TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON: “We needed to equalise” – Algeria Keeper Sichaib

Algeria kept their TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–2 comeback draw against Libya on Wednesday evening, a result goalkeeper Wassim Sichaib described as essential to their survival in the tournament.

After a first half that belonged to Libya, the Fennecs admitted they struggled to read the game against one of the continent’s strongest sides.

The debutants responded to coach Nordine Benamrouche’s half-time team talk and the improvement in the second half proved decisive.

Ali Skender scored a late goal, Algeria’s first in their history. Captain Samyr Teffaf then struck a stunning free kick after Libya were reduced to ten men, turning the match around and securing a much-needed point before the game against Zambia.

“It was a difficult game,” Sichaib told CAFOnline.com

“Libya is a great team, one of the best in Africa. We knew before the match it would be hard, and the first half belonged to them. We didn’t read the game well. At half-time, the coach came into the dressing room and spoke to every player. The second half was crucial for us. If we didn’t draw or win, we knew we would be out of the tournament,” the goalkeeper added.

Algeria will now face Zambia in the final group match, knowing that only a win will keep their dream of a last-four place alive.

“To keep qualification in our own hands, we needed to draw today and win against Zambia. We know it will be a difficult game,” he added.

Former champions Libya will face Morocco in their last Group A match at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah on Friday, 16 October, at 20:00 GMT.