Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 18, 2024 at 7pm UK

Stade International Said Mohamed Cheikh de Mitsamiouli

Comorosvs.Madagascar

Match preview

Comoros secured a fantastic 2-1 win over Gambia at Stade Municipal de Berkane last Friday, confirming their spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Les Coelacantes were initially behind when Alassana Jatta scored, but they equalised seven minutes later thanks to Rafiki Said. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Myziane Maolida scored a 90th-minute winner, sending Comoros to their second AFCON.

Stefano Cusin's team are unbeaten after five matches in the AFCON qualifiers, picking up nine points, which puts them in second place, four ahead of third-placed Gambia, and one behind group leaders Tunisia.

If Comoros win on Monday, they'll finish top of the group. If Tunisia doesn't get the maximum points against Gambia, the hosts will have a chance to beat the Malagasy, but they've never won against them, drawing two and losing four of six previous encounters.

It's looking unlikely that Madagascar will be going to the AFCON in Morocco next year after losing 3-2 to Tunisia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Thursday.

Barea fell behind early on when Hamza Rafia scored for Tunisia. But an own goal by Tunisia goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche helped them back into the game. Then Sayfallah Ltaief scored for the Eagles of Carthage, but Ibrahim Amada restored parity to enter the break level.

Tunisia were reduced to ten men when Wajdi Kechrida was sent off for two bookable offences in the 89th minute, but Madagascar couldn't make it count, conceding a stoppage-time goal and losing the game.

The Malagasy are still looking for their first win in this AFCON qualifying campaign. So far, they've only managed two draws against Comoros and Gambia, while losing the other three matches. That puts them at the bottom of the group with two points.

Romuald Rakotondrabe's team haven't won any of their last six games, so they'll be hoping to end that run when they play in Comoros on Monday.

Recent Performance

Comoros Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DDWDW

Comoros form (all competitions):LDDWDW

Madagascar Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LDDLL

Madagascar form (all competitions):DLDDLL

Team News

It looks like Rayan Raveloson will be keeping his spot at the top of Madagascar's attack, with Ryan Ponti and Njiva Rakotoharimalala on either side of him.

It looks like Teva Gardies will be between the sticks again, with Johan N'Zi and Marco Ilaimaharitra in midfield alongside Amada, who scored in the last game.

Maolida came on for Said, who scored Comoros's opening goal last time out, then went ahead to net the winner himself. This could see both players start together in a front two on Monday.

Youssouf M'Changama, who has scored two of the six goals in qualifying for the visitors, will be hoping to add to his tally when he's expected to start in midfield.

Possible starting lineup

Comoros possible starting lineup:

Pandor; Bakari, Boura, Omari, M'Dahoma, Abdallah; Bourhane,Youssouf, M'Changama; Maolida, Said

Madagascar possible starting lineup:

Gardies; Randriamanampisoa, Rabarijaona, Fontaine, Tremoulet; Ilaimaharitra , Amada, N'Zi; Rojolalaina; Ponti, Raveloson, Rakotoharimalala