Senegal, four-time defending champion, is already under pressure after its surprising defeat against Mauritania on the first day of the Beach Soccer CAN 2024. For this opening match of the group, the Lions, seven-time African champions , were dominated 5-2 by Mauritanians new to the competition.
From the first minute, El Bechir El Id opened the scoring for Mauritania, taking the Senegalese defense by surprise. Senegal quickly reacted with an equalizer from Seydina Mandione Laye, but this surge was only an illusion. The Mauritanians, more enterprising, scored three consecutive goals, taking a decisive advantage. Even after Mamour Diagne reduced the score on a free kick, the Mourabitounes added a fifth goal to seal their victory.
This defeat puts Senegal in a delicate situation. Mauritania, for its part, can already dream of a historic qualification for the semi-finals if it wins against Mozambique, finalist in 2021. The Lions now no longer have the right to make mistakes. They absolutely must make up for it against Malawi in their next match.
A new poor performance would seriously compromise Senegal’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. After a difficult World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last February, where they were eliminated in the first round, the Lions must prove that they are still at the top of African beach soccer.
Senegal
