Senegal on Thursday pulled off another stunning victory at the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations, to ensure they set up a rematch with the Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria in Friday’s final of the ongoing competition in Egypt, sports247.ng reports.
Senegal, who beat Nigeria in Lagos during the 2016 final and opened the ongoing contest in Egypt with another win against the two-time champs, ensured a potentially explosive climax between both sides by spanking Morocco in the semi-final and will meet the Eagles in the final on Friday.
The defending champions enjoyed a perfect run in the build-up to this semi-final match, topping a difficult group on nine points.
With the prize of a ticket to the FIFA World Cup at stake, as well as their guaranteed best ever finish in this competition, Morocco were going to give it everything they had in this tie.
After being stretchered off on day two of the tournament, Oumar Sylla was relieved to have Diassy back in the line-up and the number nine broke the deadlock by muscling off a defender to blast into the Moroccan goal, late on in the first period.
Then, Senyi set himself up for a long-range volley which found its way into the bottom corner to make it two.
When Barry netted a third goal in just two minutes, Morooco, having kept pace with the champs for most of the period, suddenly had a mountain to climb.
In the second period, the north Africans increased the offensive, but Raoul stole possession in the midfield to turn and shoot.
His low drive took a very fortunate bobble, bouncing over the outstretched goalkeeper to make it four to Senegal.
Barry took the tally to five a few minutes before the second whistle and dreams of playing in Paraguay were fast disappearing for Morocco as the Senegalese inched closer to a fifth successive World Cup qualification.
The gap widened as Diatta beat the keeper to a long throw and glanced a header into an open net for a sixth goal.
Suddenly, Morocco burst into action, catching the Senegalese stars off guard twice in the space of a minute.
First, Ennakhli scored from a freekick and then Nassim, who had been in fantastic form throughout the tournament, lifted the ball over the defender to volley into the roof of the net, giving Senyi no chance.
At least the number ten had one small consolation to enjoy on his birthday. They had left it late to mount a comeback but the Moroccans were looking dangerous.
However, the momentum dropped and Diassy punished Morocco once again, taking the score to 7-2 with only two minutes on the clock. Senegal were happy to retain possession and see the game out calmly, but as soon as the final whistle went, they celebrated raucously.
Their fifth edition in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup awaited them, and all Morocco could hope for is third place finish, which would match their best ever, when they play Egypt in the play-off.
The run of goals in Thursday’s second semi-final was – 1-0: Diassy, min. 4 (1); 2-0: Senyi, min. 3 (1); 3-0: Barry, min. 2 (1); 4-0: Raoul, min. 9 (2); 5-0: Barry, min. 3 (2); 6-0: Diatta, min. 9 (3); 6-1: Ennakhli, min. 8 (3); 6-2: Nassim, min. 6 (3); 7-2: Diassy, min. 2 (3);
