TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON: Chileshe: "A big achievement to be here" despite Zambia's Futsal AFCON exit

The Chipolopolo were knocked out of the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Friday after losing 7-4 to Algeria.

The Southern Africans had made a bright start to their campaign, beating Libya on the opening day at the Moulay Abdellah Hall in the capital Rabat.

Captain Chota Chileshe admitted his side did not start the game well and paid for it.

"We didn't start the game well, and we gave them a lot of chances. They scored the chances they had. For us, it was a terrible game," Chileshe said.

He nevertheless pointed to the progress made by the team, who are appearing at the tournament for the fourth time.

"This is our fourth time to be here. Compared to the previous campaign, I think it's a big achievement for us to participate in this tournament,” said the Lusaka Automotive star.

The skipper said the competition is helping Zambian futsal develop, particularly its young talent.

"This Africa Cup helps us develop the players because, as you can see, we've got a lot of young players coming up and they're not scared to play. I'm very proud of my team, although I'm not really impressed with this game."

Zambia coach Andreas gave credit to the winners, saying Algeria were superior in every department.

"To put it in simple words, Algeria were superior in all aspects: physically, tactically and technically. In the first half we played terribly and didn't have the same pace as them.

“I can only congratulate them because they played a great game, and the best team won," he said.

He added that inexperience cost his young side when it mattered most.

"We also play with very young players, but the truth is, when you play at this level and when it counts, players who don't have much experience, and if you don't hold the pitch with good intensity, it is impossible to win."