FUTSAL NATIONS' CUP: Defending Champions, Morocco, Thrash Ghana To Go Top Of Group
By Esco AKPO
The Atlas Lions of Morocco delivered a stunning 8-3 victory against Ghana in front of their home fans in Rabat, securing their second win and moving closer to the semi-finals of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.
Under the leadership of Hicham Dguig, the team produced a dominant performance against the Black Stars at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall on Saturday night.
The hosts wasted no time in taking the lead, as Youssef Jouad found the net with a side-footed finish just 15 seconds into the game, leaving goalkeeper Rapheal Tsigbe helpless.
Captain Soufiane El Mesrar doubled Morocco’s advantage two minutes later with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the area, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Although Prince Arthur pulled one back for Ghana six minutes later with a deflected set piece, the Atlas Lions swiftly restored their two-goal lead through a splendid goal by Soufiane Charraoui.
Soufiane El Mesrar extended Morocco’s lead to 4-1 after a clever play from Youssef Jouad, but Ghana’s Philip Nii Boye managed to score his team’s second goal before halftime.
The second half saw a closely contested battle between the two teams, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. However, it was Morocco’s El Mesrar who won a penalty 12 minutes into the half, which Bilal Bakkali converted to make it 6-3 in favor of Morocco.
Late goals from Khalid Bouzid and Youssef Jouad sealed the comprehensive victory for Morocco, delighting their supporters in attendance.
With this result, the Atlas Lions sit atop Group A with six points from two matches, while Angola and Zambia follow closely with three points each. Ghana remains at the bottom of the group without a point.
