Women's Futsal AFCON: Morocco impress, Angola deliver, Senegal held

The Women's Futsal AFCON got off to a flying start in Rabat on Tuesday, with plenty of goals and entertainment on matchday 1

Sport News Africa · Author profile · 24/04/2025 08:32 UTC

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Under the lights at the Moulay-Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, the opening round of group games at the Women's Futsal AFCON lived up to expectations. With a show of strength, tight contests and a flurry of goals, the tournament got off to a spectacular start, ahead of a matchday 2 that is already decisive for several teams in the race to qualify.

Morocco make a statement from the off

In "their" AFCON, Morocco never looked in trouble. In front of a crowd firmly behind them, Adil Sayeh's side cruised past Namibia (8-1) on Tuesday evening, in the opening game of Group A. From the first few minutes, Malak Zaid Elkilani set the tone for a one-sided evening. With constant intensity and sharp technique, the Moroccans dominated the contest. In the second half they stamped their authority on the game again, and are already among the favourites to win the continental title… and to take one of the two places at the 2025 World Cup in the Philippines. Their next outing is this Thursday against Cameroon, opponents of a very different calibre.

Senegal - Madagascar: fireworks in attack

In Group C, the clash between Senegal and Madagascar turned into a wild game: 5-5 at the final whistle. Mame Moussa Cissé's Lionesses, led by an inspired Sokhna Nogaye Tall Pène (who scored twice), showed plenty of promise going forward… but also some defensive frailties. This goal-filled draw complicates the race for the semi-finals. They must get a result on Saturday against Tanzania to stay in the tournament. Madagascar, for their part, can put themselves in a strong position to qualify as early as this Thursday against Tanzania.

Angola live up to their billing

In Group B, Angola lived up to their reputation. Solid and patient, the Angolans eventually wore down a combative Guinea side to win 5-2. It was a convincing victory that lets them approach Thursday's showdown with Egypt with confidence: a win would already secure qualification.

Matchday 1 results at the Women's Futsal AFCON

Group A: Morocco 8-1 Namibia (Cameroon idle)
Group B: Angola 5-2 Guinea (Egypt idle)
Group C: Madagascar 5-5 Senegal (Tanzania idle)

Matchday 2 schedule (Thursday 22 April)

Group A: Morocco - Cameroon
Group B: Angola - Egypt
Group C: Madagascar - Tanzania

Original SNA publication