Courtesy: Star Africa


FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP (Thailand 1-18 November): Slim chances for Africa to lift the trophy

Africa will be represented at the FIFA Futsal World Cup scheduled to run from 1 to 18 November in Thiland by three heavyweights from the Northern part of the continent. But the load may be too heavy for the trio whose performances have gone down the drain in their recent outings. Egypt, Libya and Morocco will make the Asian trip with little chances of success. Egypt is the most experienced team in the continent’s contingent having qualified five times since 1996. In 2000, the Pharaohs went as far as the quarter finals in the World Cup hosted by the Republic of Guatemala. Libya, Africa’s reigning champions, would have been one of the strongest contenders to the trophy if not for their poor training and preparation ahead of the competition. And Morocco, first timers who are grouped in the zone of death (Group B) featuring Latin America champions and the formidable Iranian squad (fifth in 2008).

Contrary to beach volleyball that found a fertile ground in African soil, futsal has not been as forthcoming as her sister sports as only a handful of countries have shown interest in it. Maghreb countries have taken the lead while countries like South Africa and Nigeria are trotting behind in a lackluster manner. But the real reason for the lagging behind is the lack of training facilities and infrastructure to prepare for competitions and tournaments. Unlike in Europe, Asia and America, there are no national championships organized regularly, whereas futsal is a very demanding sports requiring some technical and physical specificities to be on top performance. Ironically Africa is a continent where football is generally played on patches of ground and streets of town, Futsal should have enormous potentials of growing into a very popular sports. The wonderful experience acquired by youngstars in small pitches could be transformed in to a huge futsal success.

Fixtures for African teams

Group B - Bangkok
2 November: Morocco – Panama;
5 November: Morocco – Iran;
8 November: Morocco – Spain.

Group C – Nakhon Ratchasima
1 November: Libya – Portugal;
4 November : Brazil – Libya;
7 November : Libya – Japan.

Group E – Bangkok
3 November : Egypt – Serbia;
6 November: Egypt – Czech Republic;
9 November: Egypt – Kuwait.


African Teams

Egypt
Goalkeepers: Hema (El Shams), Hussein Gharib (Misr El makasa)
Defenders: Ahmee El Agouz (El Shams), Mohamed Edrees (Police), Bougy (El Shams), Ahmed Abou Serie (M. Oqba), Islam Gamila (Police)
Midfielders: Eslam Shalaby (Misr El Makasa), Mostafa Nader (Police)
Strikers: Mizo (El Shams), Ramadan Samasry (El Shams), Islam El Darwj (Police), Ahmed Hussein (Arab Contractors), Ahmed Mohamed (Misr El Makasa).
Coach: Badr Khalil.

Libya
Goalkeepers: Youssef Bensaed (Adhahra), Ramzi Al Sharif (Ahly Benghazi), Husam Altumi (Aldhahra).
Defenders: Ahmed Faraj (Al Amen), Mohamed Rageb (Al Ittihad Tripoli), Mohamed Rahoma (no club).
Midfielders: Jusam Al Wahishi (Ahly Benghazi), Younis Shames (Al Tersana).
Strikers: Bder Hassan (Al Jazera Sabha), Rabiue Abdel (no club), Anbdusalem Sherad (Al Ittihad Tripoli), Reda Fathe (Ahly Benghazi), Ahmed Fathe (Ahly Benghazi), Salem Aghila (Al Khutut).
Coach : Pablo Prieto (Spain)

Morocco
Goalkeepers: Rabie Zaari (KAC Kenitra), Adil Battachi (J S. Khouribga), Younes Kelkaghi (Ajex Tanger).
Defenders: Mohamed Dahou (Ajex tanger), Mohmaed Talibi ()
Midfielders: Hatim Ouahabi (Ajex Tetouan), Youssef El Mazray (FS Settat), Yahya Baya ( KAC Kenitra), Bilal A ssoufi (Ajax Tanger), Anouar Chrayeh (Ajax Tanger).
Strikers: Soufiane El Mesrar (Dynamio Kenitra), Adil Habil (KAC Kenitra), Aziz Serrou (KAC Kenitra), Yahya Jabrane (FS Settat).
Coach: Hicham Dguig.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com