Beach Soccer World Cup: Madagascar Fall Short Against Tahiti Despite Promising Start
Madagascar suffered a narrow defeat in their opening match of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal, falling 4-3 to Tahiti despite an encouraging start that saw the African champions take an early two-goal lead.
The Barea got off to a dream start in Group D, with goals from Damely just 1 minute and 8 seconds into the match, followed swiftly by Tina less than a minute later at 1:45. The early brace gave the impression that Madagascar might dominate the tie. However, their momentum was quickly halted as Tahiti found their rhythm and responded with goals from Labaste (3:24) and Tepa (4:49), bringing the score level within the opening five minutes.
Flavien restored Madagascar’s lead in the sixth minute following renewed energy injected from the bench. But once again, the African side failed to preserve their advantage, conceding an equaliser from Tavana at 8:41, ending a frantic first period all square.
The decisive moment came in the second period when Tahiti were awarded a penalty. Bennett stepped up and calmly converted at 16:14 to give the Oceania side the lead for the first time in the match — a lead they managed to hold until the final whistle.
Despite their energetic start and flashes of attacking brilliance, Madagascar gradually lost their composure and control, ultimately paying the price for defensive lapses and a lack of discipline. The defeat leaves the African champions at the bottom of the group after the first round of matches.
The road doesn’t get any easier for Madagascar. They now face reigning world champions Russia on Sunday — a match that already looks to be an uphill battle. If they are to keep their hopes alive in the tournament, Madagascar will need to rediscover the composure and consistency that saw them lift the African title earlier this year.
