Morocco’s national beach soccer team, the Atlas Lions, won 4-3 in a friendly match on Wednesday, against Mauritania, ahead of the upcoming sixth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled in Egypt from October 19 to 26.
Morocco’s Reda Zahraoui scored twice, with Mustapha Tais and Souhail Bessak extending the lead to secure the victory.
The Atlas Lions are currently undergoing an intensive training program at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, near Rabat, to refine their overall strategies and performance in the lead-up to the continental tournament.
Morocco placed in a competitive group (A) and will be facing Egypt (the host nation), Tanzania, and Ghana.
Group B features Senegal (the defending champions), along with Mozambique, Malawi, and Mauritania.
The national team’s participation will mark Morocco’s sixth appearance at the AFCON. It advanced to the semi-finals in 2015 and 2016 and secured bronze medals in 2021 and 2022.
The Moroccan team ranked in fourth place in both 2016 and 2018.
The two teams will also face off on Thursday, for a second friendly game, at 5:30 p.m.