Latest news with #AfricaFutsalCupofNations
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Morocco win historic African women's futsal title - Sports - Al-Ahram Weekly
Morocco were crowned champions of the inaugural Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations after they edged Tanzania 3-2 in the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Wednesday night 30 April. The Lionesses of the Atlas came from two goals down to secure their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, with Jasmine Demraoui netting the decisive goal in the final minute of regulation time. According to cafonline, the win not only handed Morocco their maiden trophy in women's futsal but also secured their qualification for the first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup, set to be held in the Philippines from 27 November to 7 December this year. Finalists Tanzania also booked their spot in the global showpiece. Anastazia Katunzi of Tanzania opened the scoring in the fourth minute, capitalising on a poorly cleared ball to fire her side ahead. Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 16th minute through Jamila Rajabu, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Just before half-time, Doha El Madani slotted home a penalty to pull one back. In the 34th minute, Drissia Korrych levelled the tie from a cleverly worked corner. In the dying seconds, Demraoui found space to fire a precise low drive across the goalkeeper to complete a stunning comeback and ignite wild celebrations in Rabat. Earlier in the day, Cameroon claimed third place with a thumping 4-1 win over Angola. Egypt defeated Madagascar 4-2 to take fifth place in the nine-team tournament which were representing all five Confederation of African Football (CAF) sub regions. Egypt had played two games in the group stage, losing to Angola 3-1, then tying with Guinea 3-3 for one point. The tournament's individual awards went to Jasmine Demraoui (Best Player, Morocco), Doha El Madani (Top Scorer with 5 goals, Morocco), and Nassra Abbas (Best Goalkeeper, Tanzania). Namibia were recognised with the Fair Play Award. * A version of this article appears in print in the 8 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CAF
19-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Seynabou Kane, the ambitious captain of the Teranga Lionesses futsal team
Published: Saturday, 19 April 2025 At just 19 years old, Seynabou Kane is already establishing herself as a key figure in women's futsal in Senegal. Captain of the national women's team, she is set to take part in the first edition of the Africa Futsal Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be held in Morocco from 22 to 30 April. A path forged at Dakar Sacré-Cœur Originally from Dakar, Seynabou Kane developed her game at the Dakar Sacré-Cœur club, a structure known for its commitment to football development. It was there that she crossed paths with Aïssata Seyck, former captain of the Teranga Lionesses and now assistant coach of the national futsal team. The influence of Aïssata Seyck on Seynabou Kane's career is undeniable. The former captain passed on values of leadership, discipline, and tenacity to the young player. 'I was at Dakar Sacré-Cœur for two or three years, and Aïssata was my first coach. I found her again here in the national team, and it makes me really happy,' says Seynabou. An ambitious captain Despite her young age, Seynabou Kane did not hesitate to take on the captaincy of the national team — a role she embraces with determination. 'I want us to win the AFCON,' she says confidently. For her, the competition is more than just a tournament; it represents a chance to make Senegalese women's futsal shine and showcase the talent of the Lionesses on the continental stage. According to Seynabou, Senegal's strengths lie in their youth and technical quality: 'We have many talented young players, and we rely on our technical skill.' This could be a key advantage in a tournament where agility and precision are essential. A calm mindset ahead of AFCON As the Women's Futsal AFCON approaches, Seynabou Kane and her teammates are entering the tournament with a calm and focused mindset. 'We are comfortable. We play, we enjoy ourselves, and there is talent in this team.' These words reflect a strong sense of collective confidence and cohesion — both vital to overcoming the challenges ahead. As a young captain, Seynabou also wants to inspire other young girls who dream of a career in futsal. 'There is a real opportunity for us. Maybe in the future, we can play in Europe. That's also my dream.' A World Cup ambition The continental tournament also serves as a gateway to the Women's Futsal World Cup. 'Playing in a World Cup means a lot to me. It means flying the Senegalese flag high and showing how far we've come.' Qualifying for the World Cup would be a huge milestone for this rising generation of Senegalese futsal players. If the Lionesses manage to win the AFCON, Seynabou already knows how she'll celebrate: 'I will run from my house to the palace.' A powerful image that speaks to her pride in representing Senegal and the significance of this moment for her and her team. One thing is clear: with a leader like Seynabou Kane, Senegal has every reason to believe in its chances.
CAF
12-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Donalwald Modise: "We want to make history in Namibian women's futsal"
For the first time in its history, Namibia is set to compete in the Women's Futsal Africa Cup of Nations. This is a historic moment for the country, which aims to establish itself on the continental stage against formidable opponents such as Morocco and Cameroon, the headline teams in Group A. Leading the Namibian team is Donalwald Modise, former assistant coach of the men's team during the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2024. Modise now guides his players in this new adventure. In an exclusive interview with he shares his thoughts on the challenges and aspirations of his team ahead of the tournament's kick-off. Namibia is in Group A with Morocco and Cameroon. What are your thoughts on this? Donalwald Modise: Firstly, it's an honour to be part of such an important tournament. We have been drawn against Morocco and Cameroon. As we all know, few African countries participate in futsal. For us, as Namibia, this will be our first time in the women's competition. Last year, we participated with the men, and it was a very significant occasion, one we truly appreciated. Regarding my opponents, I have to say that we have watched Morocco closely. They have been playing futsal for seven years, at least in the women's game, so it will be tough against them, but we are working hard. We are preparing. Everything depends on our preparation. On match day, we will see how we approach the game and the tactics. You were the assistant coach to Ryan Jago during last year's Men's Futsal Cup of Nations. What did that experience teach you? The experience was fantastic. It taught me a lot. We played against some of the most well-known futsal countries in the world. And this time, we have another top team in our group, which will make things a bit more difficult. However, preparations are going well and continuously improving. You recently announced the list of 14 players selected for this Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations. How was the selection process? The selection process was tough. We held trials for a whole week in February. After that, we reduced the squad to 25 players. From these 25, we narrowed it down to 16, and finally, we selected the final team from those 16. This Women's Futsal Cup of Nations will also feature familiar faces, such as Curtis Reid, the coach of Tanzania, whom Namibia defeated in the Men's qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations. What are your thoughts on this? I know I was involved in the match where the Tanzanian coach managed the men's team, both at home and away. It was a tough encounter, so I'm sure he has also prepared his team well. We were the country that played against them last year with the men. They beat us at home, but we got the points away. But I also know he is a well-known futsal coach. He has been in the UK. It's going to be tough for the other groups as well. How are your players reacting to this historic first participation in the Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations? The players are excited. They are working hard. They are open to this new platform, and it's an opportunity for them to leave the country and see how futsal has evolved in Africa. How are your preparations going for the tournament? Donalwald Modise: It's going well. I can say I'm very impressed with my players. They are working hard, twice a day. They are well taken care of, and I believe by the time the first match comes, we will be ready. What are the key areas you are focusing on to ensure you are fully prepared? Firstly, fitness, and then the intensity with which the game must be played. What are your ambitions for the Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations? Overall, I'd like Namibia to be among the top five in the standings, as this is our first participation. It would be an accomplishment for me, but we are pushing them hard. We want to get out of the group. We want to reach at least the semi-finals. Beyond athletic performance and with the Women's Africa Futsal Cup of Nations marking a new era for the sport, what is your wish for the development of women's futsal in Africa? My wish is that each country has at least one futsal court that meets CAF or FIFA standards, and that development starts from the grassroots, from the lowest levels to the highest.
