The Comoros national football team has achieved a historic milestone, qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for only the second time in its history.
The island nation secured its spot in the 2025 tournament, set to take place in Morocco, following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gambia on November 15, 2024.
Comoros finished second in Group A with nine points and a +2 goal difference, just behind group leaders Tunisia, who tallied 10 points with the same goal differential.
The result marks a triumphant return to the continental stage for the Comoros, who last participated in the tournament in 2021.
The decisive match against Gambia saw Comoros overcome an early setback when Alassana Jatta gave the Scorpions a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.
However, Rafiki Saïd, a standout performer for the team, equalized seven minutes later. “We had to do this for the Comorian people!” said Saïd after the match.
Reflecting on the moment, he added in Comorian: “Ngarendao Maroku. Ridji kalifiye,” meaning, “We are heading to Morocco. We have qualified.”
The winning goal came courtesy of Myziane Maoulida, who scored with a close-range header after a precise cross from Faïz Selemani.
Following the match, left-back Ismaël Boura expressed gratitude to the nation: “We played an incredible game.
This qualification is dedicated to the people of Comoros.”
Head coach Stefano Cusin acknowledged the challenges the team had overcome: “This qualification was hard-earned.
We weren’t at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, but now we’re back, and we’ll be in Morocco in 2025.”
Joining Tunisia in advancing from Group A, Comoros edged out Gambia (5 points, -1 goal difference) and Madagascar (2 points, -2 goal difference).
As they prepare to compete against Africa’s elite, the Comorian team will aim to build on this historic achievement under the leadership of their Italian coach and dedicated squad.
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