Algeria reach historic Futsal AFCON semi-finals as Morocco maintain perfect record

Algeria have reached the semi-finals of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, while holders Morocco completed the group stage with a third win from three matches at the 2026 tournament.

Making their debut in the competition on Moroccan soil, Algeria needed victory in their final Group A fixture against Zambia after losing 4-0 to Morocco in their opening game and drawing 2-2 with Egypt.

Noureddine Benamrouche’s side delivered under pressure, beating Zambia 7-4 in Rabat to secure a place in the last four. It was Algeria’s first victory at the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations and ensured they finished second in the group.

The Algerians made a dominant start and opened up a 4-0 lead, but Zambia mounted a determined fightback. The hosts’ opponents narrowed the deficit to 4-1, then 4-2 and 4-3, putting Algeria’s qualification under threat.

Walid Betterki then restored control with a decisive individual display. The Vaulx-en-Velin pivot scored twice before half-time and added three more goals after the interval to complete a five-goal haul.

Algeria will now face the winners of Group B for a place in the final.

Morocco, who had already secured qualification for the semi-finals on the previous matchday, ended the group stage in emphatic fashion with a 6-0 victory over Libya, the reigning bronze medallists.

The match was watched by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), who has recently been appointed Minister of Economy and Finance.

Hicham Dguig’s team finished top of the group after recording three victories, scoring 17 goals without conceding. The three-time defending champions continue their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth successive title and have established themselves as the outstanding force in the tournament.

Morocco’s perfect record follows their opening 4-0 win against Algeria and leaves them unbeaten and unchallenged in Group A. Libya, meanwhile, were unable to reproduce the form that earned them the bronze medal in the previous edition.

With Algeria now through to the semi-finals on their first appearance, the tournament’s knockout stage will feature one of the competition’s established powers and a team making history in the same campaign.