned to international scene since 2019 with a hard-fought 5-4 win against Mauritania in the first leg of the Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers match on Saturday in Nouakchott. A brace from Victor Tale and one each from Adams Taiwo, Emmanuel Ohwoferia and Emeka Ogbonna gave the team a triumphant return.The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, 27th July at the Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna.
Another team on song is the Black Sharks of Ghana, who defeated West African neighbour, Sand Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire 5-3 at Keta’s Emancipation Beach Resort, Ghana. Alfred Kwame Torsu scored the opener for Ghana in the 6th minute, followed by Wise Nyamadi who showcased exceptional skills and secured a brace within 5 minutes.
However, the Ivorians fought back and scored before the game went into the first break. In the final half, Ticor Kini netted twice to extend Ghana’s lead comfortably, but the Ivorians responded with a penalty conversion in the 39th minute. The Elephnants then narrowed the goal margin after Hans DjedDjed’s goal in the 43rd minute. The upcoming second leg, scheduled for Saturday, July 27 in Abidjan, anticipates a thrilling showdown as both teams compete for a place in the AFCON, set to be held in Egypt.
Malawi, seeking to make back-to-back Beach Soccer AFCON appearance secured a crucial 7-6 victory over Burundi in the first leg of the Qualifiers, played in Bujumbura on Monday. Despite Burundi opening the scoring, Malawi’s Captain Isaac Kajam netted twice to put Malawi ahead 2-1. A Burundi own goal further extended Malawi’s lead to 3-1 by the end of the first period. In the second period, both teams scored two goals each, maintaining Malawi’s lead at 5-3. The hosts rallied in the final period, scoring three times, but Malawi managed to score two more goals, ultimately clinching the match 7-6.
Meanwhile, Seychelles face an uphill battle to reach the finals of the 2024 Beach Soccer AFCON after losing the first leg of their qualifying match against Mozambique. The match started evenly, before Herrode Prosper struck a powerful free kick into the top corner of the net, giving Seychelles a crucial early advantage. Mozambique laughed last as they ran out winners with 7-3 victory over the host.
