Futsal AFCON 2026: Angola Stun Algeria 3-2 With Epic Semifinal Comeback
Angola are through to the Futsal AFCON 2026 final after producing one of the great semifinal comebacks in tournament history, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Algeria 3-2 in Rabat on Monday night.
The debutants looked on course for a famous victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Hall. Mathieu Hammad curled home a ninth-minute free-kick after a foul on Rayane Ait Hamadouche, and Ait Hamadouche doubled the lead in the 19th minute with a solo finish that stood after a VAR review. Algeria were full value for their halftime advantage.
Three second-half goals turn the tie
Angola came out a different side after the break, in a sport where games can turn in minutes — a quick refresher on the futsal basics explains why comebacks like this are part of the game’s DNA.
Aderito Santos reduced the deficit in the 29th minute, and Hornes Do Santo levelled the scores in the 35th to bring the Palancas Negras right back into it. With extra time looming, Francisco Gabriel Chico struck in the 38th minute to complete the turnaround and send Angola ahead for the first time all night.
Algeria’s hopes of a late reply suffered another blow at the final whistle, when Amar Bessa was sent off for a reckless foul on Joao Cambangula.
What it means
Angola reach their second consecutive Futsal AFCON final and now face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s final at 8 PM local time in Rabat — a rematch of the 2024 final, which Morocco won 5-1. It is another chance for Angola to lift their first continental title, and their forwards will need to know their futsal positions inside out against Morocco’s press.
For Algeria, defeat ends a remarkable debut campaign after they recovered from an opening 4-0 loss to Morocco to reach the last four. The Fennecs now meet Egypt in the third-place match at 5 PM on Wednesday.
