The 2020 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball African Championships are just a few days away.

The competition in Port Said, Egypt, from 1-5 March, will gather men’s and women’s teams from across the continent.

Here are the key facts:

Last chance saloon

Port Said 2020 is the final opportunity for teams to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

The winners from both the men’s and women’s will go forward to September’s main stage alongside the nine other already qualified teams.

A chance for the continent to shine

In recent years IBSA Goalball have held many development activities to develop the sport across Africa.

These include training camps, seminars and competitions to not only help countries develop their athletes, but also referees and coaches in an attempt to create the ecosystem required.

Port Said 2020 will therefore be an indicator of the success of those efforts as countries from the continent continue to work on their teams.

A chance for Egypt to capitalise?

At the last African Championships in 2016, the Egyptian men and women took on Algeria in the finals.

Four years ago they both lost, but this time they will have the home advantage.

In addition, whilst Algeria have been the only team from the region to qualify for the last two Paralympics in 2012 and 2016, Egypt remain the most successful African team in the tournament. Their men finished on three consecutive podiums between 1984-1992 with a silver and two bronze medals.

The 2020 IBSA Goalball African Championships will take place from 2-5 March. Coverage and results will be available at the IBSA website and IBSA Goalball social media throughout.