By Adedapo Adesanya
The defending champions, Senegal, defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt 6-5 on penalties to win the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nation in Mozambique on Friday.
Both sides had played a 2-2 draw in full time before having to decide the game by spot kicks, which was won by the defending champions, who have won the AFCON Beach Soccer cup on the last four occasions (2016, 2018, 2021, 2022).
The Senegalese, who led 1-0, saw the Egyptians equalize and then return to the lead (2-1).
However, the West African country obtained the equalizer (2-2) before the end of regular time.
In the penalty shootouts, Senegal proved they were the most skilful by winning 6-5.
Host Mozambique were defeated by Morocco 6-4, losing out the third place, while Uganda claimed fifth against Malawi after a dramatic playoff which ended in in a penalty shootout.
Ahead of the final, Senegal came from behind against the 2021 Beach Soccer AFCON runners-up Mozambique in a replay of last year’s final to win the match 3-2.
Os Mambas’ star Nelson netted twice before Senegal managed to get off the mark through Seydina Sene. Babacar Fall and Mamadou Sylla then rifled in the equaliser and, subsequently, winner to snatch a nervy victory for the Lions of Teranga.
The Pharaohs, who won the Casablanca Beach Soccer Cup in August, downed their north African rivals Morocco by five goals to four.
The sides were neck and neck for the majority of the match until, in the dying moments, Ahmed Mohamed fired home to clinch a thrilling tie by a single goal, handing Egypt – who have finished third in the race for the continental crown four times but never gone further – a historic place in the final.
Meanwhile, in the battles for finishing places, Uganda ended the three periods of normal time against Malawi all square but eventually took victory from nine metres, as the match ended 6(1)-(4)6.
In winning the semi-finals, champions Senegal and Egypt also qualified for the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. It will be a historic first appearance for the Pharaohs and the ninth for the Lions of Teranga.
Dipo Olowookere