Madagascar takes lead three times in OT win

15 April 2015 07:29

The 3-2 (aet) extra period victory for Madagascar over Senegal was a shock to Senegal, the defending CAF African Beach Soccer Championship. The game was enthralling and close from start to finish as Madagascar scored first, then scored the third and fifth and final goal, as the game was always within one goal for Senegal. The Senegalese were calm throughout but showed energy and scoring ability when they needed it, but the Madagascan side just made more plays, and ultimately the last big play. The win gives Madagascar five points and the lead in Group B, but they only sit two points ahead of those chasing them. Madagascar will need a win against Morocco on Thursday to guarantee their spot in the semi-finals. Senegal is still alive for the knockout rounds, they must defeat Ghana on Thursday and wait for the other group results.

In a matchup of day one unbeatens, the Barea came out faster and stronger, scoring the first goal, on an amazing shot from distance by Giovanni, that hit the top corner of the net. There was nothing the goalie could have done but what the Lions of the Teranga could control was how they responded, and they what they did was push the tempo and shore up their backlines. The stakes were high and that did not change in the middle, as the knowledge made for a tense middle frame as well, but the defenses held their own and kept the score level going into the heart of the match. Just past the midway point in the match the Senegalese squad scored the equalizer making for an amazing conclusion to the middle frame. The excitement led to another goal, this time from Flavien of Madagascar, restoring the slim one goal lead and a slew of shots from both teams closed out the frame, but none struck pay dirt and the game went into the final period with a score of 2-1 to the Barea.

A loss would not eliminate either side from being able to play in the semi-finals and eventually a potential FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 berth, but neither side wanted to risk that. The Lions of Teranga were hoping to defend their title, after winning this same event two years ago, and they started the final frame with an intensity they had not shown earlier, and Thioune scored his second of the day to tie the score at 2. The score stayed at 2 going into the final minutes of the match with both teams searching for what looked like to be the last and most crucial goal of the day. The close-calls added up but neither side was able to pull away and the game went into overtime tied at 2. The quick turnaround to the extra frame and the rapid pace seemed to favour Madagascar as Toky scored with just over a minute gone in the frame, putting the score at 3-2, which would prove to be the final tally.

Goals: 1-0: Giovanni, min. 10 (1); 1-1: Thioune, min. 5 (2); 2-1: Flavien, min. 2 (2); 2-2: Thioune, min. 9 (3); 3-2: Toky, min. 1 (et).

Confederation of African Football (CAF) News