Reuben Semabia: Ghana will bring the Beach Soccer AFCON Cup home
As the countdown to the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 continues, excitement is building for the tournament set to kick off in Hurghada from 19 to 26 October.
Ghana, making a return to the competition after their last appearance in 2016, is placed in a challenging Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Morocco, and debutants Tanzania.
Among the key players representing Ghana is Reuben Semabia Larli, a versatile player who has been an integral part of the team’s preparations.
In an exclusive interview with CafOnline.com, Reuben shared insights on the team's mood, their ambitions, and the challenges they expect to face.
With a strong desire to make history, the Ghanaian squad is not only eyeing the continental title but also aiming for a spot in the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles.
Below is what Reuben had to say about their journey and expectations ahead of the tournament.
How do you feel about being in Egypt for the CAF Beach Soccer AFCON?
It feels great to be here because we are here to make Ghana proud. The mood in camp is very great, and we are going to make our people back at home proud. We have been in camp for two weeks, and everyone is ready. We are going to deliver and make Ghana proud.
Egypt is the host country, and Ghana is facing them in the group stage. What are your thoughts on this?
Egypt is the host country, and it is not easy playing against a host, but we have played against them a couple of times. We are going to deliver. Egypt and Morocco are in the same group with us, but we have one goal: to qualify for the Beach Soccer World Cup, and we are not scared or afraid of any of them.
What is your personal aim for this tournament?
Personally, my aim is to qualify for the World Cup and make myself and my family proud. I will do everything possible to help the team qualify, and that is my main target.
How has the preparation been under the coach's guidance?
The coach has taken us through a lot of tactics, including defending, attacking, and ball possession. We are ready, and we are going to qualify for the World Cup.
How would you describe the team spirit in camp?
There is unity in camp because we all have one goal, and that is to qualify for the World Cup. I am a defender, but any position that my coach will ask me to play, I will do so perfectly and make the country proud.
What message do you have for your fans back home in Ghana?
I just want my fans to know that we are coming back home with the Cup. They should prepare for it because we are going to celebrate it big time. They just have to prepare for it and pray for us as well.