Wa Ganyu

Malawi’s hopes of a maiden CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title came to a grinding halt on Monday following a humbling 6-1 defeat to reigning champions Senegal in Hurghada, Egypt.

Following a narrow 4-3 defeat to Mozambique  in their opening Group B match on Sunday, Malawi needed nothing short of a win but they were up against   the wounded Lions of Teranga who were coming off a shock 5-2 loss over debutants Mauritania.

Malawi had a promising start as they pinned Senegal down with good attacks, but found it difficult to find the back of the net.

Senegal sensing danger increased their pace and they got rewarded in the fourth minute when they opened the scoring. The first period which was packed with high quality, high tempo and end-to-end action did not produce any further goals.

The Lions of Teranga engaged the extra gear to add four more goals as Malawi were torn apart in all departments with the scoreboard reading 5-0 at the sound of the bell to mark the end of the second period.

At this point Malawi coach Willy Kumilambe knew that there was no route to redemption. He made several changes to give his squad game time and Senegal saw it fit to add one more goal. But Malawi pulled one through Dala Simba to avoid giving their opponents a clean sheet

Defeat to Senegal ended Malawi’s chances of progressing to the semi finals. They will play their final group match against Mauritania on Tuesday and that will be followed by ranking games.

For Senegal, the win significantly boosts the defending champions’ ambitions of defending their title but will still have work to do in their remaining Group B match against Mozambique on Tuesday in what will be a battle between two of the continent’s favourites.