Innocent Mbunwe
31 March 2008
Cameroons' National Beach Soccer Team, Saturday, March 29, qualified for the FIFA beach soccer world Cup billed for Marseille France from July 17 -27.
The Lions grabbed the qualification ticket after beating their Egyptian counterparts 4-3 in the first semi-final encounter of the African Beach Soccer Tournament in Durban, South Africa.
After the defeat, Egyptians players burst into tears like some Indomitable Lions players did in Ghana, after the Finals of CAN 2008 1-0 spanking by the Pharaohs of Egypt.Senegal also picked Africa's last ticket in the World Cup jamboree by beating Ivory Coast during penalty shootouts in the second semi final game at Durban, South Africa.
Though Cameroon and Senegal have qualified for the World Cup, Senegal thrashed Cameroon 12-6 in the final on Sunday, March 30, to emerge as African champions.
Sunday's final was a splendid show of both teams that have the same play style. Both sides were physically fit and proved to spectators that they have a structure that can withstand any opponent in the World level.
Senegal were very disciplined and their defence was difficult to break through.
Cameroon tried to use shoot-on-sight tactics but failed to hit the target in so many occasions. The Lions combined skill, strength and spirit but to know avail.
But for the final that they lost, Cameroon started the competition by beating all its opponents, Cape Verde, (8-3) Ivory Coast,(8-3) and Nigeria, ( 3-2) after penalty shootouts before bowing to Senegal in the finals.
Cameroon and Senegal have both experienced the delight of playing in the World Cup tournament and so there will be need for both teams to blend experience and talent come July 2008.
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