Algeria Football– The Comoros will not play in Morocco in October for strategic reasons linked to sporting fairness and logistics. After facing Gambia in El Jadida in Morocco in September during the first day of the CAN 2025 qualifiers (match which ended with a score of 1-1), the Coelacanthes decided not to repeat the experience for their meeting against Tunisia scheduled for October 15. Indeed, the choice to play this crucial match in Morocco was not considered advantageous for the island team.
The president of the Comorian Football Federation (FFC), Saïd Ali Athouman, exclusively explained to Afrik-Foot that playing in Morocco, an easily accessible destination for Tunisian fans, would have given the impression of playing away in twice. After the first leg, which will take place in Tunis on October 11, hosting Tunisia in a nearby territory would have allowed Tunisian fans to travel in numbers, which would have put the Comoros at a disadvantage. “Playing in Morocco against Tunisia would not have been an advantage for us, because Tunisian fans can get there quite easily, and we would have had the impression of playing away twice in a row,” said he declared.
To remedy this, Comoros reached an agreement with the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) to host their return match against Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé, Ivory Coast. This choice is perceived as being “more neutral” by Saïd Ali Athouman, because it limits the influx of Tunisian supporters and offers a fairer playing field for the Coelacanths.
However, the option of playing at home remains under consideration. Comoros are hoping to obtain permission from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to use the Malouzini Omnisports Stadium, following a visit by a CAF inspector on September 27-28. This decision could come quickly, at the same time as the announcement of the list of players called up by coach Stefano Cusin for this double confrontation. Unfortunately, he will have to do without two of his executives, Mohamed El Fardou Ben Nabouhane and Raimane Daou (OM), injured, while Youssouf M’Changama remains uncertain.
Thus, the Comorian Federation hopes that this crucial match against Tunisia can take place in optimal conditions, whether in Ivory Coast or, ideally, on their own soil in front of their supporters.
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