The Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 qualifiers are here, meet the 14 nations vying for 7 slots to join host nation Egypt in the main tournament.
The countdown to the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) Egypt 2024 has begun, and the qualifying round is pitting 14 nations against each other in a fierce battle for just 7 coveted spots in the final tournament. Which nations will secure their place at the finals in Egypt? Let’s meet the teams.
The draw
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday in a fixture that will take place on a home-and-away basis this July. In the first round of matches, reigning champions Senegal will lock horns with Guinea, while Angola takes on Morocco. Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire will rekindle their rivalry, and Mauritania will battle Nigeria. Tanzania and Uganda will clash in an East African derby, Seychelles will face Mozambique, and Burundi will take on Malawi. See Fixtures Confirmed for 2024 AFCON Beach Soccer Qualifiers.
The Teams
Senegal
Senegal the most dominant force in the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, has an impressive record of featuring in 10 editions of the tournament, winning seven titles, including an unprecedented five consecutive crowns. The West African powerhouse and current defending champions is poised to continue their reign, seeking to defend their title in Egypt.
The team’s success can be attributed to the contributions of notable players such as Babacar Fall, Pape Koukpaki, Mandione Diagne, and Captain Alseyni Ndiaye winning the Best Goalkeeper Award at the 2022 edition and have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, making Senegal the team to beat in the competition.
Guinea
Guinea, a team yet to make their mark in the Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations, is eager to create history by qualifying for the tournament for the first time. However, their debut ambitions face a significant hurdle in the form of Senegal, the most successful team in the competition’s history. The odds are stacked against Guinea, but a remarkable upset victory on aggregate would be a monumental achievement
Angola
Angola, a Southern African nation, is eager to make their debut appearance in the tournament but faces a significant challenge in achieving this goal. Despite their impressive performance in the 2021 COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament where they finished in the semifinals, and their recent 3-2 victory over Morocco in the 2024 edition of the COSAFA tournament in South Africa. Angola knows that securing a spot in the BSAFCON will be a tough task.
The country’s thriving local league has laid a solid foundation for their national team, and they will rely on this strength as they face Morocco once again in the qualifying tournament for a spot at the stage in Egypt.
Morocco
Morocco has a rich history in the competition, having featured in nine previous editions. The North African side is poised to make a strong comeback in the final tournament, boosted by their recent triumphs in the COSAFA 2024 Beach Soccer Championship and the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup 2024, where they emerged champions. Morocco’s impressive record in the BSAFCON includes three bronze medals, secured in 2013, 2021, and 2022.
Under the leadership of Gilberto Costa, a three-time Coach of the Year and gold medalist at the 2017 World Cup, the Moroccan team is well-equipped to excel in the qualifying tournament and the finals in Egypt.
Ghana
Ghana is poised to make a strong bid for a fourth appearance appearance, building on their previous participations in 2013, 2015, and 2016. The West African nation will face off against neighbouring Cote D’Ivoire in a two-legged qualifier, with the first leg taking place in Cote D’Ivoire and the second leg hosted in Ghana.
Alexander Adjei’s impressive record of 15 goals in the 2015 tournament still stands as the highest tally in the tournament’s history. With this achievement serving as a benchmark, Ghana is determined to secure a spot in the African Beach Soccer Mundial and make a meaningful impact in the competition.
Cote D’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire, a two-time Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations semi-finalist, faces a daunting challenge as they aim to qualify for the tournament for the tenth time, with neighbouring Ghana standing in their way. The Ivorians have a rich history in the competition, having reached the final on two occasions (2009 and 2013) and securing third-place finishes in 2007 and 2008.
The team’s past successes have been fuelled by the talents of notable players such as Stephane Bobou, Assouan Kablan, and Frederic Aka, who have contributed to the country’s beach soccer legacy.
Mauritania
Mauritania, a team seeking to make their debut appearance at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, faces a formidable challenge as they take on two-time champions Nigeria in the qualifiers. The Mauritanians will aim to capitalise on any complacency from the West African giants, hoping to catch them off guard and secure a historic victory.
