The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the match officials for the highly anticipated futsal qualifier between Ghana and Zambia, as the Black Stars Futsal team intensifies preparations for a decisive international assignment early next month.
The qualifier will be staged at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Sports Hall on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 local time, and it promises to be a high-tempo contest between two ambitious nations seeking to establish themselves among Africa’s emerging futsal forces.
All-Senegalese Refereeing Team to Lead the Contest
CAF has appointed an all-Senegalese officiating team to handle the fixture, led by experienced referee Elhadji Dieme, who will take charge as the main referee for the encounter.
He will be supported by:
• Mouhamadou Mansour Mbacke – Second Referee
• Bintou Badji – Third Referee
• Papa Wongue Mbengue – Reserve Assistant Referee
In addition, CAF has assigned Alioune Dabo as the timekeeper, a key role in futsal where match control and timing are crucial due to the sport’s fast pace, frequent stoppages and strict timing rules.
CAF has also named Robert Mangollo Mvoulou of Gabon as the Match Commissioner, tasked with overseeing match organisation, ensuring regulations are followed, and reporting on key events before, during and after the game.
Cape Coast Hosts a Growing Futsal Occasion
The decision to host the qualifier at the UCC Sports Hall in Cape Coast reflects the venue’s growing importance as a hub for indoor sports in Ghana. Over the years, the facility has built a reputation for hosting national competitions and international-standard games, and the February 3 qualifier is expected to attract strong support from local fans, students, and sports lovers from across the Central Region.
Futsal, often described as football’s fastest and most technical cousin, continues to gain popularity in Ghana, particularly among young players, thanks to its emphasis on quick passing, close ball control, tactical intelligence and high-intensity transitions.
Ghana’s Futsal Journey: A Developing Story
While Ghana has a proud and established football tradition, futsal remains a developing discipline within the country’s sporting ecosystem. Ghana’s participation in futsal has historically been irregular compared to African futsal powerhouses such as Morocco, Egypt, Angola and Libya, nations that have invested consistently in futsal development structures and domestic competitions.
Ghana’s futsal record at the continental level has therefore been modest, largely due to:
• limited long-term national team programmes
• inconsistent participation in CAF competitions
• fewer structured futsal leagues compared to leading nations
• limited international exposure for players and coaches
However, Ghana’s futsal potential has never been in doubt. The country has always produced naturally gifted footballers—players with quick feet, creativity and flair—traits that translate strongly into futsal.
Over the years, Ghana has been involved in various futsal initiatives, including domestic tournaments and development projects, and the national team has periodically assembled for international engagements. Yet, the challenge has been sustaining a stable system that allows the sport to flourish and compete regularly at the top level.
Why This Qualifier Matters for Ghana
This match against Zambia represents more than just a single qualification tie. It is a major test of Ghana’s futsal growth, and an opportunity to demonstrate progress in a discipline that is increasingly becoming competitive across Africa.
For Ghana, a strong performance and potential qualification would:
• raise the profile of futsal nationally
• attract sponsorship and investment into the sport
• encourage more youth participation
• build a consistent national team programme
• provide players with a platform to earn professional opportunities abroad
Zambia: A Tough and Organised Opponent
Zambia enters the fixture as a side known for its athleticism, tactical discipline and physical intensity, and they will be determined to spoil Ghana’s home advantage.
Zambian teams, across football and futsal, often rely on:
• strong pressing
• direct attacking transitions
• organised defensive structure
• high work-rate
This makes them dangerous in futsal, where one mistake can lead to immediate punishment due to the short distances and rapid counter-attacks.
Ghana’s Chances: Home Advantage Could Be Key
Ghana will take confidence from the fact that the game will be played at home in Cape Coast, where the crowd could become a decisive factor. In futsal, atmosphere matters—momentum shifts quickly, and noise can lift the home side during difficult phases of the match.
Ghana’s chances in the qualifier will depend heavily on three key factors:
1) Discipline and Game Management
Futsal is unforgiving. Accumulated fouls, poor substitutions, or lapses in concentration can change the game instantly. Ghana must stay disciplined, especially against a high-energy Zambian side.
2) Technical Efficiency
Ghanaian players are known for skill, but futsal demands quick decision-making, sharp passing, and clinical finishing. If Ghana converts chances early, Zambia may struggle to settle.
3) Fitness and Tactical Identity
The ability to maintain tempo for two halves and execute pressing systems will be crucial. Ghana’s tactical structure—particularly in defence—will determine whether Zambia can find gaps.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Ghana Futsal?
For many observers, this qualifier could be a marker of a new chapter. If Ghana can build continuity—through structured competitions, regular national team camps, coaching development and consistent international exposure—the country has the raw talent to become a respected futsal force in Africa.
Already, the rise of indoor football across schools and local competitions shows a strong base is emerging. The challenge now is turning that grassroots interest into elite performance.
February 3 Set for High-Stakes Futsal Drama
With CAF confirming match officials and preparations expected to intensify in the coming days, all attention turns to Cape Coast on February 3 for what could become one of Ghana’s most important futsal games in recent history.
Ghana will be aiming not only to overcome Zambia but to make a statement: that the country’s futsal ambitions are real, growing, and ready for the continental stage.
