The first day of the African Nations Futsal Cup ended with victories for Zambia and Morocco over Ghana and Angola, respectively.
Zambia defeated Ghana with a score of 5 goals to 2 in the opening match of the 7th edition of the African Nations Futsal Cup (CAN Morocco-2024) for Group A, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Sports Palace of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Zambia's goals were scored by Patrick Banda, Francis Chinyama, Wiseman Phiri, Mbalika Mwaliteta, and Jackson Simwami. On the other hand, Emmanuel Pako Nakotey and Philip Nii Boye scored for Ghana.
The Moroccan team also made a strong start by winning against their Angolan counterpart with a score of 5 goals to 2.
Hicham Dguig's men were surprised by a goal from Hélber Garcia but equalized a few minutes later through Idriss El Fenni from a free kick.
Confident after the equalizing goal, the Atlas Lions displayed their offensive prowess, creating several chances before widening the gap through Soufian Charraoui.
Upon resumption, the Atlas Lions deployed their offensive machine, putting pressure on the Angolan players who conceded after goals from Anas El Ayyane and Soufian Charraoui, who scored a hat-trick. Anderson Fortes scored a consolation goal for Angola.
The opening ceremony of this 7th edition of the CAN Morocco-2024, held before the Morocco-Angola match, was vibrant with colors and lights, highlighting the civilizational features of Rabat, the host city, as well as the cultural aspects of Africa, with music and songs from the continent.
The ceremony was attended by the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe.
The eight teams qualified for this edition of the Futsal AFCON were split into two groups. Group A includes Morocco, the two-time defending champion, Angola, Ghana, and Zambia, while Group B consists of Egypt, Libya, Namibia, and Mauritania.
The top three teams from this African competition, which will continue until April 21, will earn their spots for the FIFA Futsal World Cup scheduled from September 14 to October 6 in Uzbekistan.
The matches of this continental futsal event are being held at the Ibn Yassine hall and the Sports Palace of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Morocco, which also hosted the previous edition of the Futsal AFCON in 2020 in Laâyoune, is the two-time defending champion.
