Moroccan futsal continues its reign as the supreme power in Africa. The Atlas Lions secured their fourth consecutive continental championship, confirming their dominance by defeating Angola in the final at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. This latest triumph is the culmination of years of hard work, relentless demands, and ambitions that now extend beyond the continent.
In an exclusive interview with Le360 Sport, national team coach Hicham Dguig reflects on Morocco’s fourth continental title, the team’s aspirations on the world stage, the squad’s renewal, and the challenges that have defined his journey.
Winning a fourth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title was far from a formality. Dguig emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining a top position, especially as expectations mount with each competition. For the Moroccan coach, reaching the final or settling for second place was never an option. Morocco had to retain the title and prove its worth on the court.
Achieving this goal demanded months of preparation, numerous training camps, and the sustained commitment of the entire squad. Despite Morocco’s current dominance in African futsal, success can never be taken for granted.
Passing the torch to a new generation
While winning titles is one objective, preparing the next generation is another crucial challenge, one Dguig is acutely aware of. After several years of success, the coach must now integrate new talent without compromising results.
This delicate balancing act involves making room for young players while continuing to rely on experienced veterans. In the interview, Dguig discusses this transition, the process of instilling the demands of elite competition, and preserving the momentum that has propelled the Atlas Lions in recent years.
Read also : Morocco cruise past Angola 5-2 to claim fourth straight futsal AFCON
World Cup ambitions. Can Morocco now target the title?
Morocco reached the quarterfinals at the last two World Cups, demonstrating its ability to compete with the world’s leading national teams. After four consecutive African titles, however, its ambitions have inevitably grown.
Dguig openly shares his desire to see the Atlas Lions take another step forward. He discusses the progress made, the fine margins that still separate Morocco from futsal’s elite nations, and the work required to advance further.
With Morocco also aspiring to host a Futsal World Cup, one question remains: Does the team now have what it takes to challenge for the world title?
Read also : Morocco sweep individual awards at 2026 Futsal AFCON
An accident, tensions and years of hardship
Beyond the trophies and celebrations, Dguig’s career has also been marked by painful experiences. Before becoming a leading figure in Moroccan futsal, he had to overcome several challenges, particularly in the early years of his coaching career.
In the final part of the interview, he recounts an accident that profoundly impacted his life and a particularly difficult period in his relationship with the former leadership of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Hicham Dguig et les Lions de l’Atlas de futsal ont remporté une quatrième CAN à Rabat.
These more personal revelations offer a different perspective on the national team coach, away from the court and the trophies, and help explain the journey he undertook before leading Moroccan futsal to the pinnacle of the continent.
