8 Nations Begin 2026 CAF Futsal AFCON Title Race In Rabat

The 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations commenced in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, with eight teams competing for the continental title until October 21.

The Confederation of African Football confirmed that Libya and Zambia would contest the opening match at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall.

Hosts Morocco are joined in the tournament by Libya, Zambia, Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Group A features Morocco, Libya, Zambia and Algeria, while Group B comprises Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Libya are seeking to improve on their third-place finish at the 2024 edition, where they defeated Egypt on penalties. The 2008 champions will be guided by new head coach Pereira da Silva, who replaced Ricardo Inuguez.

The former Al-Ittihad and Misrata coach will be aiming to lead the Mediterranean Knights to a strong start against Zambia.

Zambia are coached by Andrea Cristoforetti, who is taking charge at a second consecutive CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations after overseeing the team at the 2024 finals in Rabat.

Cristoforetti said two friendly matches against Egypt during preparation helped his side assess its level. He described Libya as a long-established futsal nation that has competed at World Cups and plays a structured, solid game, adding that Zambia were eager to see how they matched up against North African opposition.

The Zambian coach also said preparations had gone well, with experienced players such as the captain now familiar with the demands of the competition.

He expressed confidence that Zambia would be better prepared than in 2024 and could take another step in their development by reducing the gap against more experienced teams.

Libya will pursue another podium finish, while Zambia will look to gauge their progress against one of Africa’s traditional futsal powers as the race for the continental crown begins.