by Simon Daish

Algeria and South Africa’s Women’s Teams both underwent very similar experiences on day one, as both countries picked up three-nil victories over the host nation Morocco and both sit top of Group B level on points.

Lynda Loghraibi, Katia Kessaci and Widad Nouari were the three Algerian players fielded against Morocco, and neither one of the three looked at all troubled by the hosts during the match.

Strong starts for Loghraibi and Kessaci gave Algeria a commanding lead in the tie, defeating Morocco’s Ilham Mezouary and Fatima Zohra Mazigh  without dropping a game. Nouari’s victory over Oumaima Bettache brought the match to a close.

The same three Moroccans involved against Algeria also featured against South Africa, and again a similar fate unfolded for the hosts.

Khanyisile Madlala, Zodwa Maphanga and Danisha Patel were the trio of South Africans to see off Ilham Mezouary, Fatima Zohra Mazigh and Oumaima Bettache respectively as Morocco were condemned to their second 3-0 loss of the day.

Nigeria suffered walkover defeats to Algeria and South Africa.