Morocco’s futsal team is preparing for what coach Hicham Dguig anticipates will be a “fiercely contested” match against Panama in their second game of the 2024 Futsal World Cup.
Speaking to reporters in Tashkent ahead of the Group E match on Wednesday, Dguig made it clear that the match will be anything but easy. “We expect a fiercely contested match against Panama. A victory in this second game would mean qualification for us. However, for Panama, it’s their last chance,” Dguig recked.
Panama is on the brink of elimination after losing 10-1 to Portugal; the game against Morocco will be the deciding factor if Panama continues in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Morocco heads into the match with momentum after a 4-2 win over Tajikistan in their opening game, but Dguig isn’t taking anything for granted.
The Moroccan coach has cautioned that Panama, with their backs against the wall, will come out fighting. “We are prepared for all scenarios and want to secure qualification without having to rely on results from other games,” he said.
While Morocco has entered the match as the favorite, the team is dealing with injuries to key players. Othmane El Idrissi is out for the remainder of the tournament, and Soufiane Bourite will miss at least the next match. Despite the reduced squad, Dguig is confident his team is ready.
Moroccan player Soufiane El Mesrar echoed the coach’s sentiments, stressing the importance of the match for their qualification hopes. “The Panama team won’t be willing to lose another match and will play against us as if it’s a final,” he said, adding: “We are aware of this, and the coach has worked on these details.”
Thursday’s matchup will kick off at 1:30 Moroccan time, with Portugal facing Tajikistan later in the day.