Futsal AFCON 2024-Morocco: Hicham Dguig reveals the secrets behind the success
Morocco: what made the difference at the Futsal AFCON, according to Hicham Dguig. The Atlas Lions coach tells all
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2016, 2020 and 2024! Morocco have won the last three editions of the Futsal AFCON. The latest came on Sunday 21 April, with a 5-1 win at home to Angola. It is a real moment of vindication for Hicham Dguig. The Morocco coach has also lifted the lid on what went into this title win.
"We are always the first to put our opponents under pressure, and that is also thanks to plenty of training camps and international friendlies. The efforts being made within the futsal national team set-up are enormous to maintain our leadership," Hicham Dguig told the press. He also made a point of congratulating Angola, the runners-up, who put in a fine showing during the tournament, even though his side were stronger. "Conceding just one goal against this team shows that our defensive system worked well. I think the outcome followed expectations at this edition of the AFCON," added the Morocco coach.
The King and the Federation driving it forward
Hicham Dguig also insists that their sport has now won hearts, not just in Africa but across the globe. "Futsal has earned its credentials worldwide and has become popular, just like football," said the man who wore Morocco's colours from 1995 to 2007.
To finish, Hicham Dguig did not forget the King of Morocco. In his view, the monarch has put in place a "wise and far-sighted policy in the field of sport in general," along with "the commitment of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation." He added one last detail to explain the Atlas Lions' supremacy. "The Moroccan player is talented and has top-level facilities to showcase his talent," all thanks to "work that also goes on outside FIFA dates."
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