Morocco Triumphs Over Algeria in Futsal AFCON 2026 Debut
In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Morocco secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Algeria in the opening match of the 2026 Futsal African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Palace in Rabat. As the host nation and three-time defending champions, Morocco showcased their prowess on home turf, leaving the Algerian team with a challenging debut experience in the tournament’s final stage.
The match commenced with Morocco quickly establishing control, and it was Youness Mkasri who opened the scoring just ten minutes into the game. Mkasri, playing for Servigroup Peñíscola, found the back of the net with a precise strike, assisted by Bilal Bakkali. This early goal set the tone for what would become a remarkable performance by the Moroccan side, especially highlighted by Youssef Jouad’s outstanding play.
Youssef Jouad's Electrifying Performance
Two minutes after Mkasri's opener, Youssef Jouad, a key player from Union Touarga, doubled Morocco's lead by skillfully tapping the ball into the net. His efforts were met with approval from Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), who watched proudly as his team excelled on the pitch. Jouad wasn’t finished, as he went on to secure a hat-trick during the second half, further cementing Morocco's lead. His second goal came from an impeccable assist by Ismail Amazal, showcasing the team's cohesive play and strategic execution.
With this decisive win, Morocco now leads Group A as they prepare to face Zambia in their next match, with hopes of clinching a spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the Algerian team faces pressure to redeem themselves in their upcoming match against the defending bronze medalists, Libya, to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
As reported by afrik-foot.com.
