The official draw for the 2024 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will take place on Thursday, September 19, at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo.
The event, set to be streamed live on CAF’s YouTube channel at 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT), will place the eight participating nations into their respective groups for the tournament.
Scheduled to run from October 19 to 26 in Hurghada, Egypt, this will be the sixth edition of the competition, with significant stakes as the winners and runners-up will earn qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
As the draw approaches, here are the key team facts for each of the eight nations competing in this year’s event:
General Overview
- CAF Beach Soccer Competition: First played in 2015 in Seychelles, Madagascar emerged as champions.
- Most Titles: Senegal, reigning champions, have won four titles, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
- Return to Egypt: This year marks the tournament’s return to Egypt after hosting it in 2018, when Senegal clinched victory.
- World Cup Qualification: The top two teams from this tournament will join Seychelles as Africa’s representatives at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which will be held on the continent for the first time.
Egypt
- Host Nation: Egypt is hosting the tournament for the second time, having previously done so in 2018, when they finished third.
- Recent Performances: Egypt were runners-up at the last edition in Mozambique and represented Africa at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup alongside Senegal.
Ghana
- Return After Long Absence: Ghana last played in 2015 and 2016 but have missed out on qualification since. They will be eager to advance from the group stages for the first time.
- Qualification Path: Ghana secured their spot by defeating Côte d’Ivoire 10-5 on aggregate.
Malawi
- Second AFCON Appearance: Malawi made their debut in Mozambique in 2022 and are back for their second attempt.
- Qualification Drama: They edged Burundi 15-14 on aggregate, with an 8-8 draw in the final match securing their place in the finals.
- Looking to Advance: After finishing third in their group in 2022, Malawi is aiming to break into the knockout stages.
Morocco
- Veteran Contender: This will be Morocco’s sixth appearance at the CAF Beach Soccer AFCON.
- Consistent Performer: Morocco has two bronze medals from the 2021 and 2022 editions, with additional semi-final appearances in 2015 and 2016.
Mauritania
- Debutants: Mauritania will make their first-ever appearance at the CAF Beach Soccer AFCON.
- Giant Killers: They caused a major upset by eliminating two-time champions Nigeria with a 6-5 aggregate victory.
- Leadership: The team is coached by former national captain Moussa Baghayogho, who also led Mauritania in their first CHAN appearance in 2016.
Mozambique
- Recent Hosts: Mozambique hosted the last edition in 2022, finishing fourth after losing to Morocco.
- COSAFA Achievements: Mozambique is the only team from the COSAFA region to secure a podium finish, achieving second place in the 2021 edition behind Senegal.
Senegal
- Undisputed Champions: Senegal is the tournament’s most successful nation with four titles, winning consecutively from 2016 to 2022.
- Leadership on the Sand: Senegal’s captain, Al Seyni Ndiaye, is the most successful player in the tournament, having been part of all their title-winning squads.
Tanzania
- Third Appearance: Tanzania will be competing in their third CAF Beach Soccer AFCON and will be looking to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
- Improvement Expected: After finishing bottom of their group in 2018, Tanzania showed improvement in 2021 by finishing third in Group A.
With the tournament set to begin in just a few weeks, all eyes will be on the draw to see how the groups will shape up for these eight teams. The excitement builds as the best of African beach soccer gather once again, competing not only for continental glory but also for a place on the world stage.
