Reigning champions Morocco kicked off with a victory on Tuesday, 24 October, in the opening match of the 2017 IBSA Blind Football African Championships in Praia, Cape Verde. The Moroccans beat Egypt 7-0 and now face Mali on Wednesday (25 October) and the hosts on Friday (26 October) for a place in Sunday’s final.

Cape Verde first ever official blind football match ended in a 12-0 defeat to Mali. Egypt is the next challenge for the hosts on Wednesday (25 October) before they take on champions Morocco on Thursday (26 October).

“We are here to give our best taking into account that we are newcomers compared to the other teams that have been around for a while now. But we are full of energy and ambition,” said Cape Verde player Carlos in an interview to TV channel TCV.

Four teams take part in the third edition of the IBSA Blind Football African Championships hosted by the Cape Verde Paralympic Committee. The matches take place at the Estadio Nacional, the same used by Cape Verde football team for its international matches.

In addition to the title of African Champions for the winner, the top two teams will also qualify for the 2018 Blind Football World Championships in Madrid, Spain, from 5-18 June next year.

In the latest edition, in Douala, Cameroon, in 2015, Morocco beat the host nation 2-0 to clinch its second African Championships title. Mali finished third and Egypt finished sixth.