Comoros will host Madagascar at the Grand Stade Al-Hoceima on Monday in a concluding fixture for Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. While the match carries no implications for qualification, as Comoros have already secured their place in Morocco, it serves as an opportunity for both teams to end their campaigns on a positive note. Madagascar, having been mathematically eliminated, will be playing for pride and momentum heading into future competitions.
The Comorian national team, affectionately known as *Les Coelacantes*, have scripted a memorable campaign in their journey to the 2025 AFCON. A crucial 2-1 victory against Gambia last Friday at Stade Municipal de Berkane sealed their qualification in dramatic fashion. The win not only showcased their resilience but also marked their second-ever qualification for Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.
In the match against Gambia, Comoros found themselves trailing after Alassana Jatta struck early for the Scorpions. However, the team displayed commendable determination, equalizing through Rafiki Said just seven minutes later. As the game seemed destined for a draw, Myziane Maolida emerged as the hero, scoring a 90th-minute winner that sent Comorian fans into euphoria.
Under the stewardship of Stefano Cusin, Comoros have demonstrated consistency throughout their qualification campaign. Remaining unbeaten across five matches, they have amassed nine points, securing second place in the group. They sit one point behind leaders Tunisia and four points ahead of third-placed Gambia, ensuring their passage to Morocco.
Monday’s fixture offers Comoros the chance to cap off their campaign in style. If they secure a win against Madagascar and Tunisia falter against Gambia, Comoros could claim the top spot in Group A. However, history is not in their favor, as they have failed to defeat Madagascar in their six previous encounters, managing only two draws and suffering four losses.
For Madagascar, this qualification campaign has been one to forget. Their hopes of reaching the 2025 AFCON were extinguished after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Tunisia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Thursday. The *Barea* have struggled for form throughout the qualifiers, failing to secure a single victory in their five matches.
Against Tunisia, Madagascar showed flashes of resilience but were ultimately undone by costly errors and missed opportunities. An early goal from Tunisia’s Hamza Rafia put Madagascar on the back foot, but they found an equalizer through an own goal by Tunisian goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche. The joy was short-lived, as Tunisia regained the lead through Sayfallah Ltaief. Ibrahim Amada’s goal restored parity just before halftime, providing hope for the Malagasy.
The second half brought drama as Tunisia were reduced to ten men following Wajdi Kechrida’s dismissal for two yellow cards in the 89th minute. However, Madagascar failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage, conceding a stoppage-time goal that sealed their fate.
Romuald Rakotondrabe’s side have managed just two points in the group, both from draws against Comoros and Gambia. They sit at the bottom of the table, with their lack of wins highlighting their struggles. Madagascar’s six-game winless streak across all competitions underscores the challenges they face, both in terms of confidence and cohesion. Monday’s match provides a chance to salvage some pride and build momentum for the future.
The encounter at Grand Stade Al-Hoceima will see two teams with contrasting fortunes come head-to-head. While Comoros aim to extend their unbeaten run and potentially top the group, Madagascar will be eager to end their winless streak and restore some confidence.
Stefano Cusin has been instrumental in Comoros’ rise on the continental stage. Known for his pragmatic approach, Cusin has instilled tactical discipline and a winning mentality within the squad. Comoros’ ability to stay organized defensively while exploiting counterattacking opportunities has been a hallmark of their success.
Key players like Myziane Maolida and Rafiki Said have stepped up in crucial moments, providing the firepower needed to secure results. Monday’s game presents another opportunity for Comoros to showcase their progress under Cusin and end their campaign on a high note.
A major factor in Madagascar’s disappointing campaign has been their inability to convert chances into goals. Despite flashes of individual brilliance from players like Ibrahim Amada, the *Barea* have lacked consistency in the final third. Their defensive frailties have compounded their woes, with late goals proving particularly costly in several matches.
Rakotondrabe will need to address these issues if Madagascar are to stand a chance against a disciplined Comorian side. Finding a balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity will be key to their approach on Monday.
While Madagascar have struggled in the current campaign, their historical dominance over Comoros could provide a psychological boost. The *Barea* have won four of their six previous encounters against Comoros, with the remaining two ending in draws. This record will give Madagascar hope of pulling off an upset, despite their underwhelming form.
While Madagascar’s historical edge cannot be ignored, the current form and momentum heavily favor Comoros. Playing at home and buoyed by their recent qualification, Comoros are likely to approach the game with confidence and determination. Madagascar, on the other hand, will need to overcome their struggles and find cohesion if they are to pose a challenge.
A win for Comoros could see them top Group A, provided Tunisia drop points against Gambia. For Madagascar, a victory would not alter their fate but could serve as a crucial morale boost as they look to rebuild for future campaigns.
As the two sides prepare to face off in Al-Hoceima, the stage is set for an intriguing encounter. Whether it is Comoros solidifying their status as rising stars in African football or Madagascar reclaiming some pride, Monday’s match promises to deliver compelling storylines and moments of drama.