African champions in reigning, and for their first outing, the lion cubs, for the Can U20, and the lions of the sand, for the World Cup of Beach Soccer, launched their competition yesterday, respectively in Seychelles and Egypt.If the men of Ngalla Sylla started very strongly by upgrading Spain (4-1), on the other hand, the kids of Serigne Saliou Dia were held in check (1-1) by a catchy Central African team.
Their first opponent in this world of Beach Soccer, Spain, was presented as a serious customer in view of his experience in high competition.
But that was without counting with the big desire of African champions determined to make an impression as soon as they get into competition.
Ambitious for this thirteenth edition, the Lions won against Spain (4-1). Impressive solidity throughout this first meeting, the men of Oumar Ngalla Sylla managed to score in each of the three periods to ideally launch their World Cup.
Effective offensively and very solid defensively, the Lions made a perfect start to the Spanish in the premises of the Arena Paradise, on the island of Mahé, in Victoria, in the capital of the Seychelles.
Faced with an experienced and equally ambitious Spanish team, the Lions have raised on the marking board. Sanou Laye Thiaw, who stole a ball in José Oliver, opened the scoring with a wonderful strike (1-0, 1st/10’26 ”). Speed up defensively, Senegal has thwarted Spain, forcing it to try from afar, which allowed Al Seyni Ndiaye to intervene on the first third time, in particular on this heavy strike from the opposing potter, Juanmi.
Well in place in the first act, the Lions resumed for the second third time with the same discipline. Moreover, barely kick off the second act given by the Uruguayan referee Aecio Fernández, the Senegalese doubled the bet for al-Seyni Ndiaye. Decisive on his line with five stops in the first third time and on this remarkable flight in front of David Ardil (2nd/10’3 ″), the captain of the Lions is even more on this terrible strike sent in the cage of Juanmi (2-0, 2nd/11’52 ″).
For the third and last third time, after Mamour Diagne and Mandione Diagne missed the 3-0 ball, respectively on a direct free kick (2nd/09’05 ”) and an acrobatic recovery (2nd/7’24 ”), Sidy Fall is tabling and scored the third Senegalese goal (3-0, 3rd/09’59 ”).
Sanded and in great difficulty, the partners of the formidable Chiky Vilda (37), perfectly marked by the Senegalese defense, still managed to reduce the gap thanks to Antonio Mayor (3-1, 3rd/5’50 ”). Before Mamadou Sylla seals Senegal’s victory over the Roja (4-1, 3rd/5’49 ”).
-Eight times African champions and semi-finalists of the World Cup, the teammates of Al Seyni Ndiaye will have to confirm Sunday to open the doors of the quarters against Tahiti, beaten by Chile (6-7).
Although dominating, U20 lion cubs stall
Very far from Seychelles, the lion cubs also started yesterday in this CAN U20 in Egypt. At the New Suez Stadium in Ismaïlia, Egypt, the African champions were held in check (1-1) by the Central African Republic.
However, the kids from Serigne Saliou Dia were dominating. Besides, it was logically that they opened the scoring, after sterile domination in the first period.
It was indeed necessary to wait until the return of the break, the 49th minute of play more precisely, to attend the first goal of the meeting scored by Cheikh Tidiane Thiam, on a good center of Yaya Diémé, entered during the game.
But by dint of missing the goal of the break, the lion cubs will be joined on an equalization of Diogene Penga-Zonia, out of the bench (1-1).
That’s said … it’s said … it’s said …
Ngalla Sylla, Lions coach: “I encourage Spain because she has not deserved. It’s a great team, a great training. On our side, I congratulate our players. Now, you have to recover well, forget this match and focus on that against Tahiti, because it is synonymous with qualification (for the quarter -finals). ”
Al-Seyni Ndiaye, captain of the lions: “We had a good team From Spain opposite, but this match had to be won to enter the tournament. In a competition, the ideal is always to start with a victory to gain confidence and erase doubts. We have the three points, but we must forget this victory and focus on the match against Tahiti (Sunday, 12:30 pm GMT) to ensure qualification. ”
