The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, was in attendance on Thursday, May 1, when the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup kicked off in Seychelles.
The leader of the continent’s football government body was among an array of dignitaries that also included the President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Wavel Ramkalawan.
This is the first time the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is being played on African soil
Africa is represented by Seychelles, Senegal and Mauritania at the tournament that will be concluded with a final on May 11.
On day one, the host nation, Seychelles and fellow African side Mauritania suffered defeats to their opponents.
Seychelles took the lead in the first period of their Group A opener against Belarus through Remy de Ketelaere, but slipped 2-1 behind following a brace by Artsemi Drozd.
What followed was a seesaw battle as Belarus twice took the lead, only for Seychelles to level on each occasion, thanks to goals from Brandon Labrosse and Terrence Amade.
But Drozd put Belarus back in front, and when they scored two more goals in the third period, Seychelles slipped to a 6-3 defeat.
Mauritania, on the other lost 5-4 to Iran in a nine-goal thriller in Group B.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has wished all the African representatives well and hopes they succeed at the tournament.
