The head coach of Zambia National Futsal, Andrea Cristoforetti, has described the team’s 2024 Africa Cup group as challenging, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Zambia was placed in Group A of the Futsal Africa Cup alongside hosts and reigning champions Morocco, Angola, and Ghana, as announced by CAF on Thursday.
Group B comprise Egypt, Libya, Namibia, and Mauritania.
Cristoforetti stated in an interview with Bola News that although defeating Morocco will be difficult, his team must make the most of their first two games against Ghana and Angola before playing the host in the final group encounter.
“We knew that there are new teams such as Ghana, Namibia, and Mauritania who are lacking experience, but we know that Angola, Libya, Morocco, and Egypt are the tough, strong teams,” Cristoforetti said.
“Morocco is completely on another level; I would rank them among the best four in the world. They are a difficult team to beat, but I’m not saying they are unbeatable. Between us and Angola, we may have to fight for second place.”
He added that playing Morocco will not give his side extra pressure but will serve as motivation for the team.
“There is no extra pressure because playing against Morocco will be a great experience overall because we are facing one of the best teams in the world. From this match, we will learn a lot,” he stated.
Libya and Tanzania are the two possible opponents that Zambia can face before leaving for the tournament.
Cristoforetti eyes competitive friendly matches.
“We are hoping to play a couple of friendlies. There will be a couple of invitations, one of them from Libya. I also hear Tanzania is interested in playing [against Zambia]. In these two or three days, we will be understanding and deciding if it is possible to play games. International games against high-level teams like Libya will continue to grow,” Cristoforetti revealed.
The gaffer also disclosed that the team has intensified training ahead of the tournament kicking off this coming week.
“We are training twice a day, and from now on we will be camping. What is important is that we are working hard,” he concluded.
The Futsal AfCON, which is the 7th edition, will run from 11-21 April at the IBN Yassine and Moulay Prince Abdallah Halls.
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In Group A and B, the top two finishers go to the semi-finals, and the top three earn tickets to the Futsal World Cup, which will take place in Uzbekistan from September 14–October 6, 2024.
