The National futsal team won the title of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) (Morocco-2024) for the third consecutive time, beating its Angolan counterpart with a score of 5 goals to 1, Sunday at the Palais des Sports hall of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, in the final of this continental competition.
During the 7th edition of the African Futsal Cup of Nations, there was Morocco and other African teams. It is difficult not to admit and recognize that the national team demonstrated a highly superior level compared to its counterparts. Winning the title was therefore only a logical continuation of a series of performances which never cease to amaze.
With this coronation, the Atlas Lions, brilliant throughout this CAN, also won their ticket for the World Cup of the discipline, scheduled from September 14 to October 6 in Uzbekistan, thanks to their victory in the semi-final against Libya (6-0).
Soufiane Bourite, Idriss El Fenni, Soufiane El Mesrar, Anas El Ayyane and Bilal Bakkali from the penalty spot scored Morocco’s goals, while Aderito Santos scored Angola’s only goal.
In front of a large audience completely committed to their cause, the Atlas Lions faced over-motivated Angolan players who tried to surprise the Atlas Lions goalkeeper, but came up against a solid defense of the national elements who responded with pressure on the ball holder and rapid attacks to open the scoring. The national team’s numerous attempts came up against the presence of mind of Angolan goalkeeper Gabriel Domingos, before Soufiane Bourite’s saving goal.
In the first period, the Angolan players showed great offensive tenacity, seriously threatening, on several occasions, the top corner of Moroccan goalkeeper Abdelkrim Anbia. At the restart, Hicham Dguig’s men showed good control of the match with several chances missing the net of Angola who, for his part, tried to respond with deep passes. The goalkeeper of the national team Abdelkrim Anbia also stood out on several occasions to stop the attempts of the Angolan players.
In a match with high offensive intensity from start to finish, the Atlas Lions had to fight hard to win their third continental coronation against a tough Angolan team full of confidence after beating the Egyptian team in the semi-final.
Building on this success, Morocco equals Egypt’s record by bringing its total to 3 CAN won in the discipline.
Speaking at a press conference after the final of the African Futsal Cup of Nations (Morocco-2024) won by Morocco against Angola, Hicham Dguig explained that “staying at the top of African futsal and participating in the World Cup since 2012 is not easy and this demonstrates that there is in-depth work to develop and renew this discipline. Staying on top is difficult and requires constant work. And to look ahead: “This competition was very good preparation for the next World Cup and this edition showed us that nothing is easy or acquired. Great efforts have been made to achieve this result, with intense training and work which is also carried out outside FIFA dates. For his part, Angola coach Marcos Antunes noted that “we tried to create difficulties in Morocco, but it is difficult to play against this team. Morocco was better than the opening match with a very good playing system which created difficulties for us to break through.
The Moroccan national team is full of talented players, but I am proud of my players who presented a very good performance and rubbed shoulders with the best players from the African continent and the world.
The African Futsal Cup of Nations trophy (Morocco-2024) was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the captain of the Moroccan national team, Soufiane El Mesrar, in the presence of the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa.
This final was also marked by the presence of members of CAF and personalities from the world of sport.
The Atlas Lions goalkeeper, Abdelkrim Anbia, received the trophy for the best goalkeeper of the CAN, Soufian Charraoui that of the best scorer, while Bilal Bakkali was awarded the trophy for the best player in the competition.
The closing ceremony of this 7th edition of CAN Morocco-2024, which was held ahead of the Morocco-Angola meeting, was full of color and light, with rhythms and melodies that thrilled the many supporters present at the Sports Palace hall of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex.
HM the King sends a message of congratulations to the national team
His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the members of the national futsal team. In this message, HM the King expresses to the members of the national futsal team His warm congratulations after winning the seventh edition of the African Futsal Cup of Nations hosted by the capital of the Kingdom, with hospitality and unparalleled organization. The Sovereign also expresses his great pride in the firm determination shown by the members of the national team in order to win this continental title for the third time in a row, driven by exemplary patriotism and a serious commitment to the influence of Moroccan football and sport.
Reiterating His congratulations to the members of the national team and all the technical and administrative executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, His Majesty the King implores the Almighty to grant them greater success and distinctions during the Cup of the world Uzbekistan-2024, and in their sustained efforts to climb the highest steps of the podiums on the continental and international levels.
