Comoros vs Mali: One Last Shot at AFCON Survival in a High-Stakes Group A Showdown
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage reaches its decisive moment, all eyes turn to Casablanca, where Comoros and Mali are set to face each other in a must-win Group A encounter at the Mohammed V Stadium. With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, this match is being framed as a battle between desperation and experience, and there is simply no room left for error.
For Comoros, the situation is painfully clear. After two matches, a single goal has yet to be scored, and only one point has been collected. Their campaign began with a 2–0 defeat to tournament hosts Morocco, a game where resistance held firm early on before being broken in the second half. That was followed by a disciplined but frustrating goalless draw against Zambia, where defensive organisation was praised, yet attacking ideas were again found wanting. Now, heading into their final group game, qualification hopes are slim but not extinguished, and a victory is the only outcome that keeps the dream alive.
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This tournament marks just Comoros’ second appearance at AFCON, and memories of their fairytale run to the last 16 in 2021 still linger. Under coach Stefano Cusin, structure and compactness have been prioritised, especially against stronger opponents. However, the lack of goals has become a growing concern. It is worth noting that Comoros have failed to score in their last four competitive matches, while conceding heavily during that stretch, including two emphatic 3–0 defeats to Mali in recent World Cup qualifiers.
Mali, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten and in a far more comfortable position. Two draws from two matches may not look spectacular on paper, but performances against Zambia and hosts Morocco have underlined their tactical discipline and resilience. Lassine Sinayoko has already made his mark, calmly converting penalties in both games, while the return of captain Yves Bissouma has added authority in midfield. A win here would guarantee Mali a place in the knockout stages, removing any reliance on other results.
Historically, the balance clearly favours Mali. The Eagles have beaten Comoros twice in 2025, keeping clean sheets and scoring six unanswered goals. Defensively, they have been solid throughout the year, and although goals from open play have been limited at AFCON so far, their overall consistency has kept them firmly in contention.
Team news suggests continuity for both sides. Comoros are expected to stick with the lineup that earned a point against Zambia, while Mali continue to manage injuries carefully, knowing that progression would open the door to reinforcements later in the tournament.
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