Comoros defeat Ghana, rise to top of Group I

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Nov 21, 2023. 19:49

Comoros claimed a famous 1-0 win over Ghana at Stade de Moroni on Tuesday evening to rise to the top of Group I in Africa’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Myziane Maolida’s strike late in the first half secured a famous victory for the Coelacanths, who are the only team in the group to have taken all six points on offer thus far.

As for the Black Stars, they are placed third on three points after failing to build on their opening win over Madagascar last week. Mali are second on four points, with Madagascar (three), Central African Republic (one) and Chad (zero) making up the rest of the standings.

Ghana were the more fluid team in the opening half-hour of the match, with the likes of Antoine Semenyo and the Ayew brothers, Jordan and Andre, combining well to create some decent chances, though they failed to test Comoros goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina.

Comoros then found their footing in the game and claimed the lead in the 43rd minute, with Yacine Bourhane teeing up Myziane Maolida to put the hosts 1-0 up heading into the half-time interval.

The Black Stars made three changes within the opening 20 minutes of the second half, bringing on Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah and Majeed Ashimeru in an effort to try and turn the game around.

Yet their attack continued to lack a cutting edge, with the Coelacanths able to hold their visitors at bay and offer a sporadic threat on the counter attack – especially once Rafiki Said and Ahmed Mogni entered the fray as second-half substitutes.

Ultimately the hosts were able to withstand Ghana’s efforts to get back into the game and the final whistle brought confirmation of Comoros’ continued rise in the African game.

The teams will return to WCQ action in June of 2024, with Ghana facing Mali and Central Africa Republic, while Comoros will battle Madagascar and Chad.

Comoros (1) 1 (Maolida 43’)

Ghana 0

Comoros: Ben Boina, Abdallah (A. Ahmed 68’), Bakari, Bourhane, Maolida (Mogni 68’), M’Changama, M’Dahoma, Selemani (Zahary 85’), Soilihi, B. Youssouf (R. Said 59’), M. Youssouf

Ghana: Ofori, Abdul Samed (Ashimeru 66’), Adams, Mensah, Odoi, Sowah (Baba 88’), Opoku, A. Ayew (Kudus 46’), J. Ayew (Fatawu 81’), Semenyo (Nuamah 65’), Williams