The Argentinean blind futsal team – affectionately known as the Bats – has won the Fraternity Cup, a head-to-head tournament with neighbours Paraguay held in the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina.

The tournament involved three matches over two days as the two teams prepare for the Copa America – the IBSA continental championships in the Americas region – also taking place in Argentina (Santa Fe) in September.

The Bats won the first game 2-1 thanks to second-half goals from Luis Sacayán and David Peralta. Jorge Villalba had opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half.

In the goalless second and third games the strong Paraguayan defence kept Argentina out, with the hosts making changes and giving some valuable match time to younger and less experienced players.

Argentina coach Martin Demonte said of his team’s performance: “Looking forward to the Copa America, I’m happy with the performance. We were always on top during the games and they always defend well. We didn’t take all the chances we had, but we have a strong team right now and we were able to play some youngsters who will come in and take over, not just for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games but for the next eight years. Looking at our squad I’m very optimistic.”

For more information on the Copa America contact FADEC, the Argentinean Blind Sports Federation, at [email protected].