Senegal crowned AFCON champions

The four-time champions crowned Africa’s best with victory over Nigeria in Lagos.

Senegal were crowned CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations winners for a fourth time on Sunday as they beat hosts Nigeria 8-4 in Lagos.

Both nations are heading to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas next year but it is Senegal who will represent Africa as continental champions thanks to a late flurry of goals against a tiring Nigeria side.

The score was level at 4-4 going into the final period but two late goals from hat-trick hero Sylla as well as further efforts from Fall and Diouf wrapped up the title.

Fall fired low to stun the home crowd with his 10th goal of the tournament only for Olawale to respond instantly, making the most of slack play at the back from Senegal.

Nigeria’s Ogodo restored the lead when his partially saved effort rolled in and was eventually given as a goal by the officials but Nigeria were again reeled in as Sylla this time beat Ayalogu down to his left.

Diassy then rattled the crossbar for Senegal before Emmanuel hit the post at the other end in a hectic first period before Emeka hammered in a great strike.

Barry and Diassy swiftly set about putting senegal back in front but Ogodo’s clever turn and lethal finish late in the second period set up a tense finale.

But the home crowd could only watch on as Sylla’s free-kick was followed by a bizarre goal from Fall who found the target from a corner. With the writing on the wall for Nigeria, Sylla tied up his treble with a fine effort into the corner before Diouf rounded the scoring with a powerful strike.

Earlier, Egypt wrapped up third spot as they eased past Morocco 4-1. Both sides were beaten in the semi-finals in Lagos a day earlier but it was the Egyptians who bounced back as a brace from Hassan helped them to a podium finish.

And former CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations champions Madagascar battled back with two late goals to beat Ivory Coast 4-3 and tie up fifth place.

The Madagascans were title winners a year ago but failed to progress from Group B this term and trailed 3-2 going into the final two minutes of their play-off on Sunday.

However, captain Pierralit and Flavien struck twice in quick succession to stun their opponents and condemn them to sixth.