Comoros seeking maiden win 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.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

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.

What was said:

Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin

"Everyone knows it is historic, but we are building a team for the future. The results are important but most important is to build the mentality of the players.

"Coming to the national team, it could take too much time to get some of them up to speed and prepare for a game, a period of four, five days.

"So you have to manage best for a game. Maybe you cannot improve them technically within that short time, but you can do well to improve them tactically and mentally."

Players to watch:

Comoros - Rafiki Said has made a promising start to his international career, scoring five goals in his first nine appearances. The 24-year-old winger was given his debut by Cusin and immediately repaid the coach's faith by scoring in the 4-2 win over Central African Republic on 17 November 2023. He bagged the all-important goal against Tunisia last month and was also on target in the 2-1 success over the Scorpions last time out.

Madagascar - Ibrahim Amada is one of the most experienced players in the team and the skipper led by example when he equalised on the stroke of halftime against Tunisia to give the Barea hope of causing another major upset in the group.

Head-to-Head:

Matches - 5

Comoros wins - 0

Madagascar wins - 3

Draws - 2