Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Morocco cruise past Algeria in opening match

Morocco began their bid for a fourth successive Futsal Africa Cup of Nations title with a 4-0 victory over Algeria in Rabat on Monday.

The reigning champions, hosting the tournament for the third consecutive time, dominated the opening match at the Palais des Sports Prince Moulay Abdellah. The result marked a difficult first appearance in the finals for Algeria, who were competing at this stage for the first time.

Youness Mkasri put Morocco ahead in the 10th minute after being set up by Bilal Bakkali. The Servigroup Peniscola player found the corner of the Algerian net to give the hosts an early advantage.

Morocco doubled their lead just two minutes later through Youssef Jouad. The Union Touarga player completed the move by sliding in to direct the ball into the net, with Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Federation royale marocaine de football (FRMF), watching from the stands.

Jouad added a second goal after the interval, converting a pass from Ismail Amazal to strengthen Morocco’s control of the match and put the hosts out of reach. He then completed his hat-trick to seal a convincing victory for Hicham Dguig’s side.

Morocco move to the top of Group A while they wait for the result of the section’s other opening fixture between Zambia and Libya.

They will face Zambia on Wednesday, with victory giving them the chance to secure qualification for the semi-finals at that stage.

Algeria now need to respond against Libya, who are the reigning bronze medallists. Another defeat would leave the newcomers at serious risk of elimination.