Ghana opened their campaign at the 2024 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations with defeat to Zambia on Thursday afternoon.

Andrea Cristoforetti's charges rallied from behind to defeat Ghana, who had grabbed the lead after 5 minutes with Emmanuel Pako Nakotey's brilliant finish.

The Southern Africans came into the game with Patrick Banda scoring the leveller before halftime.

Ghana's Saviour Tsatsu and captain Timothy Kantanka Ntiamoah both had scoring chances in the first half, but Zambian shot-stopper Jackson Chitungu was brilliant on the day to deny them.

Zambia's attacking prowess peaked in the second half, with Francis Chinyama orchestrating the majority of their movements.

Chinyama's thunderous long drive beyond Rapheal Tsigbe gave Chipolopolo the lead just two minutes into the second half.

A minute later, Zambia's striker Wiseman Phiri scored his third goal of the game when Prince Lungu's first-time pass put him through.

Eight minutes from time, Philip Nii Boye reduced Ghana's deficit by sending Saviour Tsatsu's pass past Jackson Chitungu.

The Zambians ended Ghana's prospects of a late comeback with two goals in quick succession from Mbalika Mwaliteta and Jackson Simwami, propelling Zambia to the top of Group A.

Ghana will face Morocco in their next group game.