The countries qualified for the semi-finals of the African Nations Futsal Cup are now known. As the crucial date approaches, predictors are getting excited.
In Group A, the Atlas Lions lead with a total of 9 points from three victories against Angola, Ghana, and Zambia. Experts unanimously believe that the Moroccans have certainly not had their last say. "We cannot imagine any scenario other than winning the final," assures Hicham Dguig. However, the coach of the Moroccan team stated that given the teams present, "Morocco must remain vigilant and bring their A-game to advance."
As the two-time defending champion of the CAN Futsal, the host nation has had a flawless run so far. Their 13-0 win against Ghana will be remembered for a long time. The Moroccan public, confident, backs their Lions to win one more match before the final. On paper, a third trophy seems within reach for the Moroccans who aim to solidify their continental leadership, but the last CAN by the other Lions calls for caution. Libya might not be an easy prey.
With a tight first victory against Mauritania (5-4), the Libyan team recovered and showed their dominance with a memorable 11-5 thrashing of Namibia. Previously winners of the CAN Futsal in 2008, the Knights are determined to bring the cup home again. Their upcoming match against the Atlas Lions promises to be spectacular.
In the other semi-final, Egypt will face Angola. Ranked at the top of their group, like Morocco, the Pharaohs have also had a brilliant flawless run from the start of the tournament. They emerged victorious against the Libyans (4-0) and the Mauritanians (7-6). In fact, they currently hold the record for the most goals scored in the competition, with 10 goals scored and only 3 conceded.
Although the Pharaohs have not won the CAN trophy for 20 years, with their last victory in 1994, they remain the most titled nation in the continental tournament, with three cups to their name. The Egyptians therefore aim to reclaim the championship title and their status as leaders of African football. "We know how difficult it will be given the high level of the current competing teams," shares Gehad Arafa, coach of the Egyptian national team.
The Egyptian team will face its Angolan counterpart. After a defeat against Morocco (5-2), the Antelopes did not give up and secured a semi-final spot against Zambia (8-5). Lacking a title, the Angolans are determined to give their all to win one.
Egypt-Angola and Morocco-Libya. Two semi-finals to watch on Friday, April 19th at 17:00 and 20:00 (GMT 1) respectively at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat. Besides the coveted continental title, another stake is the qualification of the top three teams from this CAN Morocco2024 to the FIFA Futsal World Cup, scheduled for next September in Uzbekistan.
Which of these four African giants will clinch the precious ticket? Opinions are divided and predictions vary, as each predictor tries to defend their own country. Theoretically, Morocco and Egypt appear to be the tournament favorites, but the beauty of soccer lies in the surprises, both good and bad, that it often holds for spectators and viewers.
