Surprise day in Casablanca

Algeria and Madagascar clinch unexpected victories against Côte D?Ivoire and South Africa. Everything to be decided tomorrow

Algeria catch Côte d’Ivoire by surprise

After finding themselves playing against Senegal in their Continental debut in this FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 – Africa Qualifier Casablanca, Algeria had today another harsh battle in their second game. Nothing less than current African runner-ups, Côte d’Ivoire, awaited to expectedly extend their punishment on the Ain Diab sand. But the Maghreb boys had learnt the lesson, and after seeing yesterday that they had the Beach Soccer and the spirit to challenge anyone, they put it into practice today against the Elephants, to bring the first big surprise of the tournament.

Two rockets, one on each end put the 1-1 on the score on the first period, with Kabletchi sweeping Côte d’Ivoire ahead and Haddou managing the equalizer for the Algerian side. Things turned more frenetic at the second stage, the one in which Algeria began laying the foundations of the big surprise. Moussani and Haddou made it 1-3, and, although Aka tried setting up the Ivorian reaction, Ghazi and Moussouni, widened the gap to the 2-5 at the beginning of the third period.

It could be read in the eyes of the Ivorian players that they had understood it could be already too late. They kept trying but it was not their day today, and the only attempt founding Haniched’s net was a latter hit by Djimi. With only ten seconds to the final horn that was far too late for Côte d’Ivoire. Algeria’s victory leaves everything to be known tomorrow, with Senegal and the Ivoirians clashing in the game that will decide everything. A victory by the Senegalese will get them automatically to semifinals, whereas a victory by the Ivoirians would let to a triple tie, with goal-average to be the key for semifinals.

Goals: 1-0: Kabletchi, min. 9 (1); 1-1: Haddou, min. 7 (1); 1-2: Maoussouni, min. 6 (2); 1-3: Haddou, min. 5 (2); 2-3: Aka, min. 5 (2); 2-4: Ghazi, min. 4 (2); 2-5: Moussouni, min. 11 (3); 3-5: Djimi, min. 0 (3)

Madagascar riot against South Africa

After seeing Nigeria dismantle their advantage in the third period, Madagascar willed not to be left with that bitter taste again. Although being a ‘rookie’ in the Pan-African panorama, the islanders have proved that, when playing with the soul, anything is possible and bended South Africa Today in an amazing spirit display. Their triumph, though, did not lack brilliantness with amazing moves by Flavien, Anderson and Bernardin ending at the South African net.

After stepping ahead in the first period with an amazing volley by Flavien, the Indic side managed to devotedly block any attempt by their opponents. South Africa kept trying, but nothing seemed to work. Seconds began passing by, ant the time left for any possible reaction was dangerously vanishing. It was just a one-goal difference, but the solidness fielded by Ramarolahy’s side seemed a too high wall to climb. To prevent suffering a new comeback, Madagascar knew today how to finish the game in the last minutes, and Anderson and Bernardin made it an unattainable 0-3 for their team.

With this result, everything needs to be solved tomorrow, with the game facing South Africa and Nigeria to set the final standings in the group.

Goals: 0-1: Flavien, min. 7 (1); 0-2: Anderson, min. 5 (3); 0-3: Bernardin, min. 1 (3)

Egypt ready to battle for semifinals

Egypt secured a valuable victory against Libya to place themselves right In the track of Morocco, who they are to face tomorrow for the first place in the group, and, consequently, the possibility to fight for a ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 Ravenna/Italy. The Pharaohs got quickly under work, with Youssef taking one of the first balls in the match to sweep his team ahead.

Although enjoying some good chances, Libya did not manage to react until the beginning of the first period. Shaebi raised the 1-1, but the equality was not to last much since Moustafa thundered a low shot in for the 2-1. Egypt wanted to keep the game always under control, and went on aiming at the Libyan goal despite they were already commanding the match. Aly widened the Pharaohs’ advantage after tricking his marker and shooting close to the post. The sand did the rest of the job, making El Boudi’s effort useless.

Libya is a team of late reaction, as they proved yesterday against hosts Morocco, and Al Edressi seemed to set it clear when sending an amazing volley in for the 3-2. Fawzy’s goal was in danger, as the western neighbours wanted not to stay only on half of the way, but the Egyptians, fully aware of the danger in Libyan feet, managed to cut what their opponents expected to be a comeback. A quick and determined counterattack ended up at Osman control, who sent the ball in for the 4-2, calming things down on his side. The Pharaoh’s number 11 himself could have finished the game with a penalty kick with only two minutes to go, but the Libyan goalkeeper read his mind to foresee where the ball was aiming at.

Fortunately for Egypt, the two goal advantage was enough for them to clinch the victory, despite last hit by Errwimed, and that three points leave them in a good position for the battle tomorrow against hosts Morocco, which is to decide who goes on to the semifinal stage.

Goals: 1-0: Youssef, min. 11 (1); 1-1: Shaebi, min. 9 (2); 2-1: Moustafa, min. 6 (2); 3-1: Aly, min. 2 (2); 3-2: Al Edressi, min. 11 (3); 4-2: Osman, min, 8 (3); 4-3: Errwimed, min. 1 (3)

Matches today:

Thursday, June 16th

Côte d’Ivoire 3 – 5 Algeria

South Africa 0 – 3 Madagascar

Egypt 4 – 3 Libya

Matches for tomorrow

Friday, June 17th

15:45- Senegal – Côte d’Ivoire

17:00- Nigeria – South Africa

18:15- Morocco – Nigeria

Standings

Group A

*One match left

Group B

*One match left

Group C

*One match left