Overview
The Comoros national football team, known affectionately as 'Les Coelacanthes', is the official representative of the Comoros in men's international football. The team operates under the auspices of the Comorian Football Federation (FFC), which was founded in 1979 and became affiliated with FIFA in 2005 [1]. As a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Comoros participates in various continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship. They are also part of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), competing in the COSAFA Cup [2].
The team's identity is deeply intertwined with the nation's unique culture and geography. The nickname 'Les Coelacanthes' refers to the ancient fish species found in the waters around the Comoros islands, symbolizing resilience and a rare, enduring spirit. This identity has been cultivated through a period of significant development for Comorian football. Their FIFA ranking has seen fluctuations, but a consistent upward trend has been observed, particularly following their historic qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [3]. This achievement marked a turning point, elevating the team's profile on the international stage and inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
Comorian football traditions are still evolving, but a focus on fast-paced, technical play is becoming a hallmark. The team primarily draws players from domestic leagues, as well as those playing professionally in France and other European countries, reflecting the diaspora's contribution to the national squad. The FFC's ongoing efforts to develop youth football and improve infrastructure aim to solidify Comoros' position as a competitive force within African football, building on the success of recent years.
History
The Comoros national football team played its first international match in 1979, a 3-0 loss to Madagascar, shortly after the Comorian Football Federation was established [4]. For many years, the team primarily competed in regional tournaments, facing fellow island nations and East African teams. Their international presence remained limited until their affiliation with FIFA in 2005, which opened doors for participation in World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers [1].
The early years were characterized by challenging results, with the team often struggling against more established African footballing nations. However, a period of gradual improvement began in the late 2000s and intensified in the 2010s. This resurgence was largely attributed to the integration of players from the Comorian diaspora, particularly those developed in French academies, who brought professional experience and tactical discipline to the squad [4]. The team's performances in the COSAFA Cup, a regional competition, also saw them gain valuable experience and build cohesion.
The defining moment in Comorian football history arrived with their qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (held in early 2022). Under the guidance of then-coach Amir Abdou, Les Coelacanthes navigated a challenging qualification group, securing their spot in the tournament for the first time [5]. At the tournament in Cameroon, Comoros exceeded expectations, defeating Ghana 3-2 in a memorable group stage match and advancing to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams [6]. Although they were eliminated by the host nation Cameroon in the Round of 16, their performance captivated the continent and solidified their status as an emerging force in African football.
Since this breakthrough, Comoros has aimed to build on their success, working towards consistent qualification for major tournaments and improving their FIFA ranking. The focus remains on developing local talent while continuing to integrate diaspora players, fostering a strong team identity and a competitive spirit.
Major honours
The Comoros national football team has yet to win a major continental or global title. Their most significant achievement to date is their historic qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. While they have not secured any major trophies, their progress in regional and continental competitions highlights a growing presence in African football.
Their participation in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations saw them reach the Round of 16, a remarkable feat for a nation making its debut in the tournament. This performance is considered their most notable on the international stage.
| Competition | Result | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations | Round of 16 | 2021 |
| COSAFA Cup | Quarter-finals | 2019 |
Beyond these, Comoros has participated in various qualification campaigns for the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, consistently working to improve their standing and challenge more established teams within CAF.
Notable players
The Comoros national team has seen a rise in talent, with a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players making their mark. Many of the team's key figures play in European leagues, contributing to the squad's increasing professionalism and tactical awareness.
- El Fardou Ben Nabouhane: Often considered one of the most prolific Comorian players, Ben Nabouhane has been a crucial striker for Les Coelacanthes for many years. His goal-scoring ability and experience, particularly from his time in various European leagues, have been vital for the national team.
- Youssouf M'Changama: A creative midfielder known for his powerful left foot and spectacular free-kicks, M'Changama has been a consistent performer and a key playmaker. He played a pivotal role in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification and tournament.
- Faïz Selemani: A versatile winger or full-back, Selemani's pace and attacking contributions make him a dangerous asset. His energy and ability to create chances from wide areas are crucial for the team's offensive strategy.
- Chaker Alhadhur: Best known for his unexpected role as an emergency goalkeeper during the 2021 AFCON Round of 16 match against Cameroon, Alhadhur is primarily a defender. His commitment and versatility embody the team's spirit.
- Kassim M'Dahoma: A solid and reliable defender, M'Dahoma provides stability at the back. His experience and defensive acumen are essential in organizing the Comorian defense.
- Rafidine Abdullah: A defensive midfielder who provides a crucial shield for the defense, Abdullah's ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively helps control the tempo of matches.
- Saïd Bakari: A dynamic full-back, Bakari contributes both defensively and offensively, often overlapping to support attacks. His work rate and crossing ability are valuable assets.
These players, alongside emerging talents, represent the core of the current Comoros national team, driving their ambitions for future success on the continental stage.
World Cup record
The Comoros national football team has not yet qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals. Their journey in World Cup qualification campaigns began after their affiliation with FIFA in 2005 [1]. Since then, they have regularly participated in the African qualification rounds, facing challenging opponents from across the continent.
Historically, Comoros has often been eliminated in the early stages of World Cup qualification. However, their performances have shown consistent improvement over the years, mirroring their overall development as a footballing nation. The experience gained from these campaigns, particularly against higher-ranked teams, has been invaluable in building team cohesion and tactical understanding.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification cycle, Comoros is competing in the CAF qualifiers. They are aiming to leverage their recent success, including their Africa Cup of Nations appearance, to make a stronger push for a World Cup spot. While qualification remains a significant challenge given the competitive nature of African football, the team's ambition and growth suggest they are becoming increasingly competitive in these crucial matches [7]. Their best finish in a qualification campaign has been reaching the second round, a testament to their ongoing development and aspiration to reach the global stage.
Current head coach
As of May 2026, the Comoros national football team is coached by Stefano Cusin. The Italian tactician took over the role, bringing a wealth of experience from coaching various clubs and national teams across different continents. Cusin's appointment signals the Comorian Football Federation's intent to continue the team's upward trajectory following their historic Africa Cup of Nations appearance.
Cusin is known for his organized approach and tactical flexibility. His playing style often emphasizes defensive solidity coupled with quick transitions and effective use of wide players. He aims to build on the foundation laid by previous coaches, focusing on developing both the technical and mental aspects of the squad. Key results under his tenure include ongoing performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and preparations for future Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. His leadership is crucial in guiding Les Coelacanthes through challenging qualification groups and further establishing their presence in African football.