Morocco's Beach Soccer Champions: Dominating the COSAFA Tournament

Monday 25 March 2024 - 09:10

In an electrifying climax that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Morocco's formidable beach soccer team inscribed their name in the annals of COSAFA history, prevailing against a resilient Mozambican side. The coastal city of Durban bore witness to an epic showdown, where the Atlas Lions exhibited an unyielding spirit and determination to clinch the coveted championship title.

As the final whistle seemed to signal Mozambique's triumph, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassir Abada's last-gasp strike dramatically pushed the game into nerve-wracking extra time. Amid mounting tension, both teams left nothing on the sand, engaging in an exchange of relentless intensity until the dreaded penalty shootout loomed.

Demonstrating nerves of steel, Morocco's beach warriors emerged victorious 4-3 on penalties, securing their status as the champions of the 2023 COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament. This victory stands as a testament to their resilience, having previously overcome a 3-2 deficit against Angola in the group stage, rebounding with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania to clinch the top spot in Group B.

The journey to glory was illuminated by the heroics of Zouhir Jabbari, Adnan Oubahri, Badr El Kraichly, and the consistently clutch Yasser Abada, whose goals propelled Morocco to the zenith of beach soccer supremacy in the region. Their commanding 9-6 triumph over Malawi in the semi-finals further underscored their dominance and unwavering resolve.

Guiding this remarkable achievement is Oumar Sylla, the Senegalese tactician who assumed the role of Morocco's beach soccer coach in 2022. Sylla's credentials are impeccable, having steered Senegal to three Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations titles and consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup quarter-final appearances, including a historic semi-final berth in the most recent edition of the tournament.

As the sand settles on the shores of Durban, Morocco's beach warriors revel in the glory of their hard-earned victory, epitomizing their unwavering spirit and the nation's burgeoning prowess in the captivating realm of beach soccer.