Morocco secured their place in the semi-finals of the 5th edition of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Mozambique 2022, after beating Malawi 7-3 on Monday.

The Atlas Lions finish this phase on top of the group A, having beaten the hosts (Mozambique) yesterday by 3-1. In the semi-finals, Morocco will meet Egypt.

It was a game of much anticipation, particularly for Mozambique, who were waiting in the stands with calculator in hand and hoping that Morocco would beat Malawi in order to move on, i.e. to the semi-finals. Thanks to the push from the Lions of the Atlas, the Mozambicans also managed to secure their place in the semi-finals of this competition, where they will face the defending champions, Senegal, who had already secured their place at the start of this round.

Morocco were the first to take the lead through Anouar Frindi (1′) in the first period, after a stunning, indefensible shot. Four minutes later it was goalkeeper Ismail El Ouariry’s turn to make it 2-0.

With the reins of the game under control, Morocco to the third goal three minutes from the end of the first period through Mohamed Ghailani. The Malawi Flames were only able to reduce the deficit thanks to a neat header from Malawian captain, Sandram Ussi, defending Egypt’s Nunali.

Midfielder Ibrahim Abagli and Anouar Frindi, scored the fourth and fifth goals respectively for the Pharaohs, but before the whistle blew for the end Dala Simba scored the second goal for Malawi making it 2-5. The Flames believed in themselves and managed to convert another goal (3-5), scored by Sandram Ussi, scorer of the first goal.

Under the guidance of Senegalese Oumar Sylla, Moroccans then spoiled the Flames’ hopes by scoring their sixth goal three minutes into the final period (6-3) and Mohamed Khabaz sealed the deal (7-3).

What they said

Willy Kumilambe, Malawi coach

“I want to commend and congratulate my players for the fight they have undertaken on the field with the aim of leaving this championship with honour. As I said on the first day, this is a new team and I am confident that better days will come. We will continue to work towards growing and affirming ourselves”.

Oumar Sylla, Morocco coach

“It was not a difficult match, our country is the best in beach soccer of the continent. But we accept that Malawi is a also strong team. It was a nice match. Now we are ready to the next game but we know it won’t be easy even if Uganda or Egypt”.