11 Jul 2015

Senegal comeback stuns hosts

Portugal led for much of the match but a late push from the vistors gave the African squad their first win

Senegal have recorded the upset of the tournament so far after scoring four times in the final period to defeat hosts Portugal with a 6-5 win to give them real hope of reaching the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup quarters.

Portugal had narrowly edged their last meeting on penalties at Ravenna 2011 and today's encounter looked set to be just as close right from the off. The sides exchanged goals, with the West Africans twice pegging the home side back, before Alan took control of the second period. The veteran made two and scored another, capping off a fine aerial passing move.

That all changed though once the game entered a breath-taking final third. Just over a minute in and Senegal had struck twice to bring it back to 4-4 through Ibrahima Balde and Ngalla Sylla. It was then goalkeeper Al Seyni N'Diaye to the rescue as his penalty save and follow-up stop kept things all square.

Babacar Fall then struck to put coach Ibrahima N'Diaye's side ahead for the first time. Belchior fired a free-kick home to equalise with six minutes remaining, but Balde rifled one of his own in to ensure Senegal left with a famous victory.

(Source: FIFA.com)