The Atlas Lions of Morocco launched their TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON 2024 campaign with a resounding 5-2 victory over Angola in front of a passionate home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall.
Morocco, a two-time champion of the tournament, exhibited their championship pedigree from the outset, despite an early setback when Angola’s Helber Garcia found the net in the seventh minute.
Undeterred, Morocco swiftly regrouped, with Idriss Raiss El Fenni leveling the score shortly after the restart with a precise low drive.
The hosts seized control as Ismail Amazal set up Raiss for another goal, ensuring parity and igniting the atmosphere. The momentum swung firmly in Morocco’s favor when Soufian Charraoui unleashed a powerful strike six minutes before halftime, sending the crowd into jubilation.
Angola fought back valiantly, with Garcia and Joâo Cambangula testing Morocco’s goalkeeper Abdelkrim Anbia. However, it was Morocco who struck again early in the second half, with Anas El Ayyane deftly chipping the ball over Gabriel Domingos to extend their lead to 3-1.
Charraoui, the standout performer of the night, added to Angola’s woes with a well-placed toe-poked effort from outside the area, securing his brace and further bolstering Morocco’s advantage.
The Holland-born star completed his hat-trick in style, sealing Morocco’s dominant performance with a clinical finish three minutes from time. Despite Angola pulling one goal back late in the match, it was merely a consolation as the Atlas Lions cruised to victory.
The comprehensive win catapults Morocco joint-top of their group alongside Zambia, who also triumphed with a 5-2 scoreline against Ghana. The stage is now set for a thrilling encounter as Morocco gears up to face Zambia in their next fixture on Saturday, April 13, at the Salle Prince Moulay Abdellah, with both teams eager to maintain their winning momentum.
The Atlas Lions’ impressive start not only solidifies their status as favorites in the tournament but also underscores their determination to defend their title on home soil. With Soufian Charraoui’s stellar hat-trick leading the charge, Morocco has set the bar high as they continue their quest for continental glory in the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON 2024.
PHOTO: CAF Online
