Senegal to face Japan in an epic battle for a knockout spot

After an uninspiring start to their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, reigning CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal gave their tournament hopes a much-needed lifeline with a vital win over Colombia on Sunday, 18 February.

The African champions got off to a jittery start with a disappointing 6-4 loss to Belarus in their opening match. However, they displayed their mettle in their second Group C match when they came from behind to overcome Colombia 5-3 on Sunday.

The confidence-boosting victory sees Senegal go second in the group while equally tied on 3 points with Japan, whom they meet in an epic clash that will serve as a decider for the second-place finish and qualification to the competition’s knockout stages.

Senegal’s goals came from the in-form Mandiane Diagne, who scored a brace against Belarus, Papa Ndoye, Raoul Mendy, Ousseynou Faye, and Mamour Diagne.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s chances of progressing further in the competition were shattered after they lost their second group match to Italy by 6-2.

The North Africans suffered a 2-1 loss to the hosts, United Arab Emirates, on the tournament’s opening day and needed at least a point to keep their ambitions alive.

They will look at bowing out of the competition in style when they face USA on Monday.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup fixture schedule for African Teams:

Egypt Group A Fixtures:

Monday, 19 February

11h30 GMT | Egypt vs USA

Senegal Group C Fixtures:

Tuesday, 20 February

15h30 GMT | Japan vs Senegal