FUTSAL
Morocco coach Dguig welcomes ‘positive’ pressure in Futsal title defence

Morocco coach Hicham Dguig says his team will be under positive pressure when they face Angola in Group A of the TF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.
The World Cup quarter-finalists will be playing behind an expectant home faithful when they open their account against Angola at the Salle Prince Moulay Abdellah on Thursady, 11 April, 2024 at 20:00 GMT.
Morocco have won the last two editions of the highly technical fast-paced indoor football competition.
“It’s a positive problem and a challenge which we have to face but when the matches are played here it helps us to improve,” Dguig said at his pre-match press conference.
“Angola is a strong team and the public have to know that, and they play without any pressure and they have a coach from Portugal who are one of the best, but we hope our strategies will help us win the match.”
The two-time African champions have enjoyed massive progress under the tutelage of experienced coach Hicham Dguig, they’re currently ranked eighth on the World Rankings.
“The preparations are going on very well and the objective is very well to defend our title and qualify for the World Cup for the fourth time in a row,” Dguig said.
“The pressure is very real and when we get into the competition we have only one objective which is to be in the top spot.
“We have a lot of players who are talented from the clubs in the championship but we need players with experience who have the habit of playing together. That’s why I selected these players” concluded the coach.
The Atlas Lions will be hoping the support from their home fans will be enough to secure them a record equaling third CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations titles.
CAF
FUTSAL
King Mohammed VI congratulates Morocco’s women’s futsal team, crowned African champions

Morocco’s monarch, King Mohammed VI, has sent a message of congratulations to the national women’s futsal team following their victory in the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations held on Wednesday in Rabat.
In the message circulated by the Moroccan News Agency, MAP, the monarch wrote:
“On the occasion of your brilliant victory in the Futsal AFCON (Morocco 2025), it gives me great pleasure to extend to you, and through you to all the members of the team, my warmest congratulations on this African title, which further strengthens the ongoing development of women’s football in our country,” the Sovereign writes in the message.
“I take great pride in the fact that your promising team had the honour of winning the first edition of this African championship, hosted successfully by our country, and that you also secured qualification for the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup, scheduled towards the end of this year in the Philippines.”
The King noted that the unprecedented triumph confirms the prominent place now held by Moroccan female players, who are strongly determined to continue achieving honourable results for national football and to make their mark in sporting events across Africa and the world.
Applauding the high-level performance and deep patriotic spirit demonstrated by the national team players throughout the tournament, the Sovereign expressed His High appreciation for the efforts of all those who contributed to this well-deserved continental achievement, including female players, technical staff, medical and administrative personnel, and officials.
In this message, the King implores the Almighty to grant them continued success in forthcoming continental and international competitions, while assuring them of His High solicitude and benevolence.
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FUTSAL
Morocco claim historic Women’s Futsal AFCON title in last-minute thriller

Morocco were crowned champions of the inaugural Women’s Africa Futsal Cup of Nations after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tanzania in a gripping final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Wednesday night.
In front of a vibrant home crowd, the Lionesses of the Atlas came from two goals down to secure their first-ever continental title, with Jasmine Demraoui netting the decisive goal in the final minute of regulation time.
The win not only handed Morocco their maiden trophy in women’s futsal but also secured their qualification for the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, set to be held in the Philippines from 27 November to 7 December 2025.
Tanzania, valiant finalists, also booked their spot in the global showpiece.
The final began with Morocco on the back foot as Tanzania’s high press unsettled the hosts. Anastazia Katunzi opened the scoring in the 4th minute, capitalising on a poorly cleared ball to fire her side ahead.
Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 16th minute through Jamila Rajabu, finishing off a swift counter-attack to stun the Rabat crowd.
But Morocco responded with determination. Just before half-time, Doha El Madani calmly slotted home a penalty to pull one back and swing momentum toward the hosts.
Buoyed by the crowd, Morocco returned with renewed energy in the second half. In the 34th minute, Drissia Korrych levelled the tie with a composed finish from a cleverly worked corner.
As the match neared its conclusion, both sides pushed for a winner. Tanzania’s physicality began to fade, while Morocco surged forward with belief. In the dying seconds, Demraoui found space to fire a precise low drive across the goalkeeper to complete a stunning comeback and ignite wild celebrations in Rabat.
Earlier in the day, Cameroon claimed third place with a convincing 4-1 win over Angola.
The tournament’s awards went to Jasmine Demraoui (Best Player, Morocco), Doha El Madani (Top Scorer with 5 goals, Morocco), and Nassra Abbas (Best Goalkeeper, Tanzania). Namibia were recognised with the Fair Play Award.
-CAF
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FUTSAL
Morocco bids to host Futsal World Cup

The Kingdom of Morocco which has been the rallying point for hosting various football events in Africa and the globe generally is aiming for more events.
The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekja has announced that the kingdom will bid for the next Futsal World Cup. His action stems from the performance of Morocco’s team at this year’s Futsal in Uzbekistan.
Morocco got to the quarter-finals. Lekja made the remarks at a ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, the FRMF honoured Morocco’s national futsal team.
He praised the team’s performance and as he spoke about Morocco’s growing reputation in football. “Under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, we are making significant strides in football development at regional, continental, and international levels,” said Lekjaa.
He further urged futsal officials to develop a comprehensive strategy to elevate the sport, especially in light of Morocco’s upcoming bid to host the Futsal World Cup.
Hicham Dguig, the national futsal team coach, expressed gratitude for the support received upon the team’s return from Uzbekistan.
Captain Soufiane El Mesrar echoed these sentiments, speaking to the substantial resources provided to the team and the importance of continued progress to maintain Morocco’s standing in the sport.
As Morocco prepares to host major football tournaments, including AFCON 2025 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, its ambitions to host the Futsal World Cup further showcase the country’s dedication to cementing itself as a global football hub.
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