BRUSSELS, April 21 (Reuters) - Heineken NV, the world's second-largest brewer, sold as much beer in the first quarter of 2021 year as it did a year ago, far better than expected, as increases in Africa and Asia offset a sharp decline in Europe.

The maker of Europe's top-selling lager Heineken, as well as Tiger and Sol, retained its forecast that said its markets would gradually improve in the second half of the year, depending on the roll-out of vaccines. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, editing by Louise Heavens)