Madagascar Crowned African Beach Soccer Champions for the First Time
Madagascar made history on Sunday by winning their first-ever African Beach Soccer Championship, defeating the defending champions Senegal 2-1 in a thrilling final. The victory marked a monumental achievement for the island nation, which had previously shown strong performances in regional competitions.
Leading up to the tournament, Madagascar’s preparation had been solid, with a victorious run in the COSAFA Beach Soccer Cup, where they triumphed over Malawi. This successful buildup provided the Barea with the confidence and momentum to perform on the continental stage.
Throughout the competition, Madagascar showcased exceptional talent, with Tokiniaina “Toky” Francegal earning the Best Player award for his stellar performances. His teammate, Jhorialy Rafalimanana, also stood out, being named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
In a standout individual performance, Alexander Adjei of Ghana finished as the Top Scorer of the competition, netting an impressive 15 goals.
As champions, Madagascar, alongside Senegal, will represent Africa at the Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal from July 9 to 19, 2025, where they will compete against the world’s best.
Final Rankings:
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Madagascar
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Senegal
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Nigeria (after defeating Ivory Coast 9-1 in the third-place playoff)
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Ivory Coast
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Morocco
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Egypt
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Ghana
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Seychelles
Award Winners:
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Best Player: Tokiniaina “Toky” Francegal (Madagascar)
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Best Goalkeeper: Jhorialy Rafalimanana (Madagascar)
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Top Scorer: Alexander Adjei (Ghana) – 15 goals
The success of Madagascar in this competition marks a significant milestone for beach soccer in Africa, showcasing the continent’s growing talent in the sport.
