Libya’s dream was hanging by a thread. Just minutes remained. They were trailing to record champions Egypt in the third-place play-off at the Futsal AFCON in April. It wasn’t just bronze at stake, but Africa’s final ticket to the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™.

Ricardo Iniguez ushered his defender forward. Suhayb Alghoul responded by scoring the goal of his life and sending the contest to a shootout. Ayad Alwansi, sent on by the Spaniard specifically for penalties, saved three to spark wild celebrations among the Libyans in Rabat.

As the Mediterranean Knights prepare for a third global finals – and first since Thailand 2012 – Alghoul speaks to FIFA.

Libya missed out on the last two FIFA Futsal World Cups. How does it feel to have qualified for Uzbekistan 2024?
Sohayb Alghoul: Qualifying for the World Cup is a huge achievement for any player and it feels great. Our goal is to go further than we have before and reach the last 16.

Libya have taken some big steps forward in recent years. You finished fourth at the AFCON in 2020 and third this year. What’s been behind your improvement?
We’ve improved because of the good level of continuity in the camp over the last year and the stability we’ve had, both in terms of coaching and administration. Hopefully this will all continue after the World Cup. Special credit has to go to our director Taha Alabed, who has, thank God, restored the Libyan national team to its former glory.

Libya lost to Egypt 4-0 in the group stage, but beat them on penalties in the third-place play-off. What was key to that turnaround?
Egypt are one of the highest-ranked Arab and African teams, and we made some mistakes in the first match that we all took responsibility for as players and coaches. In the second game, we were even more determined to win and secure our place at the World Cup, and that’s what we did.

How did you feel when you scored the late equaliser against Egypt that helped your side earn their spot at the World Cup?
That equaliser against Egypt is one of the best goals I’ve ever scored, be it for my clubs or the national team, and it’s given me even more motivation to be the best I can for my country. Hopefully I’ll be able to score my first World Cup goal next.

Libya were drawn in Group D alongside two great teams in Spain and Kazakhstan, and debutants New Zealand…
It’s a really tough group, but we’ll back ourselves in our opening match against New Zealand, who aren’t considered as strong as the other teams. Spain have a great history and Kazakhstan are ranked eighth in the world, but our aim is to qualify for the last 16.

You visited Uzbekistan before the AFCON. What were your impressions of the country?
We visited the capital Tashkent during Ramadan, and we played against Uzbekistan, who are a professional team. It’s a beautiful, quiet country, the people are kind and the national team is very respectful.