Diallo calls for greater investment in Beach Soccer to take Africa to the next level
Mamadou Diallo knows what it takes to compete at the highest level of football in Africa. The former Senegal represented Senegal at the 1994 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
More than a decade later, he turned his attention to beach soccer, representing Senegal at the 2007 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where they finished runners-up to Nigeria.
The experience offered a different perspective on the game and the progress required for African nations to establish themselves among the world’s best.
“Senegal has been very successful in beach soccer and I believe we are the best in Africa. I hope that one day we can also be the best in the world because we have already shown the quality that we have. We have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup twice and that shows what Senegal can do in beach soccer”, said Diallo.
“Senegal has come from far. The country has made a lot of sacrifices and invested a lot of time in the development of beach soccer. It takes that kind of commitment to build a strong team and develop the sport.”
Diallo believes other African countries can follow the same path but says greater investment and more regular international competition will be essential.
“I would urge other countries to put more time and resources into beach soccer. They need to play regular friendly matches and give their teams the opportunity to compete against each other. Most of the time, we don't invest enough in travelling and playing against each other, and I think that is one of the differences between Africa and Europe. If we can organise competitive friendly matches, travel more and put in the effort, Africa can compete with the best teams in the world.”
Diallo’s call comes as preparations gather pace for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Senegal 2026, with the qualification process now underway in later this month.
The CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Senegal will be played between 7 - 15 November 2026.