Comoros capped their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a historic 1-0 victory over Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, November 18. The win, courtesy of Yacine Bourhane’s second-half strike, saw the Coelacanths finish top of Group A with an unbeaten record, edging out Tunisia, who fell to Gambia in a simultaneous fixture.
Stefano Cusin’s side had already secured qualification for the tournament in Morocco, amassing nine points from their first five matches.
Meanwhile, Madagascar, the Barea, had been eliminated earlier in the qualifiers following three defeats in their campaign.
The victory marked the first time Comoros had defeated Madagascar, a significant milestone for the island nation in their footballing history.
The visitors initially showed promise, with Rayan Raveloson testing Comoros goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina in the 12th minute, his shot from the edge of the box requiring a solid save.
Comoros quickly responded with their own attacking threats.
Faiz Selemani forced Sonny Laiton into action with a powerful effort in the 20th minute, signaling the hosts’ intent.
Madagascar came close through Thomas Fontaine, whose counter-attack effort flew over the bar in the 32nd minute.
Despite opportunities for both sides, the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough came swiftly after the interval. In the 47th minute, Warmed Omari’s header was parried by Laiton, but Bourhane capitalized on the rebound to put Comoros ahead.
The goal ignited the home crowd and set the stage for a tense second half.
Madagascar pressed for an equaliser, with Ryan Ponti forcing a superb save from Ben Boina in the 56th minute.
The Comoros keeper again came to his side’s rescue on the hour mark, denying Warren Caddy after a dangerous cross from Jean-Pierre Morgan.
Despite sustained pressure from Madagascar, their finishing let them down.
Tsiry Randriatsiferana’s shot in the 72nd minute lacked precision, and Caddy’s 81st-minute header missed the target.
Johan N’Zi’s late effort also sailed over the bar, leaving the Barea frustrated as time ran out.
Comoros finished the group stage unbeaten, showcasing their growth as a force in African football.
Their 13 points edged out Tunisia, who ended with 12 points after their surprise loss to Gambia.
Madagascar, meanwhile, concluded a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of Group A with just two points.
The result cements Comoros’ place among Africa’s emerging football powers as they prepare for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, full of confidence and momentum.
