Courtesy: CAF On line


I will devise a strategy for Egypt – says Libya Coach

30/03/2008

Mato Stankovic has been the architect of the Libyan team that has qualified for the finals of ongoing 4th African Futsal Championsips. The Croat tells www.cafonline.com, how he is preparing to face the Pharaohs.

What made the difference for your team against Mozambique in the semi-final?
The game against Mozambique was not an easy one. Both teams didn’t want to take any risks and took much time studying each other. But I had to change my tactics during the last seven minutes and we succeeded in scoring two goals to cruise to victory. Also, my captain (Abdallah Nagi) is still out, injured and this affected my defence a lot. We wanted to qualify for Brazil and we are there.


How do you hope to improve upon your defence before playing Egypt in the final?
I saw the Egyptian team and they don’t play like Mozambique, and will devise a strategy for Egypt.


Is qualifying to Brazil the most important feat for your team?
Now we have qualified to Brazil, but the next thing is to be champion of Africa. For my team, we approach every game as it comes. Egypt has an experienced side with good players against my team, dominated by youthful players. I selected my players from unknown places as there is no national league, and had about seven months to prepare for the tournament. Despite, I’m really impressed with my team’s performance.


After watching all teams, what’s the future of futsal in Africa?
Futsal has a bright future in Africa, but I think more resources must be pushed into it. Africans teams must bring in technical experts and also travel outside the continent to play some of the best teams in Europe and South America.



How would you convince Africans to go futsal at the expense of “normal” football?
I think both are the same, because most African teams have the technique but lack the tactics; and that make European teams better than African teams. I think with time, they will match up and futsal will become very popular in Africa.



Courtesy: CAF On line


The game is played everywhere and the fans are crazy about the game – Eng. Ali

29/03/2008

Interview with Eng. Ali Jilani Iftieteah, Manager of the 4th African Futsal championship

What is your opinion on Futsal in Libya?
Football, more specially Futsal is developing at a fast pace fast in Libya . The game is played everywhere and the fans are also crazy about the game.
They follow the team wherever they play, and this has been crucial to the success of the tournament.


What are the factors which has led to the success of the Libyan in reaching the final?
Libya has been trying to qualify for the finals of the FIFA World Cup over the years but to no luck. Twice they came close to qualifying. But the people believe this generation are taking the "Greens" to their first major World event in football.


How are you coping with the management of the participating teams amongst other things?
We had studied the tournament very well, and formed 10 different committees including Protocol, Travel, Accommodation etc. From March 1, we rehearsed every activity related to the tournament and I don't think we have fared badly. It is very difficult to please everybody, but am just hoping that at the end everyone will be happy.


What will the success of this event mean to you?
A lot, but we will have to evaluate our performance before we think of other events. We are even planning to bid for the World Futsal Championship.

We will also propose many ideas towards making the game more successful in Libya and Africa in general.


What is the philosophy behind that colorful opening ceremony?
We sent some messages with the opening ceremony. On a whole, we presented Africa because Africa plays a major role in events all over the world.

Then we presented the Libyan heritage and finally the development of Futsal over the last few years.


The Libyan Leader, Muammar Al-Gaddafi has also shown a major concern for this championship?
This is an African event, and the leader as we all know takes interest in African events. He always fights for the African cause and always wants positive things for the continent.

He has hosted all the teams, CAF Executives and organizing committee twice during the last seven days, and this largely confirms his support for the tournament.


Finally, what has been the driving force behind the tournament?
I believe in teamwork, and always make sure that everything is in order. I have confidence and trust in my group to deliver. My reputation is at stake and won't make create room for any surprises.




Courtesy: CAF On line


Libya Futsal 2008: Morocco beat Mozambique 3-1 to pick bronze

30/03/2008

Morocco came from a goal down to beat Mozambique 3-1 in the third place match at the ongoing 4th African Futsal championship at the African Union Hall on Sunday.

Mozambique who stayed deep and resorted to counter attacks took a shocking lead in the 35th minute through Vaz Jacinto through one of such attacks.

But they paid dearly for their defensive style as the Moroccans drew equal two minutes from time through substitute goalkeeper Talhaoui Morad, who delivered a thunderbolt through the defence of the Mozambicans, which zoomed into the net.

Both teams failed score during normal time forcing the game into extra time, but it was the Moroccans who had the last laugh scoring two goals through petit midfielder El Azar Mahjoub and Kayouri Hicham.

Mahjoub scored from close range in the first half of extra time before Hicham put the icing on the cake after a solo run a minute from full time.

Moroccan coach Baidou Abdelaziz was full of praise for his team for their spirited comeback and crusing to victory.

“This was a great game as both countries play futsal in their respective countries, but I think my decision to introduce substitute goalkeeper Talhaoui Morad won the game for us.

“I am very proud of my young team. At least we’re going back with something,” referring to their bronze feat.

On his part, Mozambican coach Inacio Sambo attributed the loss to injury two two key players in the course of the game.

“I had to play a greater part of the game with only six men, and you can’t beat a team like Morocco with a half strength team.

“My boys did very well but lost to a better side.”

Defending champions, Egypt will engage hosts Libya in the final match on Monday at the African Union Hall in Tripoli.




Courtesy: CAF On line


Libya Futsal 2008: Morocco, Mozambique square off for bronze

30/03/2008

The Futsal team of Morocco will clash with their Mozambican counterparts in the third place match of the ongoing 4th African Futsal Championship at the African Union Hall in Tripoli on Sunday.

The clash is expected to set the tone for the grand final but it would be more interesting as both teams are bent on going home with something to cheer about.

Morocco lost 1-4 to defending champions Egypt, while Mozambique suffered a similar fate at the hands of host nation Libya in Friday's semi-final matches.

Mozambique has emerged as one of the rising forces of this tournament producing some wonderful performances, and are surely going to give the Moroccans another stiff opposition.

Despite the loss to Libya, the Southern Africans gave the hosts their toughest opposition yet in the tournament, and the youthful Moroccans can only dream of another tough battle.

Coach Inacio Samba will welcome Francisco Manuel and Sousa Marcio, who both missed out on the semi-final duel through suspension, and their presence is expected to add more to their quest for the bronze.

"They are my two key players, and their presence really affected our performance against Libya" Coach Samba said in a post match interview.

The Mozambican trainer is however optimistic of grabbing the third place at the expense of the Moroccans.

Mozambique is well noted for their free-scoring attack, which has seen them hit the back of the 25 times, nine more than the Moroccans who have also been impressive upfront.

But the clash promises to be an interesting one, with both teams rated as the best by sections of the public and some experts.





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com