Morocco aims for a third consecutive victory

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with L’Opinion avec MAP
Published on 2024-04-09 15:49:00

Hicham Dguig’s men, who have been delivering outstanding performances in recent years and dominating this discipline on the African stage, will be eager to secure a third victory after their triumphs in 2016 and 2020. In the final of the last edition, played against Egypt, the Moroccans easily won 5-0.

The competition, which will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah and Ibn Yassine arenas in Rabat from April 11 to 21, will see the two-time reigning African champions play in Group A alongside Angola, bronze medalist in 2020, Ghana, African runner-up in 1996, and Zambia.

Egypt, the 2020 finalist, is placed in Group B with Libya, champions in 2008, Namibia, and Mauritania, both making their debut in this continental competition.

With three titles, Egypt is currently the most successful nation in the history of the African Futsal Cup of Nations, followed by Morocco with two titles and Libya aiming for a second title after their 2008 triumph at home.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the competition’s semi-finals. The teams on the podium of this edition will qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 6. A victory at home would allow the Atlas Lions to join the exclusive group of countries that have won the continental title three times, while also fueling their ambition to deliver a remarkable performance at the upcoming World Cup and improve upon their 2021 quarter-final defeat to Brazil (0-1). “Playing at home in front of our fans motivates us to defend our title. We will take advantage of playing in a world-class arena and in front of our passionate fans to secure a third consecutive title,” said national coach Hicham Dguig.

“We can’t imagine any scenario other than ultimate victory,” he declared, adding that “the Moroccan team is ready to face the challenge, but at the same time, we cannot consider ourselves the sole favorites.” “Other strong teams have improved significantly. Against Morocco, who enjoy a global reputation, they will be tough and resolute, especially since they are familiar with the level of our players through the preparation matches we play. Therefore, we are called upon to work even harder, change our tactical schemes, and diversify our game to surprise our opponents,” he emphasized.

To achieve this, the Moroccan team must rely on a core of players who compete at the highest level, led by Soufiane El Mesrar, who plays for the French club Étoile Lavalloise. The 30-year-old player, who is part of the final list of 14 players selected by Hicham Dguig for this AFCON, currently leads the scoring charts in the French futsal first division with 24 goals, after 19 matchdays played so far. In addition to El Mesrar, attention will be on Khalid Bouzid, loaned to Santa Coloma by FC Barcelona futsal, who has triggered a buy-back option for their former 26-year-old Moroccan player.

The national team must also rely on talented players like Othmane Boumezou (Chabab Mohammedia), Anas El Ayane (Ribera Navarra FS/Spain), and Idriss Raiss El-Fenni.

In preparation for this tournament, the Moroccan team played several friendly matches and tournaments. Last September, the national team comfortably defeated Argentina 7-0, won an international tournament in Croatia last October, and went on to beat Libya 6-2, Uzbekistan twice (6-2 and 2-1), and Italy 4-0.

Read the original article(French) on L’Opinion