Can Comoros keep pole position?

Comoros head coach Amiredine Abdou

Tuesday Nov 10, 2020. 13:00

Comoros will look to keep hold of pole position in Group G of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face hosts Kenya at the Moi International Sports Centre in Karasani, Nairobi on Wednesday 11 November 2020, kick-off at 18h00.

The island nation are the surprise pace-setters in the pool after a 1-0 win away to Togo and 0-0 home draw with Egypt last November, leaving them with four points at the top of the standings.

Les Coelacantes had a friendly win over Libya last month to warm up for back-to-back matches against Kenya, with coach Amir Abdou insisting that they can remain in the top two positions of the group and qualify for a first AFCON finals.

“We know we are in a determined group. We are not shy about everything we are doing. We are leaders of our group and we want to stay at the top of the ranking. We know it’s going to be difficult. Our goal is to finish in the top two,” said Abdou.

He added, “I trust my players. We are not at the trial period. We are rather in a period where we are looking for a qualification. The objective is not to have new faces every time but rather to have a group with a framework.”

Kenya are Comoros’ nearest chasers, placed second on two points after they drew 1-1 both away to Egypt and at home to Togo a year ago.

The Harambee Stars have once again handed the reins to veteran coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee (for a fifth time!), who respects their upcoming opponents but believes they will make the most of home advantage – even if the game will be played behind closed doors.

“We have to respect Comoros. They are not at the top of the group by fluke. They went to Togo and picked three points and that tells you the calibre of team we will be up against,” explained ‘Ghost’.

“They have never been to the AFCON and are therefore very eager to qualify for the first time. They are coming to Nairobi with the zeal to continue with their good run and I expect a very tough match.

“However, we will be playing at home and that gives us a very good advantage even though we will not have fans to cheer us up. We will play to our strengths and I am optimistic we will get a good result.”

The teams will meet again on November 15 in Moroni for the return game at Stade Omnisports de Malouzini.