EDITOR NOTE: This article is a translation of the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football
The Comoros, currently leaders of Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, are set to face Mali tomorrow, before facing Chad in Berkane in five days. After a historic qualification for the 2025 AFCON, the Coelacanths now aim to confirm their rise to prominence on the African stage. Their coach, Italian Stefano Cusin, shared his thoughts on the team's development, his choices, and his ambitions.
A look back at the qualification for the 2025 AFCON
Stefano Cusin emphasized that the initial objective of rebuilding the team, integrating young players, and qualifying for the AFCON has now been achieved. He added that the goal remains to be competitive at every meeting, with the squad continually evolving.
Stefano Cusin discusses the clash against Mali
Mali, undefeated since the arrival of coach Tom Saintfiet last August, is a team with several big names. Among them are players like Tottenham's Yves Bissouma and El Bilal Touré, formerly of Atalanta, capable of turning a match around at any moment.
For Stefano Cusin, the Comoros coach, this match promises to be a real challenge. He acknowledges the quality of Mali's individuals but points out that his team also has players capable of making a difference. The Comoros coach is confident in the strategy implemented with his players, emphasizing the importance of giving their best on the pitch:
"The main thing is that at the end of the match, we can say that we gave our all, that we have nothing to reproach ourselves for. That's what matters."
The clash against Mali will therefore be a battle of details, where each team will have to give their all to secure victory.
The Arrival of Aboubacar Ali Abdallah: A Sign of Renewal
The big news on this list is the arrival of Aboubacar Ali Abdallah, a young 18-year-old talent and a former regular with the France U19s, who has chosen to play for the Comoros. Cusin sees this as a sign of change for African football, where young players like Abdallah choose to represent their home country from the start of their international careers.
The Return of Adel Mahamoud
The return of Adel Mahamoud, a young player from FC Nantes, after injury is also welcomed by the coach. Cusin considers Mahamoud a key player for the team's future, and his reintegration into the squad was essential to maintaining the continuity of the project.
The situation of El Fardou Ben Mohamed and Faïz Mattoir
Regarding El Fardou Ben Mohamed, Cusin explains that the striker, still injured and lacking playing time, has not been called up this time. Ben Mohamed is in regular contact with the medical staff and it has been agreed that he will not be called up due to his persistent knee pain.
Faïz Mattoir, who has not played for Almere City since December, experienced complications regarding a failed transfer to Boavista. Despite this, Cusin believes Faïz deserves his place due to his experience and hard work. The coach is working with him tactically and believes he has contributed greatly in recent matches, particularly against Gambia.
Objective: Confirming the rise
With a renewed squad and a solid foundation, the Comoros now face a major challenge: to continue to surprise on the continental and world stage. The next two matches against Mali and Chad will be crucial to secure their place in the next stages of the qualifiers.
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