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CAF Beach Soccer AFCON Egypt 2024: A look into the den of the Lions of Teranga

In less than 10-days, CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations reigning champions, Senegal will get their title defence underway when the continental showpiece gets underway in Hurghada Egypt.

Egypt plays host to the 8^th edition of the tournament between 19 – 26 October where the top two finishers will qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

CAFOnline takes a look at the reigning champions’ profile, who are the most successful with four titles to their name.

SENEGAL

Nickname: Lions of the Teranga

Selector: Jean Ngalla

Captain: Al Seyni Ndiaye

The coach: Jean Ngalla Sylla

Jean Ngalla, also known as Ngalla Sylla, is a Senegalese beach soccer coach who has made a mark in Africa his achievements. As the head of the Senegal national team, he won four consecutive CAF Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations titles (2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022).

His leadership also led Senegal to the semi-finals of the 2021 edition of the CAF Beach Soccer World Cup, making him a key figure in the development of the sport on the continent.

In April 2022, Ngalla took the reins of Morocco’s national beach soccer team. Under his leadership, Morocco won several trophies, including the COSAFA tournament in 2024 and the African Beach Games in 2023. However, in May 2024, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) decided not to renew his contract as a coach, but he was re-assigned to lead the youth structures.

Ngalla is highly respected for his ability to develop the potential of players, combining physical preparation and innovative game strategies. His commitment to promoting beach soccer in Africa is reflected in his approach which focusses on mentality and team cohesion. Despite the changes in his career, he continues to positively influence the beach soccer landscape in Africa, by cultivating a new generation of talent and expanding the base of the game among Senegalese and Moroccan youth.

Key Player: Al Seyni Ndiaye

Al Seyni Ndiaye, goalkeeper and captain of the Senegalese beach soccer team, is a stalwart of Beach Soccer in Africa. Now 29, Ndiaye made his international debut with the national team in 2015 and became a pillar for the team over the years.

As a goalkeeper, Ndiaye is recognised for his exceptional reflexes and leadership on the field. His role is crucial, not only for the Defence, but also as a motivator.

In 2021, Ndiaye played a decisive role in Senegal’s victory in the final against Mozambique, contributing to their fourth consecutive title. He was also instrumental in international competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which marked a turning point for African beach soccer.

Off the field, Ndiaye is admired for his humility and commitment to the development of sport in Senegal. He is regularly involved in initiatives to encourage young people to practice beach soccer, making him a role model for the next generation.

Achievements: 

Senegal’s beach soccer team has forged an impressive reputation, marked by many successes on the African continent as well as globally.

CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 

• Winner: 7 titles (2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022)
• Finalist: 2 times (2007 and 2015)
• Beach Soccer World Cup
• Semi-finalist: 2021 (4th place)

Senegal’s Group B Fixtures: 

20 October

11h30 | Senegal v Mauritania

21 October

10h30 | Senegal v Malawi

22 October

13h30 | Mozambique v Senegal

CAF ONLINE