Zambia make winning start at Futsal AFCON as Mozambique prepare for Angola clash
Zambia made an impressive start to the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 with a 3-1 victory over Libya in Rabat on Monday, while fellow Southern African side Mozambique will open their campaign against Angola on Tuesday.
Patrick Mwila scored twice for Zambia, who raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening six minutes to take control of their Group A encounter against the 2008 African champions.
Royd Chishala opened the scoring in only the second minute before Mwila doubled the advantage four minutes later to give the Zambians a dream start.
Mwila completed his brace three minutes into the second half to put Zambia 3-0 ahead, and although Mohammed Abu Raas pulled a goal back for Libya in the final minute, there was no denying Zambia an important opening victory.
The result provides a major boost to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, though they face a daunting challenge in their next fixture against hosts and defending champions Morocco on Wednesday.
Morocco showed their quality with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Algeria in Monday’s other Group A encounter, as Youssef Jouad grabbed a hat-trick and Younes M’Kasri also found the net.
The hosts have won the last three continental titles and are strong favourites to extend their dominance of African futsal.
Mozambique will meanwhile be hoping to follow Zambia’s example when they take on fellow COSAFA side Angola in their Group B opener in Rabat on Tuesday (21h00 South African time).
It is a difficult opening assignment against an Angolan side that finished runners-up at the previous tournament in 2024, when they were beaten 5-1 by Morocco in the final.
Angola have also won both previous Futsal AFCON meetings between the Southern African rivals, triumphing 6-5 in 2008 and 7-4 in 2020.
Mozambique, who were runners-up in 2004 and finished third in 2016, have set themselves the target of reaching the semi-finals this year.
Coach Nadir Narotam has a squad blending experienced internationals with emerging talent as they seek to make an impact on their return to the continental stage.
Mozambique will face three-time champions Egypt on Thursday before concluding their group-stage campaign against debutants Tanzania on Saturday.
Egypt and Tanzania meet in Tuesday’s other Group B fixture, with the top two sides in each pool advancing to the semi-finals.
The eight-team tournament is being staged in Rabat from October 12-21.
