Moroni, Comoros – Newly appointed head coach of Comoros, Stefano Cusin, don dey prepare as dem set to face the talented Mali side for FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Comoros don already secure their spot for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, and Cusin dey hope say dem go replicate the same success for World Cup as dem gear up for Match Day 5 and 6. The islanders go meet Mali on Thursday, March 20, before dem face Central African Republic on March 24.
Despite facing strong opponents like Ghana and Mali, Comoros dey top Group I with three wins and one loss from four matches. Dem dey eye for another victory against Mali who dem sabi as one of the best.
“Mali na one of the most talented and experienced teams for Africa,” Cusin talk. Dem qualify for quarterfinals for last AFCON against Cote d’Ivoire and Cusin sabi say if dem beat Cote d’Ivoire, dem for fit reach finals. “Mali get plenty players wey dey play for Bundesliga, La Liga, and Premier League, so dem dey very competitive.”
Cusin continue, “Their FIFA ranking of 50 dey important as benchmark, even though we dey focus on how we go motivate ourselves to perform.” He emphasize say Comoros need to study Mali well, know wetin dem fit do to score, but dem also get better players for their team.
Cusin don return to African football after coaching the Cameroon U-20 team, and he be former Technical Director for Congolese Football Federation. He carry plenty experience enter this new role.
Meanwhile, for the same vein, young striker Ali Aboubacar don get him first call-up join Comoros national team as Cusin unveil squad for upcoming qualifiers against Madagascar and Chad.
The 18-year-old forward from CS Uniao Torrese for Portugal dey expected to make him debut as Comoros dey chase for World Cup qualification. Another fresh addition na Adel Mahamoud from FC Nantes, wey don return to the squad after him last appearance in June 2024.
Despite new faces, Cusin still dey hold on to key players like Youssouf M’Changama, Faïz Selemani, and Myziane Maolida, as these experienced players go lead the team through the crucial matches.
Comoros go first meet Madagascar on March 20 for Stade Moroni, then dem go host Chad on March 25. With World Cup qualification dey on the line, these matches na very important for Comoros’ dream.
For defense, Warmed Omari go dey lead the backline, while Zaydou Youssouf go dey key for midfield. The attack go rely on Faïz Selemani and Rafiki Saïd. Goalkeepers include Yannick Pandor (US Boulogne), Ben Salim Boina (SAS Épinal), and Adel Anzimati (FC Martigues). Defenders include Kassim M’Dahoma (FC Aubagne), Ahmed Soilihi (Quevilly-Rouen), and others. Midfielders and forwards also dey well represent with players from various big clubs.
