Rabat – Morocco’s futsal national team coach, Hicham Dguig, expects tough North African derbies at the 2026 Africa Futsal Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the Atlas Lions prepare to defend their continental title on home soil.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Moroccan sports newspaper Al Mountakhab, Dguig stressed that Morocco aims to retain the trophy and make its supporters proud, while warning that the level of competition across Africa has improved significantly.
The eighth edition of the tournament will take place in Morocco from October 12 to 21, with the host nation opening its campaign against Algeria in a highly anticipated North African derby.
Dguig acknowledged the difficulty of the opening fixture, noting that Algeria has strengthened its squad with several players competing in the French league.
He described opening matches as particularly challenging and complicated, adding that Morocco must remain focused to overcome its neighbors and begin the competition with a victory.
Despite the expected difficulties, the Moroccan coach expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure the three points and finish at the top of Group A.
Morocco is also targeting a fourth consecutive African title, having won the previous three editions of the competition.
Morocco targets fourth consecutive African title
Dguig said Morocco’s status as one of the world’s leading futsal teams makes it one of the favorites to win the tournament.
However, he acknowledged that this position brings additional pressure, which the coaching staff and players must manage throughout the competition.
The coach emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency against any opponent, particularly as several African teams have made significant progress in recent years.
He specifically highlighted Egypt, Angola, and Algeria among the sides that have improved their level and could pose serious challenges.
The Moroccan team’s objectives extend beyond retaining the continental crown. Dguig identified qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup as another major priority, while setting his sights on reaching the latter stages of the 2028 edition.
Achieving these goals, he explained, will require complete concentration and readiness from both the technical staff and the players.
Morocco will therefore approach the tournament with the responsibility of defending its title while preparing for increasingly competitive opposition.
Four newcomers join Morocco’s squad
Dguig also explained the process behind selecting the 14 players who will represent Morocco at the tournament.
According to the coach, the technical staff evaluated approximately 30 players over the past two years through selection camps and a series of friendly matches.
The process allowed the coaching staff to assess the players’ readiness and identify those capable of strengthening the national team.
After extensive consideration, Dguig selected a 14-player squad that combines experienced internationals with younger players seeking to establish themselves at the continental level.
Four players will participate in the Africa Futsal Cup of Nations for the first time: goalkeeper Youssef Benslam, who plays for Dutch club Eindhoven; Mohammed Reda Mdeeh of Renaissance Berkane; Younes El Masri of Spanish club Peñíscola; and Yanis Reddaf, who plays for French club Monopoli.
Dguig believes this combination of experience and youth can help Morocco maintain its competitive edge as it pursues another continental title.
The experienced players will bring the knowledge gained from previous African triumphs, while the newcomers will have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on one of the continent’s biggest futsal stages.
Morocco faces a competitive tournament
Although Morocco enters the competition as the defending champion, Dguig’s comments reflect the challenges awaiting the team throughout the tournament.
The development of national teams such as Egypt, Angola, and Algeria has increased competition in African futsal, making preparation and consistency particularly important.
The opening match against Algeria will provide an early test of Morocco’s ambitions and its ability to handle the pressure associated with playing at home.
A positive result would help the Atlas Lions begin their title defense with confidence as they pursue another continental crown and prepare for future international challenges.
With the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup also in the team’s plans, the tournament represents an important opportunity for Morocco to consolidate its position among the strongest futsal nations.
Dguig and his players will now look to turn their preparations into results, with the immediate objective of overcoming Algeria before continuing their pursuit of a fourth consecutive African title.
