Rabat – The Moroccan national futsal team is set to embark on its quest for a fourth consecutive title in the 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they face Algeria on Monday night at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall. Under the leadership of coach Hicham Dguig, the Atlas Lions aim to start their campaign on a positive note, continuing their legacy as three-time defending champions following victories in 2016, 2020, and 2024. A win against Algeria would not only bolster their confidence but also solidify their position as the team to beat in the tournament.
Morocco has been drawn into Group A alongside Algeria, Zambia, and Libya. The competition format allows the top two teams from each group to progress to the semifinals, while the best three teams will earn a coveted spot at the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup, making every match crucial for the participants.
Match Details and Team News
The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled as follows:
- Fixture: Morocco vs Algeria
- Competition: 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations – Group A
- Venue: Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall, Rabat
- Date: Monday, October 12
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. Morocco time
- Broadcast: Arryadia in Morocco; CAF TV on YouTube internationally.
Coach Dguig has selected a well-rounded squad of 14 players, featuring experienced athletes like captain Soufiane El Mesrar, who is expected to play a pivotal role in leading the team. Soufiane Borite and Soufiane Charraoui also bring valuable international experience to the lineup. Notably, Charraoui was a last-minute replacement for Anas Dahani in the final squad, showcasing the team’s commitment to putting forth their best effort in this crucial tournament.
Prior to the opening match, Dguig expressed confidence, stating that Morocco is fully prepared to defend their title on home soil. “We are extremely happy that the kingdom of Morocco is hosting this edition for the third time in a row, and we are fully ready to put on a good competition and try to defend our title,” he affirmed. El Mesrar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a hunger for victory despite their past successes. He believes that winning the opener will be essential for managing squad fatigue and card accumulation as the tournament progresses.
Algeria's Historic Challenge
On the other side, Algeria is making its inaugural appearance at the Futsal AFCON, a significant milestone for the team. Under the guidance of coach Nordine Benamrouche, the squad is composed of several players competing in France, alongside those from domestic leagues. However, the team's preparations faced challenges, as they suffered defeats in all four of their friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Despite these setbacks, Benamrouche remains optimistic about showcasing the growth of Algerian futsal on this grand stage. “Our preparations have been very good, and we are looking forward to a very tough match,” he stated, emphasizing their desire to leave a positive impression.
As the match approaches, Morocco's extensive experience and home-field advantage set them up as favorites. Dguig’s tactical approach has been characterized by flexibility and well-coordinated team rotations, with a core group of players who have developed a strong chemistry over the years. In contrast, Algeria's lack of historical pressure in this matchup could allow them to play with freedom and determination. Benamrouche's squad includes players familiar with European futsal, which may pose a new challenge for Morocco. Dguig has cautioned against underestimating their opponents, acknowledging that Algeria has come close to qualification in previous tournaments and is now part of a more competitive continental landscape. A strong start against Algeria would not only provide Morocco with early control of Group A but also afford Dguig the opportunity to manage his squad effectively as they advance through the tournament.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
