2026 WCQ: Bissouma's brilliance and Doumbia's double sends Mali past Comoros

A brilliant and efficient performance from Mali saw Les Aigles produce a convincing 3-0 victory over Group I foes Comoros in Thursday's late night match from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Kamory Doumbia and Mali captain Yves Bissouma were the stars. Doumbia scored twice and Bissouma provided two assists in an important victory for the Malian team who gave themselves a big boost in their efforts to recover from a slow start to the campaign.

Bissouma did all the work to set up Mali's opener in the 20th minute when the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder initiated a slick combination before setting up Dorgeles Nene, who was wide open to finish past Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

The Coelacanths challenged Mali keeper Djigui Diarra on a couple of occasions in the first half, most notably from Faïz Selemani's dangerous long range free kick, but the Young Africans custodian did well to slap the ball away after spilling the initial effort. Comoros were broken early in the second half when a scuffed shot from El Bilal Touré turned into a perfect cross for Doumbia to arrive and finish into an empty net in the 55th minute.

Doumbia doubled his tally less than ten minutes later when Bissouma's brilliant pass created enough space for the Stade Brestois midfielder to finish past Pandor.

The defeat for Comoros opens up an opportunity for Ghana to move to the top of Group I when the Black Stars host Chad on Friday, a match where they will be heavy favorites. Madagascar currently hold a tenuous one-point lead on Ghana following the Barea's victory over Central African Republic. Mali, two points back of Madagascar, will certainly be a team to watch considering their resurgent form under coach Tom Saintfiet.

Group I Table

• The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.