Morocco began the defence of their African futsal title with a 4-0 win over Algeria on Monday at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall in Rabat. Hicham Dguig’s side led 2-0 at half-time, scored twice more after the break and kept a clean sheet in front of their home supporters.
Dguig started Mohamed Cheridou in goal, with Anas El Ayyane, captain Soufiane El Mesrar, Bilal Bakkali and Idriss Raiss El Fenni in front of him, and the starting five set the tone for a one-sided evening. Morocco went into the 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations as favourites after winning the 2016, 2020 and 2024 editions. A fourth title in a row would be unprecedented, and Morocco have the chance to achieve it on home soil. They controlled the North African derby throughout, building a two-goal lead before the interval and adding to it in the second half.
Algeria, coached by Nordine Benamrouche, were making their first appearance at the finals after beating Guinea 4-0 and 7-1 to qualify. Their debut ended in a heavy defeat against the side that has dominated futsal on the continent for the past decade, and they now go into their remaining group games against Libya and Zambia without a point. With only two semi-final places available from Group A, the result puts early pressure on Benamrouche’s squad.
In Group A’s other opening match, played earlier on Monday, Zambia beat Libya 3-1. Royd Chishala scored for Zambia in the second minute and Patrick Mwila added two more, while Mohammed Abu Raas pulled one back for Libya in the final minute. Morocco lead the group after the first round of games, ahead of Zambia on goal difference, with Libya and Algeria both still without a point. Morocco play Zambia on Wednesday, October 14, at 8pm Moroccan time, a fixture that could decide who finishes first in the group. Dguig’s team then close the group stage against Libya on Friday, October 16, also at 8pm. Algeria face Libya on Wednesday at 5pm before meeting Zambia on Friday at 8pm, knowing they need results in both games to stay in contention. The top two teams in each four-team group go through to the semi-finals. For Morocco, a win over Zambia would leave them on the brink of a place in the last four with a game to spare, and keep their bid for a record fourth straight title on course.
