Futsal AFCON: Algeria plays for historic semi-final against Zambia this 16 October in Rabat

The final matchday of Group A of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations is being played this Friday, 16 October 2026, in Rabat, with clear stakes: the second ticket to the semi-finals. According to the schedule published by Afrik-Foot, Zambia faces Algeria and Morocco hosts Libya, with both matches scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

Two points separate three nations

Morocco, the host country and three-time defending champion according to the APA agency, is already qualified: 6 points, eleven goals scored and none conceded after their 4-0 victory against Algeria on 12 October and their 7-0 triumph over Zambia on 14 October. Behind them, Zambia has 3 points thanks to their opening 3-1 win over Libya, ahead of Libya and Algeria, tied on 1 point. The Zambians are competing in their fourth Futsal AFCON after 2008, 2016 and 2024, CAF notes; two years ago, they exited the competition in the first round with that same tally of three points.

Algeria: a first point and a first goalscorer

For Algeria, qualification would be a first. Trailing 2-0 against Libya on 14 October after a missed penalty by Amar Bessa, the Algerian five snatched a 2-2 draw through Sichaïb in the 34th minute, followed by Walid Betterki from a direct free kick validated by video review in the 39th. This point is the first in the country's history in the competition, and Sichaïb its first goalscorer, according to Afrik-Foot. A victory is now imperative to hope for a semi-final berth; Zambia, on the other hand, can settle for avoiding defeat.

Egypt and Angola already there

In Group B, the two qualified teams are known. Egypt crushed Tanzania 8-0 on 13 October, then Mozambique 4-0 on 15 October. Angola defeated Mozambique 5-1 before dominating Tanzania 6-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah complex, according to Hespress. Both teams have a total of 6 points and will battle on 17 October for first place in the group.

The semi-finals are set for 19 October, with the final and the third-place match on 21 October, also in Rabat. CAF is broadcasting all sixteen matches for free on its YouTube channel CAF TV: an African competition made accessible, without paywalls, to audiences across the continent and the diaspora.