Comoros continued their impressive run in the AFCON qualifiers by holding group favorites Tunisia to a 1-1 draw, securing a vital point that strengthens their chances of reaching the tournament in Morocco. This result means Comoros have now taken four points off Tunisia in the group stage, further solidifying their growing reputation as dangerous underdogs.
After a tight first half that ended goalless, the match sprang to life early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Comoros sent a clear message when Faïz Selemani latched onto a well-timed pass to slot the ball past the Tunisian goalkeeper, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The home supporters erupted in celebration at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast, sensing another upset against their highly-rated opponents.
The early goal seemed to spark Tunisia into action. Desperate to avoid another setback, the Eagles of Carthage upped the pressure, controlling possession and probing the Comoros defense for a way through. The pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute when Tunisia found the equalizer, leveling the game at 1-1.
Both sides pushed for a winning goal in the final stages, with Tunisia launching relentless attacks and Comoros trying to catch them on the counter. However, resolute defending from both teams ensured the scoreline remained unchanged, and the match ended with the two teams sharing the points.
For Comoros, this result feels like a victory. Having already stunned Tunisia earlier in the qualifiers, they now find themselves in a strong position to qualify for the AFCON tournament. The draw boosts their tally in the group and keeps them firmly in contention, much to the delight of their fans .
Tunisia, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have dropped points yet again against Comoros, who have proven to be their nemesis in this campaign. Although the Tunisians remain in a good position to qualify, the result leaves them with little room for complacency in their remaining matches.
As the race for qualification heats up, all eyes will be on Comoros to see if they can complete their remarkable journey and secure a historic place in next year’s tournament. For now, they can celebrate another hard-fought point that keeps their dream alive.
