Morocco open futsal title defence against Algeria in Rabat: kick-off time and TV coverage

The opening clash of the Futsal AFCON pits Morocco against Algeria on Monday. Kick-off is at 20:00 Moroccan time (22:00 in France, Belgium and the Netherlands) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall in Rabat. The match will be broadcast live on Arryadia. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is also offering a free stream on its official YouTube channel CAF TV.

For Hicham Dguig’s players, this opening match marks the start of a new continental campaign on home soil. The coach has selected 14 players, including Soufiane El Mesrar, Soufiane Borite and Soufiane Charraoui. “We are fully prepared to take part in a great competition and defend our title at home,” the coach said in comments published Monday by the CAF.

Algeria, meanwhile, is making its first appearance in the final tournament of the Futsal AFCON. Noureddine Benamrouche’s players secured their first qualification by eliminating Guinea, with two emphatic wins: 4-0 in Conakry and 7-1 in Oran. Their coach acknowledged the difficulty of the trip to Rabat while expressing his determination to make a success of this first appearance.

A fourth African title in their sights

Morocco has won the last three editions of the competition, in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Its most recent triumph was a 5-1 victory over Angola in the final in Rabat. A fourth consecutive trophy would see the Atlas Lions move ahead of Egypt, also a three-time champion, in the continental honours list.

After Algeria, Morocco will face Zambia on Wednesday, October 14, at 20:00, then Libya on Friday, October 16, at the same time. The top two teams in Group A will qualify for the semi-finals.

Organized in Rabat from October 12 to 21, this eighth edition brings together eight teams. All 16 matches will be broadcast on CAF TV, in line with the arrangement announced by the Confederation of African Football. The final will be played on Wednesday, October 21.