Algeria’s first appearance at the CAN futsal ended in semi-final disappointment as Angola overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 and reach the final for a second successive tournament.
The Fennecs had been hoping to set up a meeting with Morocco and claim revenge for their 4-0 defeat by the reigning three-time champions in the group stage. Instead, it will be Angola who face Morocco in the final.
At the Complexe Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on Monday, Algeria made an impressive start under manager Noureddine Benamrouche.
Mathieu Hammad opened the scoring in the ninth minute, converting a free-kick awarded after a foul on Rayane Ait Hamadouche. Ait Hamadouche then doubled Algeria’s advantage in the 20th minute, finishing a solo effort that was confirmed following a VAR review.
Angola, the reigning African Championship runners-up, gradually took control after the interval and began to put Algeria under sustained pressure.
The Palancas Negras were initially frustrated by the woodwork and a series of important saves from the Algeria goalkeeper. However, the pressure eventually told, with Angola scoring in the 29th, 35th and 38th minutes to complete a remarkable comeback.
The defeat ended Algeria’s hopes of facing Morocco again in a potential revenge contest, with Angola now earning the opportunity to challenge the defending champions for the trophy.
Despite the result, Algeria’s campaign was a significant achievement in their first appearance at the competition. After losing their opening match to Morocco, Walid Betterki and his team-mates recovered to secure a historic place in the semi-finals.
They began that recovery with a 2-2 draw against Libya, the outgoing bronze medallists, before completing the group stage with a 4-7 victory over Zambia.
