A real event for an entire archipelago. Qualified for the second time in their history for an African Cup of Nations, the Comoros have few ambitions for a final victory. But the selection, ranked 108th in the Fifa rankings, intends to do well and why not reach the knockout phase as during its first participation in 2021.
Facing Morocco during the opening match on Sunday, the Comorians fought and defended vigorously, until cracking in the second half under multiple attacks from the Atlas Lions (2-0). “We expected it, they are the most formidable opponent,” assures Samir (32), Comoros supporters. He organizes the competition, he has just won the Arab Cup, his players are at home… But it remains the CAN, the favorites do not always win. »
A selection recognized in 2005 by Fifa
The Coelacanths will now have two opportunities to recover, against Zambia and against Mali, to try to reproduce the feat achieved four years ago during CAN 2021 by reaching the round of 16. “We expect to see a great competition from our team and for it to proudly represent our homeland. Getting out of the group stages would already be great, the rest would just be a bonus. We still remain a small nation, if we leave prematurely, we will all be disappointed, that’s for sure, but we will bounce back. The most important thing is to participate in this competition more frequently,” Samir continues.
Only recognized in 2005 by Fifa, the Comorian selection had to travel a path strewn with pitfalls to reach the high level of African football. First banned from playing in the absence of a stadium meeting international standards in the mid-2000s, it then failed five times in the qualifying phase. In 2013, the Comoros were even forced to withdraw from the qualifiers due to financial problems.
Obstacles which make these two qualifications for the CAN (2021 and 2025) all the more delicious for Samir. “All my childhood, until recently, I watched the CAN without seeing my country participate in it. Now that we’re there, I’m very happy, and above all I finally feel legitimate to be able to debate with my friends! »
“We have complete confidence”
Between two raids, with his Parisian club ACP 15, the native of Clichy will obviously take the time to follow the Cœlacanthes competition. If it does not contain any element playing in the five major championships, Comorian supporters can boast of having some quality players in their team, several of whom have played in the French Championship such as Youssouf M’Changama or Rafiki Saïd.
“We have every confidence in this selection and even more in our pillar Youssouf M’Changama. Despite his age (35), he is the one who will pull the team to the top, and the rest of the team will follow. Our players will play with heart as they did at the last CAN and they know that they will be supported by the whole country,” assures Samir. The Coelacanths must now get their act together during the second day of their group, with a match against Zambia at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, this Friday (6:30 p.m.).
