The 7th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup kicked off in Rabat with Zambia defeating Ghana 5-2 to mark the team’s return to the competition.

After five minutes, Emmanuel Pako Nakotey’s deft finish gave the Black Stars the lead. Andrea Cristoforetti’s charges came from behind to defeat them.

The Southern Africans got into the game and Patrick Banda pulled them even just before halftime.

Although they had the majority of the possession and opportunities, the Zambians were not very creative during that time.

In the first half, Ghana’s Saviour Tsatsu and captain Timothy Kantanka Ntiamoah also had opportunities to score, but Zambian goalkeeper Jackson Chitungu brilliantly blocked both of their attempts. Wiseman Phiri and James Mwila also had close calls.

Zambia’s attacking prowess reached its peak in the second half, with star player Francis Chinyama masterminding the majority of their maneuvers.

Within two minutes of the second half, Chinyama’s fierce long drive past Rapheal Tsigbe gave Chipolopolo the lead.

A minute later, forward Wiseman Phiri scored Zambia’s third goal of the game when Prince Lungu’s first time pass inside the Ghana box was slotted in.

Phiri was played through on goal with only the goal to beat, but he dragged his effort wide, missing the opportunity to double his tally.

Eight minutes from time, Philip Nii Boye of Philip Boakye’s Black Stars scored his second goal by putting Saviour Tsatsu’s pass past Jackson Chitungu.

Ghana’s hopes of a late comeback were dashed by two goals quickly scored by the Zambians. The points earned by Mbalika Mwaliteta and Jackson Simwami propelled the Chipolopolo to the top of Group A, ahead of the match between Angola and the hosts, Morocco.