Casablanca – Moroccan futsal international Soufiane Chaaraoui has revealed that a three-month foot problem nearly prevented him from participating in the 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), just days before he helped Morocco reach their fourth consecutive continental final.
Speaking to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Morocco’s 6-0 semifinal victory over Egypt on Monday, the Netherlands-based player explained that his involvement in the competition had remained uncertain until shortly before it began.
“I wasn’t in good shape. I had a problem with my foot for three months,” he said.
Chaaraoui explained that he had been preparing at the Mohammed VI Football Complex but was initially left out of the squad. He eventually received medical clearance just one day before the tournament began.
His fitness concerns resurfaced during Morocco’s group-stage campaign when he suffered an injury against Zambia on October 14.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) subsequently confirmed that he would miss the final group match against Libya and undergo further examinations to determine whether he could return during the competition.
His recovery allowed him to feature in Monday’s semifinal against Egypt, where he contributed to Morocco’s assertive victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall in Rabat.
“I’m very thankful to the medical staff and the coach for those four days,” Chaaraoui told CAF. “I’m back now and feel very good and confident. I can play and fight for my country.”
Morocco’s ambitions remain unchanged
Beyond his personal recovery, Chaaraoui stressed that maintaining Morocco’s position at the top of African futsal requires continuous effort, even after three consecutive continental titles.
“It’s difficult to become good, but more difficult to stay good, so we train a lot and the coach talks with us a lot,” he explained.
Under Hicham Dguig, Morocco have won every match at the current tournament without conceding a goal.
The Atlas Lions defeated Algeria 4-0, Zambia 7-0, and Libya 6-0 during the group stage before overcoming Egypt 6-0 in the semifinals, taking their tally to 23 goals in four matches.
Chaaraoui attributed the team’s consistency to its preparation, unity, and the support it receives from Moroccan fans.
“We fight for each other, we die for each other. We have the best fans in the world, and we can’t let them down. We give everything to make them proud,” he said.
Morocco will now face Angola in Wednesday’s final, a repeat of the 2024 title decider, when Dguig’s side defeated the Southern African nation 5-1 in Rabat.
Angola secured their place in this year’s final after recovering from a two-goal deficit to beat Algeria 3-2 in the other semifinal.
Morocco have lifted the continental trophy in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and another victory would make them the first nation to win four Futsal AFCON titles.
“Our mindset is to win the cup here, and we’ll do everything to prepare for the final,” Chaaraoui said.
The final will take place on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. Moroccan time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall in Rabat.
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