Comoros Secures Last-Minute Victory Against Lesotho, Despite Disappointing AFCON Qualification Outcome

2023-06-18 05:13:42

Forced to victory, the Comoros had to fight to the end to defeat Lesotho on Saturday in Johannesburg, with a narrow score of one goal to nil. A victory snatched on the wire at the very end of the game, thanks to the bravery of captain Youssouf Mchangama (90th). However, this result was not enough to maintain the hope of a qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“We came here to win, and we did, but unfortunately we got knocked out,” said Mchangama, with palpable bitterness after the game. A day filled with strong emotions. At half-time, the Coelacanths certainly learned the bitter and unexpected news: Zambia crushed Côte d’Ivoire, thus winning the precious qualifying sesame. Therefore, the result of the match between Comoros and Lesotho had no impact on the classification of Group H. Nevertheless, the islanders did not flinch and showed unfailing determination.

It was a match of considerable intensity within the Orlando Stadium. Coach Younes Zerdouk had also lined up his best elements, rightly granting a logical and deserved first start to Yannick Pandor in the cages. But with a low block, the Likuena gave the Coelacanths a hard time, despite the latter’s overwhelming possession of the ball, around 70%. The attacking trio made up of Selemani, Bendjaloud and Mogni failed to make a difference. We had to wait until the second half to see more vivacity and madness with the entry into play of William Vouama and Soyir Sanali. The Coelacanths then proved to be more and more dangerous, managing to thwart the Lesothan defense several times.

Building a solid legacy for young talent

Entering the game in the 66th minute, the young Soiyir Sanali honored his first selection with the Comoros on Saturday

While we seemed to be heading for a goalless draw, the situation was unblocked thanks to the intrepid Youssouf Mchangama. On a collective action, Ibroihim Youssouf found the Auxerre midfielder at the far post, who managed to send the ball into the back of the net, thwarting the final efforts of goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane (1-0, 90th). The Comoros thus snatched a second victory in this qualifying campaign, but they could not help but feel some regret, especially for their defeat in the first leg in Lusaka against the Zambians (2-1). “It is true that the first leg against Zambia was of particular importance, because we were in a positive dynamic. The group was performing well and should have won this match,” admitted Zerdouk lucidly.

Now out of the race, the Comoros must look to the future. It is imperative to pursue generational renewal and make this transition a success. An operation already in progress, according to the statements of the coach: “I do not think that we have understood what I am doing. Everything we have done so far is aimed at preparing for the future and leaving a legacy. The young people who join the group find solid foundations and learn from their illustrious elders. This is the most important element, and I am extremely proud of them. »

The urgency to breathe new life into this group is undeniable. After the Matchday 6 match next September, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will loom on the horizon, providing an opportunity to launch a new cycle and better arm ourselves for the 2025 edition of the FIFA World Cup. Africa of Nations.

Statement by Youssouf Mchangama, Captain of the Coelacanths:

“We knew it was going to be a tough game. You should know that Lesotho hooked Ivory Coast. We knew it was a difficult team to maneuver. We had to be patient, which we did. It may have taken us a while to figure out how to get around them, since they had a fairly compact block. CAN qualifying matches are never easy. Despite the victory, there was a lot of disappointment in the locker room. We’re a bit sad, but that’s how we build ourselves, with ups and downs. We are not going to give up, we still have one game left in September against Zambia at home to get 9 points. »