Morocco made an emphatic start to their 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Monday, sweeping aside Algeria 4-0 at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall in Rabat.
Backed by their home supporters, the Atlas Lions demonstrated why they remain the team to beat in African futsal. Head coach Hicham Dguig watched his side establish a two-goal lead before the break and add two more after halftime, combining attacking efficiency with a clean sheet to open their campaign in convincing fashion.
The result also marked an important first step in Morocco’s pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive continental title, having lifted the trophy in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
A Strong Opening in the North African Derby
Morocco approached the encounter with the confidence of three-time reigning champions, but the opening fixture carried additional significance against their North African rivals.
Dguig selected Mohamed Cheridou in goal, supported by Anas El Ayyane, captain Soufiane El Mesrar, Bilal Bakkali and Idriss Raiss El Fenni.
The starting five helped establish control as the hosts built a 2-0 advantage in the first half.
Morocco maintained their discipline after the interval, finding the net twice more to seal a comprehensive victory without conceding.
For a team targeting another title on home soil, the opening performance offered an encouraging combination of composure, attacking threat and defensive solidity.
A Difficult Introduction to the Finals for Algeria
The match was also a landmark occasion for Algeria, who were making their first-ever appearance at the Futsal AFCON finals.
Nordine Benamrouche’s team had earned their place in the tournament with convincing qualifying victories over Guinea, winning the two-legged tie 4-0 and 7-1.
However, facing the reigning champions in their opening match proved a demanding introduction to the continental stage. Algeria were unable to find a way past the Moroccan defence and will now look to respond quickly in their remaining group fixtures.
Morocco Move Top of Group A
The opening results have already created an important early contest for the leading positions in Group A.
Zambia also began with three points, defeating Libya 3-1 in the tournament opener. Royd Chishala scored in the second minute before Patrick Mwila added a brace, while Mohammed Abu Raas netted Libya’s consolation in the final minute.
With both Morocco and Zambia collecting victories, the Atlas Lions currently lead the group on goal difference. Algeria and Libya, meanwhile, will need positive results in their next matches to keep their semifinal ambitions on track.
Zambia Next in a Crucial Group Encounter
Morocco return to the Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall on Wednesday, October 14, to face Zambia at 8 p.m. Moroccan time. With both teams already on three points, the encounter could prove decisive in the battle for first place.
The defending champions will conclude their group-stage campaign against Libya on Friday, October 16, at 8 p.m.
Algeria face Libya on Wednesday at 5 p.m. before taking on Zambia in their final group fixture on Friday at 8 p.m.
The top two teams from each group of four qualify for the semifinals, making every result important in the race for a place among the continent’s final four.
The Title Defence Is Under Way
Morocco could hardly have asked for a more convincing opening. A four-goal victory over Algeria, accompanied by a clean sheet, gives the hosts an early advantage as they pursue another chapter in their remarkable run of African success.
The next challenge is to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s meeting with Zambia.
With a fourth consecutive crown in their sights and home support behind them, the Atlas Lions have made their intentions clear from the opening night in Rabat.