Ghana’s Black Sharks have been handed a difficult assignment at the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn against hosts and defending champions Senegal, Mozambique and Uganda in Group A.
The draw, conducted at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, November 4, places Ghana in the same group as the continent’s most successful beach soccer nation (Senegal), alongside two sides seeking to strengthen their positions among Africa’s emerging forces.
The Black Sharks will begin their campaign against champions Senegal before taking on Mozambique and Uganda in their remaining group fixtures. Their opening encounter presents an immediate test of Ghana’s ambitions, with the hosts expected to enjoy considerable home support as they pursue another continental crown.
Ghana secured their place at the tournament through a 10-7 aggregate victory over arch-rivals Nigeria in the final qualifying round. Following a 3-3 draw in the first leg, the Black Sharks produced a convincing 7-4 victory at the Keta beach to seal their return to the continental stage.
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The qualification marked Ghana’s fourth at the competition and offers an opportunity to improve on their previous best performance, a fifth-place finish at the 2024 edition in Egypt.
Group A line up
Group B will feature Mauritania, Morocco, Malawi and Angola. Mauritania, who finished runners-up to Senegal in 2024, will face Morocco, a consistent contender for continental honours, alongside Malawi and Angola in a competitive group.
The eight-nation tournament will run from November 28 to December 6 in Senegal, with the qualified teams divided into two groups of four. The top two sides in each group will progress to the semi-finals, where they will compete for places in the final and the opportunity to represent Africa at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Senegal’s Dominance Headlines Group A Challenge
Senegal represents Ghana’s biggest obstacle in Group A, having established themselves as the dominant force in African beach soccer over the past decade.
The Teranga Lions have won seven continental titles, making them the most successful team in the competition’s history. Their triumphs include the 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 editions, with their latest victory extending their remarkable run of five consecutive championships.
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Senegal’s success has been built around an established beach soccer structure, experienced international players and a strong competitive culture. Their home advantage further increases the challenge facing Ghana, who will need a disciplined performance to prevent the defending champions from dictating the contest.
Senegal have dominated the CAF Beach Soccer AFCON and won the last 5 editions
Mozambique are another dangerous opponent. They have steadily developed into one of Africa’s strongest beach soccer sides, reaching the final of the 2021 edition before finishing as runners-up to Senegal. Their technical quality and attacking capabilities make them a significant threat to Ghana’s hopes of progressing.
Uganda complete the group and will also be determined to make an impression at the finals. Their inclusion gives Ghana another opportunity to collect valuable points, although the Black Sharks cannot afford to underestimate any opponent in a competition where qualification for the semi-finals is the immediate objective.
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Black Sharks Seek Improvement on Historic Best
Ghana will be looking to build on their progress since making their debut at the inaugural CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 in Seychelles.
The Black Sharks also participated in the 2016 tournament in Nigeria, with both appearances ending in seventh-place finishes. They subsequently missed the 2018, 2021 and 2022 editions before returning in Egypt in 2024.
Their comeback campaign produced their best-ever result, a fifth-place finish, following victories over Tanzania and Mozambique in the classification matches. Ghana also demonstrated their attacking potential, particularly in their emphatic 10-3 triumph over Tanzania.
Forward Alexander Adjei was among the standout performers, finishing the 2024 tournament with 11 goals.
The Black Sharks now have an opportunity to take another step forward, with a place in the semi-finals offering their first chance to challenge for the continental title.
However, overcoming Senegal and Mozambique will demand considerably more than the attacking efficiency they displayed against Nigeria during qualification.
Ghana must combine defensive organisation with clinical finishing if they are to navigate Group A successfully and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
