The finalists of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations were decided on Wednesday: the defending champions Senegal, and the Pharaohs of Egypt, who reach their first-ever continental final.
Mozambique and Morocco will contend third place, while Uganda claimed fifth against Malawi, after a dramatic playoff which ended in in a penalty shootout.
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.
Senegal are on the brink of a fourth consecutive, while Egypt got to their first-ever final in the African championships.
The Pharaohs, who won the Casablanca Beach Soccer Cup back 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 – an 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, Senegal and Egypt also qualify for the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. It will be an historic first appearance for the Pharaohs, and the ninth for the Lions of Teranga.
RESULTS (26/10)
Mozambique 2-3 Senegal
Morocco 4-5 Egypt
Malawi 6(1)-(4)6 Uganda
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Photo: CAF
