Morocco's futsal team kicked off their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Algeria in their Group 1 opener on Monday. Younes Jouad scored a hat-trick and Younes Kassiri added a fourth goal in the match held at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Hall in Rabat.

Dominant Display on Home Soil

The Moroccan side, nicknamed the 'Indoor Lions', controlled the match from the outset. Algerian goalkeeper Smir Tafat made several notable saves but could not withstand the relentless Moroccan attack. This win boosts the team's confidence ahead of their next fixture against Zambia on Wednesday at the same venue.

The result puts Morocco top of Group 1 with three points, ahead of Zambia on goal difference after their 3-1 win over Libya. Algeria and Libya sit with zero points after the first round. The national team is managed by coach Hisham Dakkak.

This strong performance comes as the senior national football team remains unbeaten in their latest outing, having drawn 1-1 with Mali on October 4th.

All focus now shifts to the second group match against Zambia on Wednesday, as Morocco aims to secure early qualification for the knockout stages of the tournament they are hosting.

The original report is at إرم نيوز

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed Morocco are the defending champions of the last three editions (2016, 2020, 2024). Manager Hicham Dguig stated, "We are very happy that the Kingdom of Morocco is hosting this edition for the third time in a row." This follows the Olympic team's 1-1 draw with Mali on October 4th. The next fixture is against Niger on November 11th.

Star Soufiane Borite confirmed that hosting the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations brings greater responsibility. Borite told CAFOnline: "There's always some stress, and even more responsibility now because the tournament is in our country." He added that the main objective is to retain the title. This follows the senior team's 1-1 draw with Mali on October 4.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the tournament will be held in Rabat from 12 to 21 October 2026. Matches will be played at the Moulay Abdellah and Yassine Sports Halls. Eight nations are competing, with the top three qualifying for the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup. All matches will be broadcast live on CAF's official YouTube channel. This follows the senior team's 1-1 draw with Mali on 4 October.