The Lions of Senegal have for the third consecutive time won the 2021 African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.
The host coasted to victory following a 4-1 victory over Mozambique in Saly on Saturday.
Raoul Mendy opened the scoring for the Beach Teranga Lions at the Saly Beach Soccer Stadium before Ramosette Cumbe levelled for Mozambique, who were playing in this showpiece match for the first time.
Ninou Diatta gave Senegal the lead in the second period before they took control of the match, with Pope Boye extending their advantage before Mendy completed his brace to seal a convincing win.
Earlier in the day Morocco beat Uganda 5-3 in the third place playoff to claim the bronze medals.
Senegal captain Al Seyni capped a great day by winning the best goalkeeper award, while Mozambique’s Nelson Manuel received two individual accolades–best player of the tournament and top scorer, with ten goals.
The trophy and medals were presented by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe who was among the dignitaries in attendance on a memorable day for Senegal, as they followed up triumphs in 2016 and 2018 with further success.
“Thank goodness we worked hard to achieve our goal,” said Senegal’s goalkeeper Seyni Ndiaye.
“As they say, the objective has been reached but there is another objective that everyone knows, it is time that we enter the aces of the World Cup.”
Senegal’s striker Raoul Mendy said, “It’s a great satisfaction for us, it was also a duty to win this competition we fought for months, during the preparation and everything. So all we had to do was win this trophy tonight. It’s a great satisfaction, it’s different from other competitions, anyway. So winning here is really inexplicable.”
The day concluded with Mozambique receiving the CAF flag during a closing ceremony, acknowledging the country as the next hosts of the tournament in 2022.
As finalists Senegal and Mozambique have both qualified for the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, scheduled to be held in Russian capital Moscow from August 19 to 29.
Speaking after the final match, Mozambique’s coach, Abineiro Ussaca said, “I’m not disappointed, I’m very happy because this is the first time Mozambique have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations and we have defended the country well in this competition.
“But the best team won tonight, Senegal. So I’m very happy because we lost against the best team. But next year, we will try to do better because the CFN will be played at home. We hope to achieve the same performance and make it to the final.”
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