Senegal vs Spain – FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 Match Analysis

African champions Senegal kicked off their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 Group C campaign in style, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Spain at the Paradise Arena in Victoria on Friday.

Facing a challenging group that includes Chile and Tahiti, Senegal needed a strong start — and they delivered with a composed, professional performance. Sanou Laye Thiaw opened the scoring early, while veteran goalkeeper Al Seyni Ndiaye doubled the lead at the end of the second period.

Sidy Fall extended the advantage to 3-0, before Antonio Mayor briefly gave Spain hope with a well-taken goal. However, Senegal responded immediately, as Mamadou Sylla struck straight from kick-off to restore the three-goal cushion and seal the win. The result preserves Senegal’s unbeaten record in competitive matches against Spain.

In the group’s other clash, debutants Chile stunned tournament regulars Tahiti with a dramatic 7-6 win in a 13-goal thriller. The teams were locked at 2-2 after the first period, but Chile pulled ahead to lead 6-4 by the end of the second. Despite a late rally by the Pacific islanders, they couldn’t force extra-time. The feisty encounter saw five yellow cards, three for Tahiti.

In Group D, defending champions Brazil began their title defence with a hard-fought 3-1 win over El Salvador. With the scores tied at 1-1 entering the final period, Thanger’s bicycle kick and a strike from Lucio ensured Brazil made a winning start.

Last year’s runners-up Italy also began their campaign on a high, overcoming Oman 7-4 in an exciting contest. With the score tied 2-2 after the first period, Italy edged ahead 4-3, before Josep Junior Gentilin scored twice late on to secure the victory.

Cover Credits - CAF Online.com