Sports Mole previews Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying clash between Comoros and Madagascar, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Comoros will take on Madagascar in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at Grand Stade Al-Hoceima on Monday.
The clash will have no bearing on who qualifies from Group A, as the hosts have already secured their place mathematically, while the visitors are already eliminated.
Match preview
Comoros secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Gambia at Stade Municipal de Berkane last Friday, confirming their spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Les Coelacantes fell behind when Alassana Jatta scored, but they restored parity seven minutes later through Rafiki Said, and with the game seemingly heading for a draw, Myziane Maolida scored a 90th-minute winner to send Comoros to their second AFCON.
Stefano Cusin‘s side 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.
Comoros have an opportunity to finish top of the group if they win on Monday while Tunisia fails to pick up maximum points against Gambia, but the hosts have never beaten the Malagasy, drawing two and losing four of six previous encounters.
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Madagascar’s chances of reaching next year’s AFCON in Morocco no longer exist after a 3-2 loss to Tunisia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Thursday.
Barea fell behind early to a goal from Hamza Rafia, but an own goal by Tunisia goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche helped them back into the game – however, they went behind once again when Sayfallah Ltaief found the net for the Eagles of Carthage before 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 could not make it count, instead conceding a stoppage-time goal to lose the game.
The Malagasy are still in search of their first victory in this AFCON qualifying campaign, having only managed two draws against the Comoros and Gambia, while losing the other three matches, leaving them bottom of the group with two points.
Romuald Rakotondrabe‘s side are winless in their last six games across all competitions, a run they will hope to end when they travel to Comoros on Monday.
Comoros Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:
Comoros form (all competitions):
Madagascar Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:
Madagascar form (all competitions):
Team News
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Rayan Raveloson is expected to keep his place at the top of Madagascar’s attack, with Ryan Ponti and Njiva Rakotoharimalala flanking him.
Teva Gardies is likely to remain between the sticks, with Johan N’Zi and Marco Ilaimaharitra lining up in a midfield three alongside last game’s scorer, Amada.
Maolida came on for Said, who scored Comoros’s opening goal last time out, then went ahead to net the winner himself, and 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 is expected to start in midfield.
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
We say: Comoros 1-0 Madagascar
Comoros have always struggled against Madagascar, but the hosts have shown resilience and the ability to get over the line when needed in this campaign, which is why we are predicting a first-ever win for the home side in this fixture.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
