Rabat – Morocco opened their 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations campaign emphatically on Monday, defeating Algeria 4-0 at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall in Rabat.
Playing in front of their home supporters, Hicham Dguig’s three-time defending African champions took control of the North African derby and carried a 2-0 advantage into halftime before adding two more goals after the break to complete the victory and a clean sheet.
Dguig started with Mohamed Cheridou in goal alongside Anas El Ayyane, captain Soufiane El Mesrar, Bilal Bakkali and Idriss Raiss El Fenni.
Morocco entered the tournament as the team to beat after winning each of the previous three editions of the competition in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Monday’s result provided an ideal beginning to their attempt to claim an unprecedented fourth consecutive continental crown on home soil.
For Algeria, the match represented a very different milestone. Nordine Benamrouche’s side were making their first-ever appearance at the Futsal AFCON finals after qualifying with victories of 4-0 and 7-1 over Guinea. Their continental debut, however, began with a heavy defeat against Africa’s dominant futsal side.
Morocco take early control of Group A
The 4-0 scoreline gives Morocco the early advantage in Group A after the opening round of matches.
Zambia also collected three points on Monday after beating Libya 3-1 in the tournament opener. Royd Chishala scored in the second minute before Patrick Mwila struck twice, while Mohammed Abu Raas scored Libya’s only goal in the final minute.
Morocco therefore sit above Zambia on goal difference after Matchday 1, while Libya and Algeria begin the competition without a point.
The Atlas Lions will return to the same venue on Wednesday, October 14, when they face Zambia at 8 p.m. Moroccan time in a match that could play a major role in deciding first place in the group. Morocco will then complete the group stage against Libya on Friday, October 16, at 8 p.m.
Algeria, meanwhile, will look for their first points against Libya on Wednesday at 5 p.m., before facing Zambia in their final group match on Friday at 8 p.m.
The top two teams from each four-team group advance to the semifinals, leaving Morocco well positioned after a four-goal opening statement in Rabat.
