The Moroccan futsal team is gearing up to defend its African title on home soil tomorrow, October 21, following its qualification for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Atlas Lions, who have already claimed championship titles in 2016, 2020, and 2024, are determined to secure their fourth consecutive continental crown. This impressive achievement is the result of decades of dedication and hard work, initiated by pioneers in Kénitra who laid the foundations of this sport in Morocco.
Futsal in Morocco traces its origins back to the early 1970s when mini-football began to gain popularity in the neighborhoods of Kénitra. Local competitions gradually structured this growing enthusiasm, particularly through the UAK association, which brought together around a dozen teams.
The Pioneers of Kénitra
Mohammed El Jamaï, a key figure in the rise of futsal, established the Ajax team of Kénitra in 1971. This formation represented Morocco in international tournaments even before the official national team was created, showcasing the potential of Moroccan talent on the global stage.
In 1991, Ajax made a significant breakthrough by winning a tournament in Bonn, Germany, and again in 1993. According to an article from Le Matin in 2008, these participations solidified the team's reputation abroad, allowing them to compete in various tournaments across Europe and Latin America, including a World Championship in Argentina.
These international outings were conducted under the banner of FIFUSA, the International Federation of Futsal, which operates independently from FIFA. El Jamaï worked tirelessly to organize international competitions in Morocco, even selling personal assets to raise the necessary 400,000 dirhams to fund these events. His commitment to the sport also saw him serve as the vice-president of FIFUSA.
It wasn't until 1997 that Morocco saw the establishment of a federal futsal commission, followed by the first national championship held in Tangier that same year, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of this sport.
The Path to the First African Title
Building on the legacy of Ajax, a national team was formed in 1998 to compete in the Arab Championship in Cairo. The Moroccan team faced Egypt in the final, unfortunately losing 8-4. The structuring of the national team progressed in 2000 under coach Mohamed Benabdelouahab, with Morocco finishing as the runner-up in Africa that year and achieving third place finishes in 2004 and 2008, despite facing financial hurdles.
A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when Hicham Dguig took charge of the team. Two years later, Morocco qualified for the World Cup in Thailand, marking its first experience on this prestigious stage, which, although resulted in three losses, provided invaluable lessons.
With increased investments from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Dguig's efforts bore fruit on April 24, 2016, when Morocco clinched its first African title by defeating Egypt 3-2 in Johannesburg. In an interview with FIFA in June of that year, Dguig emphasized that this victory was a result of rigorous preparation, stating, "We already have very good foundations, and I am convinced we can aim much higher in the future. However, we must first professionalize our futsal and utilize all our resources."
Morocco continued its upward trajectory by winning a second African title in 2020 and reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2021. In 2024, the team secured a third continental crown, also making it to the global quarter-finals in the same year. As they set their sights on a fourth consecutive African title at home, Morocco's journey reflects the evolution from local competitions in Kénitra to the commitment of volunteers who have tirelessly worked for the recognition of this sport.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
