Comoros and Gambia set to clash in AFCON 2025 qualifiers

Comoros and Gambia are poised to kick off their campaigns in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with a highly anticipated match on Wednesday. The two teams will face each other in Group I’s opening fixture, with both sides eager to start the qualification process on a strong note.

The match will be held at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco. Scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, the game will commence at 5 p.m.

local time in France, 4 p.m. in Morocco, 6 p.m. in Comoros, and 3 p.m. in Gambia. While official broadcasting details are yet to be confirmed, the Comorian public broadcaster ORTC is expected to air the match live.

Comoros Aims to Build on Recent Success

Under the leadership of head coach Stefano Cusin, who took charge of the team in October 2023, Comoros has shown impressive form. The Coelacanths have secured five wins, one draw, and only one loss since Cusin’s appointment.

Despite a setback in June when they were defeated by Madagascar 2-1, Comoros quickly rebounded with a 2-0 victory over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The team’s defense will be bolstered by the presence of Warmed Omari, a 24-year-old defender on loan from Stade Rennais to Olympique Lyonnais. Omari, a former French U21 international, is expected to make his debut for Comoros in this crucial match against Gambia.

Gambia Looks to Reverse Poor Form

Gambia enters this match with a less encouraging record, having managed just one win, one draw, and six losses in their last eight outings.

In the June qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Gambia achieved a resounding 5-1 victory over Seychelles but followed it with a disappointing 3-2 loss to Gabon in a thrilling encounter.

The Scorpions will be looking to improve their form and capitalize on the experience of key players like Musa Barrow.

For this round of qualifiers, Gambia’s coach has introduced three new faces to the squad: Sainey Sanyang, a 24-year-old left-back from CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria; Abdoulie Ceesay, a 20-year-old striker from Plaide in Estonia; and Lamin Saidy, a 23-year-old goalkeeper from Real de Banjul in Gambia.

Additionally, several key players, including Ablie Jallow (Metz), James Gomez (Odense), Ibou Touray (Stockport), and Ali Sowe (Rizespor), have rejoined the squad after missing the June fixtures.

A High-Stakes Match for Both Teams

As Comoros and Gambia prepare to meet on the pitch, the stakes are high for both teams. Comoros will aim to maintain their positive momentum under Cusin, while Gambia hopes to turn their fortunes around with the fresh additions to their squad.

With AFCON 2025 qualification on the line, both teams are expected to give their all in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.