When Comoros footballers play, they can count on significant support in Marseille, where the community is one of the most represented among the foreign populations of the Marseille city. Around 150,000 Comorians reside in Marseille, reported, among other sources, an article in the daily The World in January 2024.
Among the 26 players selected to play in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, nine were born in the Provençal capital: goalkeepers Yannick Pandor and Salim Ben Boina, defenders Kassim M’Dahoma, Ahmed Soilihi, Yannis Kari and Benjaloud Youssouf, midfielders Youssouf M’Changama and Raouf Mroivili, and striker Faïz Selemani.
By expanding a little, around 25 km, we would add defender Idris Mohamed who was born in Aix-en-Provence. Part of Marseille is therefore likely to burst into flames this Sunday evening for the opening of the CAN. Morocco, the organizing country, will host the Comoros at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat (group A).
“ We are lucky to be in this game. It’s an honor for the entire country, for the players, for the staff, for all those who contributed to the qualification », judged Stefano Cusin, the Italian coach of the Comoros in an interview granted to France 24.
Pressure on Morocco
“ The important thing is to have an idea of the game. I noticed that everyone who tried to “put the bus” in front of the goal against Morocco ended in defeat. (…)
They are the ones who will have the pressure since they are playing at home. They have an obligation to win not only this match, but also the competition », Analyzes the Coelacanths coach. The Indian Ocean nation will play its second CAN final phase.
