Host Atlas Lions of Morocco began their hunt for a 3rd FUTSAL AFCON title in style after drubbing Angola 5-2 in group A match played on Thursday night at the Prince Mouley Abdellah hall in Rabat.
Bouyed by the home crowd, the two-time champions demonstrated their grit to defeat the determined Angolans at the fully packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall, with Soufian Charraoui scoring a hat trick to lead the reigning champions to victory.
Helber Garcia beat Abdelkrim Anbia with a well-taken goal to silence the home crowd before Hicham Dguig’s squad responded thanks to a low shot from Idriss Raiss El Fenni.
The home crowd erupted into loud jubilation after Soufian Charraoui put Morocco ahead six minutes before halftime.
After two minutes of the second half, Anas El Ayyane made it 3-1 with a deft dinked effort over the charging Gabriel Domingos to score Morocco’s third goal.
Just outside the area, Soufian Charraoui toe-poked a goal to double his tally and increase Morocco’s lead.
Three minutes remaining, the Holland-born player completed his hat trick to seal the victory for the pre-tournament favourites.
The Atlas Lions will next face Zambia on Saturday, 13 April at the Salle Prince Moulay Abdellah , after Angola’s crucial match against Ghana .
Catch all the action live and exclusively on KBC Channel 1.