In one of the biggest surprises of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Comoros pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against Tunisia on Friday, ending Tunisia’s 16-match unbeaten home run in AFCON qualifying matches. The unlikely hero of the night was Rafiki Said, whose second-half goal secured a famous win for the small island nation and lifted Comoros to second place in Group A.
A Shocking Upset
Few could have predicted that Comoros, a tiny island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, would overcome Tunisia, a five-time World Cup participant and former AFCON champions. Playing in Rades, Tunisia, the hosts were widely expected to dominate and extend their impressive home record. Ranked 82 places higher than Comoros in the world rankings and boasting a wealth of experience in their squad, Tunisia entered the game as overwhelming favorites.
However, football is often unpredictable, and Comoros took full advantage of their underdog status. Despite Tunisia dominating possession for much of the match, the Comoros defense stood firm, frustrating the home team’s efforts to find the back of the net. Tunisia, typically dangerous in the attacking third, lacked creativity and sharpness, allowing Comoros to grow in confidence as the game progressed.
Rafiki Said’s Moment of Glory
The breakthrough came in the second half, when Comoros forward Rafiki Said capitalized on a rare opportunity in the 67th minute. A well-placed cross found Said inside the box, and the French second-tier forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past the Tunisian goalkeeper to give Comoros a shocking lead. The goal sent the Comoros bench into wild celebrations, as they sensed an historic result in the making.
Tunisia pushed hard for an equalizer in the final 20 minutes, but their efforts were in vain. Comoros, disciplined and resolute in defense, absorbed the pressure and held on for a famous victory. Tunisia’s frustration was evident, as their typically fluid attacking play was stifled by Comoros’ well-organized defense.
Tunisia’s Unbeaten Streak Ends
This defeat marked the end of a remarkable run for Tunisia, who had won 16 consecutive home games in AFCON qualifiers before Friday’s upset. The Carthage Eagles, as they are known, were unbeaten at home for nearly a decade in this competition, making the result even more significant. Tunisia, ranked fifth in Africa, found themselves unable to unlock Comoros’ defensive strategy, and the loss leaves them with work to do in the remaining fixtures of the group stage.
Despite the loss, Tunisia remains at the top of Group A, one point ahead of Comoros. However, this result will undoubtedly be a wake-up call for coach Jalel Kadri and his team as they look to regain their footing in the next round of matches.
Comoros’ Rise Continues
Comoros has steadily been building its footballing reputation over the last few years. Their qualification for the 2022 AFCON tournament, where they famously defeated Ghana to reach the second round, was a statement of intent. Friday’s victory over Tunisia is yet another indication that the island nation is no longer to be underestimated on the continental stage.
Comoros’ win lifts them to second place in Group A with six points, just one behind Tunisia. They now face the difficult task of hosting Tunisia in the return leg on Tuesday. However, due to the lack of an international-standard stadium in Moroni, Comoros will play their home match in Abidjan, the Ivorian commercial capital.
Looking Ahead
The return leg between these two teams promises to be an intense affair, as Tunisia will be eager to bounce back from the shock defeat. For Comoros, the challenge will be maintaining their momentum and proving that Friday’s victory was no fluke. With three games remaining in the group stage, both teams will be vying for a spot in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
For Tunisia, regaining their composure and finding the attacking spark they lacked in the first encounter will be key. For Comoros, another positive result could edge them closer to a second consecutive AFCON appearance, a remarkable achievement for a nation with a population of less than one million.
Conclusion
Comoros’ 1-0 win over Tunisia was a truly historic moment in African football, as the island nation continues to defy expectations. Rafiki Said’s decisive goal and the team’s disciplined defensive display earned them a well-deserved victory and ended Tunisia’s 16-match unbeaten home run. As the AFCON qualifiers progress, Comoros’ rise on the African football stage is one to watch, while Tunisia will look to regroup and reassert their dominance in the next round.
With the stakes high and qualification for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco on the line, the second encounter between these two teams is sure to provide more drama.
