The Atlas Lions of Morocco kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON 2024 campaign with a comprehensive 5-2 victory over Angola on Thursday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall.
The two time champions of the tournament showed their resolve in front of an expectant home crowd to see off the spirited Angolans.
Soufian Charraoui was the star of the match scoring a hat trick to propel the defending champions to victory at the sold out Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall.
Helber Garcia silenced the home crowd after seven minutes with a well taken goal to beat Abdelkrim Anbia.
Hicham Dguig regrouped his team and they replied just after the restart courtesy of Idriss Raiss El Fenni’s low drive.
The winners of the last two tournaments won a free kick just outside the Angolan box and Ismail Amazal squared the ball to Raiss to level matters for the hosts.
Soufian Charraoui fired Morocco in front six minutes before the break to send the home faithful into wild celebrations.
The fearless Angolans continued to fight and came close twice before halftime.
Helber Garcia and Joâo Cambangula saw their goal bound efforts tipped over by the impressive Abdelkrim Anbia.
Anas El Ayyane scored the third for Morocco with a stylish dinked effort over the onrushing Gabriel Domingos to make it 3-1 two minutes into the second half.
Soufian Charraoui doubled his tally and extended Morocco’s lead with a toe-poked effort just outside the area.
The Holland-born ace completed his hat trick three minutes from time to complete the route for the pre tournament favorites.
Angola pulled a goal back late on but it was only enough for a consolation as the hosts moved joint top of the group with Zambia who beat Ghana with the same scoreline.
The Atlas Lions will face Zambia on Saturday, 13 April at the Salle Prince Moulay Abdellah at 20:00 GMT after Angola’s crucial match against Ghana at 17:00 GMT.
