Senegal and Madagascar share 10-goal thriller in Women’s Futsal AFCON debut

Senegal made a dramatic entrance into the Women’s Africa Futsal Cup of Nations with a pulsating 5-5 draw against Madagascar on Tuesday in Group C, at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

In what was their first-ever match in the competition, the Lionesses of Teranga showed attacking flair but were repeatedly undone by defensive lapses, allowing Madagascar to come back each time and snatch a point in a match filled with twists and turns.

Senegal’s goals came courtesy of Ndeysha Mendy, Juliette Kalamo, and a brace from Sokhna Nogaye Tall Pène, whose sharp finishing kept her side in contention throughout the high-scoring encounter.

However, each time the West Africans looked to be taking control, Madagascar responded with resilience and precision, capitalising on gaps at the back to level the scoreline. The result leaves both teams locked on one point in a group where fine margins are likely to determine who advances to the semi-finals.

Despite the disappointment of not claiming all three points, Senegal’s coach Mame Moussa Cissé will take positives from the attacking display and look to tighten the defensive unit ahead of their next crucial group clash.

Senegal are now set for a decisive encounter against Tanzania on Saturday, with both sides eyeing progression to the knockout stages. With only a limited number of spots available, every goal and every point will count as the competition heats up.