The past
Making their first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup appearance last year, Senegal reached the quarter-finals before losing 6-3 to France. An unknown quantity before the tournament began, the Lions of Teranga caused a real stir in the group stage by beating Japan 4-1, Uruguay 5-2 and Italy 6-5 after extra time.

The present
Winners of the African qualifiers in 2007 and 2008, the Senegalese are considered the best beach soccer outfit on their continent. They now hope to establish themselves on the global stage by progressing at least as far as the last eight in Marseille.

The future
With the majority of their squad aged between 20 and 23, the future looks bright indeed for the Senegalese. Their continental supremacy means they can also look ahead with a good deal of serenity.

Facts

Former stars
Mamadou Diallo, Pape Modou Thioune (2007)

Key players
Al Seyni Ndiaye (goalkeeper), Malick Dieng (defender), Mamadou Gomis Mbengue (midfielder), Pape Jean Koukpaki (striker)

Qualifying statistics
African champions for the second time in two years, Senegal succumbed only to Egypt, going down 5-4 after extra time during their group-stage encounter, and scored a total of 39 goals in five matches. They also boasted the strongest defensive record after conceding 20 times.

The numbers game
12 - the number of goals slotted past Cameroon in the final of the African championship.