The Algerian national futsal team rallied from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Libya on Wednesday in Rabat, keeping their semifinal hopes alive at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, DZfoot reported. Making their first appearance in the continental tournament, the squad managed by Nordine Benamrouche secured their first point in Group A following an earlier 4-0 defeat to Morocco.
Missed Early Penalties and Libyan Goals
The match in Rabat began with missed opportunities for Algeria. Amar Bessa failed to convert a penalty in the 6th minute, shooting against Libyan goalkeeper Ziyad Azeez. Capitalizing on the missed chance, Brahim Lemhamel opened the scoring for Libya in the 12th minute. Abdulhakim Rashid extended the lead to 2-0 in the 29th minute, leaving the tournament debutants in a precarious position.
Late Surge and Video Verification Equalizer
Algeria mounted a comeback in the closing stages of the fixture. Skander Ali Si Chaïb scored with a low shot in the 34th minute to narrow the deficit to 2-1. The momentum shifted further when Ahmed Abdelaziz received a second yellow card and was expelled in the 38th minute. On the ensuing free kick, Walid Betterki struck the goalpost before Samyr Teffaf bundled the rebound over the line to equalize at 2-2 in the 39th minute. Match officials validated the goal following video review.
Group A Standings and Upcoming Match Against Zambia
With the 2-2 draw, Algeria sits at the bottom of Group A level on points with Libya. The team requires a victory in their final group match against Zambia on Friday, alongside favorable results elsewhere, to advance to the semifinals. The tournament runs through October 21, 2026, with matches broadcast on CAF TV and beIN Sports.
Squad Adjustments and Tournament Schedule Across Groups
Ahead of the competition scheduled in Morocco from October 12 to 21, 2026, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that Soufiane Chaaraoui was called up to replace Anas Dahani, who withdrew due to an injury following medical examinations and CAF approval. Morocco, placed in Group A alongside Algeria, Zambia, and Libya, is led by coach Hicham Dguig in their pursuit of a fourth continental title, having previously won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2016, 2020, and 2024. In Group B fixtures held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Egypt launched their campaign by defeating Tanzania 8-0 on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with goals from Ibrahim Sayed, Mohamed Talaat, Mohamed Saeed, Ahmed Aly, and Youssef Elshahed, as the 1996, 2000, and 2004 champions chase a fourth crown. Egypt’s Ibrahim Sayed was named man of the match. On Wednesday, October 14, Algeria faced Libya at 19:00, while triple title-holder Morocco met Zambia at 22:00. On Thursday, October 15, Group B matches featured Egypt against Mozambique at 19:00 and Tanzania against Angola at 22:00. Group play concludes on Saturday, October 17, with Egypt facing Angola and Tanzania meeting Mozambique.
