The 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations began in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, with eight national teams competing for the continental title until October 21.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Libya and Zambia would face off in the tournament’s opening match at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall.
Hosts Morocco will compete alongside Libya, Zambia, Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania in the championship.
The teams have been divided into two groups, with Morocco, Libya, Zambia and Algeria placed in Group A, while Group B consists of Egypt, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Libya enter the competition seeking to build on their third-place finish at the 2024 edition, where they defeated Egypt on penalties to secure the bronze medal.
The 2008 champions will be led by new head coach Pereira da Silva, who replaced Ricardo Inuguez. The former Al-Ittihad and Misrata coach is expected to guide the Mediterranean Knights as they begin their campaign against Zambia.
Zambia, meanwhile, will be under the leadership of Andrea Cristoforetti, who returns for his second consecutive CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations after coaching the team at the 2024 tournament in Rabat.
Cristoforetti said preparations had included two friendly matches against Egypt, which helped his team evaluate its readiness for the competition.
He described Libya as an experienced futsal nation with a history of World Cup appearances and a well-organised playing style, noting that the encounter would provide Zambia with an opportunity to measure themselves against a North African opponent.
The Zambian coach added that preparations had progressed well, with experienced members of the squad, including the captain, now better acquainted with the demands of the continental tournament.
He expressed optimism that Zambia would perform better than they did in 2024 and continue to close the gap on more established teams.
While Libya will be aiming for another podium finish, Zambia will seek to demonstrate their progress against one of Africa’s recognised futsal sides as the battle for continental honours gets underway.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on October 21, when the new African futsal champions will be determined.
