Zambia ease past Ghana in thrilling TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON opener
Zambia marked their return to the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup with a commanding 5-2 victory over Ghana in the opening fixture of the 7th edition of the competition in Rabat.
Andrea Cristoforetti’s charges came from behind to see off the Black Stars who had taken a lead through Emmanuel Pako Nakotey’s clever finish after 5 minutes on the clock.
The Southern Africans settled into the match and drew level on the stroke of halftime through Patrick Banda.
The Zambians dominated possession and created most of the chances but lacked the cutting edge in the period.
James Mwila and Wiseman Phiri both came close to scoring in the first half while Ghana’s Saviour Tsatsu and captain Timothy Kantanka Ntiamoah also saw their efforts blocked by the brilliant Jackson Chitungu in the Zambian goal.
The second half produced the best of Zambia’s attacking flair with star man Francis Chinyama orchestrating most of their moves.
Chipolopolo took the lead inside two minutes of the second half through Chinyama’s fierce drive from distance to beat Rapheal Tsigbe.
Zambia increased their advantage to 3-1 a minute after when forward Wiseman Phiri slotted in Prince Lungu’s first time pass inside the Ghana box.
Phiri should have doubled his tally but dragged his effort wide when he was played through on goal with only the goal to beat.
Philip Boakye’s Black Stars scored a second goal eight minutes from time when Philip Nii Boye hammered home Saviour Tsatsu’s ball past Jackson Chitungu.
The Zambians scored two quick goals to see off Ghana's hopes of a late comeback. Mbalika Mwaliteta and Jackson Simwami secured the points for the Chipolopolo and sent them to the summit of Group A ahead of the match between hosts Morocco and Angola.