Comoros on the brink of history

by Bertin Basson

Wednesday Mar 24, 2021. 08:56

Comoros will be aiming to make history when they host already eliminated Togo in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Stade Omnisports de Malouzini in Moroni on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 15h00 CAT.

Les Coelacantes head into back-to-back qualifiers against Togo and Egypt this month on the cusp of qualifying for Africa’s premier competition for the very first time and will punch their ticket with a positive result against the Sparrowhawks.

Comoros are currently tied on eight points with Egypt atop Group G after four rounds of qualifiers and will face the North African nation in Cairo on Monday.

2022 AFCON QUALIFIERS GROUP STANDINGS

“They went crazy after we beat Kenya last November so I expect more of the same if we create history,” said Comoros right-back Said Bakari in build-up to Thursday’s tie.

“It is a wonderful feeling representing a nation knowing that everyone — young and old, male and female — is willing you to succeed.”

Bakari added “Coach Amir (Abdou) has created a mentally strong and professional squad. We will make it.”

Defeat to Togo could even be enough for the island nation with Egypt expected to beat a Kenya side who have yet to register a win, in Nairobi.

Comoros defeated Togo 1-0 in the reverse fixture hosted in Lome in November 2019 thanks to a solitary strike from Faiz Selemani.

The top two nations in each group advance to the 24-team finals hosted in Cameroon next year.