The Portuguese National Beach Soccer Team, the fourth best team on the African continent, is focused on improving its performance in the next edition of the African Beach Soccer Championship (CAN), scheduled to take place from October 19 to 26, 2024, in Hurghada, Egypt. The "Beach Warriors," as they are known, have the clear objective of reaching the final and securing their qualification for the 2025 Beach Soccer World Championship, to be held in the Seychelles Islands.
Rashid Smithe, the national team coach, expressed confidence in the team's preparation work, emphasizing that the main objective is to surpass the previous ranking and fight for the title. "We are working hard to improve our performance and take our flag to the final. Qualifying for the World Cup is our main goal," Smithe stated during a recent interview.
In the draw held by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Mozambican national team was placed in Group B, along with Senegal, Malawi, and Mauritania. Their first match is scheduled against Malawi, followed by clashes with Mauritania and Senegal, the latter being the most successful team in the competition with four titles.
The tournament will be a crucial opportunity for the "Beach Warriors" to test their strength against some of the best teams on the continent. The Mozambican team's main challenge will be Senegal, an African powerhouse in the sport and a favorite to win the title.
The two finalists of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations will secure a direct spot in the 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup. This will be the second time Egypt has hosted the continental event, following the first edition in 2018. For Mozambique, in addition to aiming for a podium finish, the main objective is to secure a place among the giants of beach soccer at the World Cup, consolidating itself as an emerging force in the sport.
With the focus and determination of the players and coaching staff, the "Warriors of the Beach" aim to make history in this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, dreaming of returning home with the trophy and a ticket to the Seychelles.
