On the prestigious stage of the African Futsal Championship, currently taking place in Morocco, one name shines brightly: Hilário Almoço, a prominent figure in Mozambican refereeing. Originally from the city of Maputo, Almoço was appointed as one of the 14 referees tasked with overseeing the exciting matches of the continental competition, which runs from April 11 to 22 in Rabat.
This is not the first time Almoço has distinguished himself on the African futsal scene. In 2020, he demonstrated his expertise as a FIFA referee in the same tournament, held in Morocco. With a decade of experience under the FMF/FIFA banner, Almoço is a respected veteran in the world of refereeing. His impressive resume includes participation in national football championships, solidifying his reputation as a high-caliber referee.
This year's African Futsal Championship features a fierce battle between eight teams: Angola, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Namibia, Ghana, Zambia, and Libya. This competition, held every four years, not only crowns a continental champion but also offers a valuable opportunity for the top three teams to qualify for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup, to be held in Uzbekistan, as CAF representatives.
The appointment of Hilário Almoço not only highlights his individual excellence, but also underscores the growth of Mozambican refereeing in all disciplines of football, both men's and women's. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent that permeate the refereeing corridors in Mozambique, propelling the country onto the international stage with confidence and determination.
In this exciting moment for African futsal, eyes are not only on the teams on the field, but also on Hilário Almoço and his team of referees, who play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the games. Their presence at the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is a source of pride for Mozambique and an inspiration for aspiring referees throughout the country.