Though Nigeria did not feature in the last two editions, but with an impressive record in the competition, Mauritania will need to be at the top of their game to upset the odds and secure their maiden qualification for the final tournament in Egypt.
Nigeria
Nigeria, the second most successful team in the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations with two titles, has been absent from the continental tournament since 2020. Despite qualifying for the last two editions without kicking a ball, they withdrew before it began. A decision reportedly linked to their disappointing performance at the 2019 World Cup in Paraguay.
The team’s past successes were fuelled by talented players like Isiaka Olawale, Gabriel Agu, Abu Azeez, and Emeka Ogbonna, who played key roles in their championship wins in 2007 and 2009. As Nigeria seeks to return to the BSAFCON, they aim to go through Mauritania to the finals in Egypt where they will seek to recapture their former glory.
Tanzania
Tanzania, a team with two Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations appearances under their belt, is eager to secure a spot in their third continental tournament in Egypt. Having participated in the 2018 and 2021 editions, the Tanzanians are determined to bounce back from their disappointing failure to qualify in 2022.
They face a familiar foe in the qualifiers, fellow East African side Uganda, in a battle for supremacy and a chance to represent the region in Egypt.
Uganda
Uganda, a team with a commendable growing record on the continent is poised to make a strong statement at the qualifiers. Having reached the semi-finals of the final tournament in 2021, the Ugandans are determined to up their momentum. With a thriving beach soccer league, across all levels, Uganda has been bolstering their talent pool and is expected to be a formidable force in the qualifiers and hopefully at the main tournament.
As they face off against Tanzania, Uganda will be keen to showcase their skills and secure a spot in Egypt, marking their third appearance in the BSAFCON.
Seychelles
The 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations presents a valuable opportunity for Seychelles to fine-tune their team as hosts of the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025. With automatic qualification for the World Cup secured, the Seychelles team can focus on using the BSAFCON as a platform to build momentum and gain crucial competitive experience. Should they qualify for the finals in Egypt, it will mark their third appearance in the tournament, following their previous outings in 2015 and 2021.
As they work towards hosting a successful World Cup, a strong performance will be essential in boosting their confidence and readiness for the global event.
Mozambique
Mozambique has emerged as one of the most promising beach soccer teams in Africa, showcasing their rapid growth and competitiveness on the continental stage. With five previous appearances at BSAFCON, the Mozambicans have consistently demonstrated their ability to challenge the continent’s elite.
After finishing as runners-up in 2021 and securing a fourth-place finish in 2022, Mozambique has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, consistently reaching the semi-finals in recent editions. Their impressive performances have cemented their status as a team on the rise, and they will be eager to continue their upward trajectory with a qualification to the finals in Egypt.
Burundi
Burundi, yet to make their inaugural appearance in the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, faces a strong test against Malawi, who are seeking to build on their debut outing in 2022. This encounter pits two teams with limited experience in the tournament against each other, promising a fascinating showdown as they compete for a coveted spot in the main competition.
With both teams eager to make their mark, the battle will be a thrilling contest that could go either way, as Burundi seeks to make a memorable debut as they head into this crucial match drawing confidence from their recent third-place finish in the 2023 Tri-Nation National Day Tournament in Seychelles.
Malawi
Malawi, fresh from their successful debut at the 2022 BSAFCON, is seeking to consolidate their progress by securing a second consecutive qualification for the tournament this year. However, their path is fraught with challenges as they face Burundi, a team eager to make their maiden appearance in the competition.
Malawi’s recent triumph at the COSAFA 2024, where they claimed the bronze medal with a victory over Saudi Arabia, will undoubtedly boost their confidence ahead of the qualifiers.
Egypt
Egypt, the host of the main tournament, automatically qualified as host and will make their 12th appearance at the competition this year. With four bronze medals under their belt, their best performance came at the 2022 BSAFCON, where they finished as runners-up to Senegal.
Fresh from their triumph at the Arab Beach Soccer Cup 2023, where they emerged champions, the Beach Pharaohs are determined to return to the World Cup by reaching another final.
BSmag wishes all the teams vying for a spot in the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations good luck, may the best teams qualify and go on to make their mark.
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