The Lions of Senegal edged the Pharoahs of Egypt 6-5 on penalties in an enthralling final of the African Cup of Nations in Vilankulo, Mozambique, to secure a seventh continental beach soccer title.
It looks like a never-ending grip on the continental title for Senegal.
After 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018 and 2021, Senegal climbed again to the summit of Africa by beating rivals Egypt.
In the first third, Coach Mamadou Diallo’s men opened the scoring courtesy of a brilliant move by Seydina Mandione Laye Diagne (7′).
But the Pharaohs in a matter of minutes, turned the game on its head with two quickfire goals from Hassan Hussein and Ibrahim (27′).
But thanks to an acrobatic display by Raoul Mendy (32′), Senegal restored parity.
The two teams kept each other at bay until the end of regulation time.
They could not be separated after extra time.
The decider was a penalty shoot-out, with the first five attempts by each team beautifully converted.
The Egyptian fluffed their sixth penalty when Senegalese goalkeeper Alseyni Ndiaye made a decisive save.
Senegal’s Jean Ninou Diatta made no mistake with his unstoppable shot, giving his country cause to celebrate a seventh AFCON in the beach soccer category.
Congratulating the champions via Twitter, President Macky Sall hailed their achievement as wonderful.
African champs Senegal and runners-up Egypt will represent Africa at the next Beach Soccer World Cup in 2023.
ID/lb/as/APA