AFCON Qualifiers: Comoros Eye First Victory Against Madagascar

With qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations already in the bag, Comoros will go in search of their first-ever victory against Madagascar on Monday, November 18 at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima.
The Coelacanths have yet to beat their fellow Indian Ocean islanders in five attempts and the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw on September 9.

Stefano Cusin has worked wonders since being appointed to the helm in October 2023, losing just one of his 12 matches in charge of the national team.

That loss (2-1) came at the hands of the Barea in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on June 7 and Comoros have embarked on a six-match unbeaten record since then.

Cusin’s side pulled off a historic 1-0 win over Tunisia on matchday 3 of the 2025 Afcon qualifying campaign and held the Eagles of Carthage to a 1-1 draw four days later to cement second place in Group A.

A 2-1 triumph against Gambia on Friday secured their qualification for the tournament in Morocco and they could yet finish in top spot, with just one point separating them and Tunisia.

Madagascar have nothing to play for but pride as they are rooted to the foot of the group on two points, seven adrift of the Coelacanths.

The Barea’s Afcon hopes were effectively dashed after they lost 1-0 to Gambia on October 14, but they pushed the Eagles of Carthage all the way on matchday 5 before succumbing to a 3-2 defeat, having conceded in the 93rd minute.