{
  "id": 13944473,
  "title": "2026 CAF Futsal AFCON kicks off in Morocco",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/2026-caf-futsal-afcon-kicks-off-in-morocco",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T11:44:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/2026-caf-futsal-afcon-kicks-off-in-morocco/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations commenced in Rabat, Morocco on Monday, with eight nations competing for the continental title until October 21. Libya and Zambia will face off in the opening match at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall. The participating teams include Morocco, Libya, Zambia, Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania, divided into two groups: Group A (Morocco, Libya, Zambia, and Algeria) and Group B (Egypt, Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania).\n\nLibya, aiming to surpass their third-place finish in 2024, will be guided by new head coach Pereira da Silva, who replaces Ricardo Inuguez. Zambia, coached by Andrea Cristoforetti for his second consecutive CAF Futsal Africa Cup, expressed confidence in their team's growth and readiness for the competition. Cristoforetti highlighted that their two friendly matches against Egypt provided valuable insights into their competitive level.\n\nLooking to build on their previous podium finish, Libya will face an initial challenge against Zambia in Group A. Zambia, eager to measure their progress against one of Africa's established futsal teams, will be coached by Cristoforetti, confident that their experience since the last edition will improve their performance. The race for the continental title is now officially underway.",
  "summary": "The 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations has kicked off in Rabat, Morocco, with eight nations competing for the continental title until October 21. Read More: https://punchng.com/2026-caf-futsal-afcon-kicks-off-in-morocco/",
  "key_points": [
    "2026 CAF Futsal AFCON begins in Rabat, Morocco",
    "Libya and Zambia face off in opening match",
    "Eight nations compete until October 21"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "2026 CAF Futsal AFCON kicks off in Morocco",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/2026-caf-futsal-afcon-kicks-off-in-morocco-13945547",
        "published": "2026-10-12T11:50:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}