Comoros boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes with a composed 2–0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Sunday, moving within touching distance of Group I leaders Ghana.
The result, secured in Meknès, Morocco, lifted the Coelacanths to 16 points from eight matches, just one behind the Black Stars, and officially eliminated the Wild Beasts from contention.
The match hinged on first-half brilliance from captain Youssouf M’Changama and forward Myziane Maolida.
After CAR nearly took the lead through Moustapha Djimet’s header against the post in the 15th minute, Comoros struck back with ruthless efficiency.
M’Changama opened the scoring in the 20th minute, rifling home from distance after neat build-up play involving Rafiki Saïd Ahumada and Maolida.
The lead was doubled in the 39th minute when Faïz Selemani’s low cross found Maolida, who showed strength and composure to finish clinically.
CAR enjoyed plenty of possession after the break but struggled to break down a disciplined Comorian defence that stood firm against aerial balls and set-piece pressure.
The victory takes Comoros to second place in Group I (GF 11, GA 10), keeping alive their dream of a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.
Ghana lead with 16 points from seven matches, while Madagascar (13 points) and Mali (12 points) remain firmly in contention with games in hand. CAR sit fifth with five points, while Chad are bottom with one.
With only the group winners earning direct qualification and the four best runners-up advancing to a playoff for Africa’s slot at FIFA’s intercontinental tournament, every point in the remaining fixtures will be decisive.
Round Eight continues on Monday with Ghana hosting Mali in Accra and Madagascar welcoming Chad in Antananarivo — fixtures set to further shape one of the tightest sections in CAF qualifying.
For Comoros, this was the perfect response to their midweek defeat to Mali and another significant step on their path to making history.
For CAR, the campaign now shifts to salvaging pride in the final rounds.
