Nigeria dominates as Lebanon surprises

The hosts roll past Germany in Copa Lagos opening day, as the Lebanese beat African Kings Senegal

Lebanon upset Senegal in Copa Lagos opening

Lebanon made a brilliant first step in this Copa Lagos Beach Soccer 2013 as they beat the African kings, Senegal in the game opening the competition. The Asians used a brilliant first period, in which they got 3-0 ahead to control the situation all across the match. The Senegalese reaction finally took place, but it fell just one goal short.

First game in a competition is always a very tricky one. You have not experienced the sand enough, you do not know how fit your opponents are and, indeed, you hardly know what your own outcome is going to be like. Senegal came to Lagos for the first time, and they did so with as double African champions, what gave them a remarkable strength and confidence. But Lebanon, who have been working really well for the lasts seasons under Moghaddam’s direction, were ready to upset the Lions of Teranga.

In just a matter of minutes, the Lebanese caught Senegal by surprise, and built a consistent 0-3 advantage, thanks to Ahmed Grada, Haitham Fattal and Hussain Abdullah. That got the Asian extra self-trust with which to reinforce their brilliant beachsoccering. They were absolutely handling the game, acknowledging that such a powerhouse as Senegal can react at any moment and turn things around without giving you any chance to react…

First hit by Diop’s side was bluntly contested by Lebanon, with A. Grada and Fattal bagging their second goals to push their side 1-5 ahead. With less than ten minutes remaining, the four-goal gap was a tough thing to combat, but Senegal could not let go without fighting. And their faith almost paid off, as the goals by Koukpaki and Fall, together with Grada’s own goal for the 3-5 got them really close to their opponent. The few seconds remaining were not enough for the African champions, and their comeback fell one goal short, what ended up giving the points to Lebanon.

Goals: 0-1: A. Grada, min. 11 (3); 0-2: Fattal, min. 4 (1); 0-3: H. Abdullah, min. 3 (1); 1-3: Balde, min. 1 (2); 1-4: A. Grada, min. 11 (3); 1-5: Fattal, min. 10 (3); 2-5: Grada (og), min. 5 (3); 3-5: Koukpaki, min. 5 (3); 4-5: Fall, min. 0 (3);

Nigeria give Germany a bitter welcome

Defending Copa Lagos double champions and hosts Nigeria inflicted Germany a hard punishment in their debut in the tournament. The Beach Green Eagles displayed all their vigorous beach soccer and rolled past the Germans to grab the first three points at stake for them and get at the highest place of the table.

It was make clear rather soon that Nigeria wanted the Cup once again. It is their Cup, it is their home and their feel stronger than ever when playing the Copa Lagos in front of their colourful crowd. After Olawale opened the score three minutes into the game, last year’s MVP, Abu, began his particular crusade for another individual award, and netted three goals before the first period was blown over.

Ulle pulled one back for the Germans, but the Nigerian dominion was already too overwhelming, and any expectation Böringschulte’s lads may have was immediately suffocated. The Green Eagles kept hitting the European nets once and again, as Ibenegbu, Okemmiri and Emeka added their names to the scoring chart for a final 1-7 victory for the hosts. With such a loud win, Adamu’s side gets on top of the standings, and, most importantly, sends out a clear message to the rest of the contenders in this Copa Lagos. Only the games tomorrow will say if they were willing to give it any credit…

Goals: 0-1: Olawale, min. 8 (1); 0-2: Abu, min.  0-3: Abu, min. 3 (1); 0-4: Abu, min. 3 (1); 1-4: Ulle, min. 3 (1); 1-5: Ibenegbu, min. 3 (2); 1-6: Okemmiri, min. 1 (2); 1-7: Emeka, min. 2 (3)
 

BSWW COPA LAGOS 2013

Results today:

Fri 13.12.13   
15:00 – Senegal 4-5 Lebanon   
16:15 – Germany 1-7 Nigeria

Games for tomorrow:
                           
Sat 14.12.13               
15:00 – Senegal vs. Germany   
16:15 – Nigeria vs. Lebanon                  

 

Pic by Kleanpics.com

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