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FUTSAL

Nigeria ungraded as FIFA begins futsal ranking

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Nigeria did not make the cut as FIFA makes an inaugural Futsal Men’s and Women’s World Rankings. This could be due to the inactivity of the country in that aspect of football – the indoor soccer.

The FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup enters its 10th edition this year in Uzbekistan, but Nigeria had taken part only once in 1992 in Hong Kong.

The Nigerian team came last in Group A comprising of Argentina, Poland and Hong Kong after losing all three matches.

In contrast, Morocco are ranked Africa’s number one and sixth in the world. Thanks to their  recent victory was winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Futsal tournament, when they beat Angola 5-1 in the finals.

Among the top-ranked countries alongside Morocco are Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Iran, and Argentina. 

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Brazil led the FIFA Futsal Ranking, followed by Portugal in second place, Spain in third place, Iran in fourth place, and Argentina in fifth place. 

 Morocco, in sixth place, is followed by Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and France. 

FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking

FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

FUTSAL

King Mohammed VI congratulates Morocco’s women’s futsal team, crowned African champions

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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-CAF

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FUTSAL

Morocco bids to host  Futsal World Cup

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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.

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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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