Zambia prepares for Futsal AFCON

The 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations will bring together eight of Africa’s leading futsal nations, with hosts Morocco expected to have a successful tournament.

Bonface Osano, Marabou New Agency

Zambia Futsal national team head coach Andrea Cristoforetti has named his final 14-member squad for the 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, set for Morocco from October 12 to 21.

The team will fine-tune their preparations with two international friendly matches against Egypt on October 3 and 6.

Cristoforetti says the squad combines youth and experience, but admits Zambia faces a tough challenge after being drawn in Group A alongside hosts and defending champions Morocco, Algeria and Libya.

“We’ve been consistently monitoring the players, trying to put a good mix of young players, experienced players, and also finding a good balance in different roles,” Andrea said.

Cristoforetti has set a semi-final appearance as Zambia’s target, although he acknowledges the difficulty of topping a group that includes three-time African champions Morocco.

“Our objective is to go to the semifinals, do well in the group stage in this campaign, knowing that it will be very difficult because we’re playing against the champions. It should be clear to all of us that Morocco is out of the league of all the African teams,” he added.

Zambia’s qualification for the continental showpiece is already being viewed as a significant achievement, with the team now aiming to make a deep run in Morocco.

Morocco, who won the title in 2016, 2020 and 2024, will open their Group A campaign alongside Libya, Zambia and Algeria.

Group B features three-time champions Egypt, who won the title in 1996, 2000 and 2004, alongside Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania. Libya, meanwhile, will be seeking to revive the form that saw them lift the continental title in 2008. The 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations will bring together eight of Africa’s leading futsal nations.

Marabou News Agency

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