Now, with the privilege of opening the AFCON in Rabat against hosts and favorites Morocco, the team embraces both the challenge and their underdog role.
“It’s a big honor for the country, the players and the coaching staff. It’s the opening game, a brand new stadium, and against such a strong team,” head coach Stefano Cusin tells Flashscore from his home in Italy.
“Morocco is the best team in Africa for sure, and one of the best in the world. They have a very strong federation, their U20 team are World Cup winners… For us, it will be tough, but at the same time, we have nothing to lose. We have a quality team and can play without pressure. I expect a great game."
Cusin believes the Comoros players are in a great position. Representing an island country of not even a million people with most of the squad playing in second or third divisions in Europe, not much is expected of them. But by appreciating the underdog role while still keeping healthy confidence, they can spring a surprise.
“We want to enjoy it, play without pressure and without limits,” Cusin says of Comoros’ targets at the AFCON. “In the group, we play against Morocco, Zambia and Mali - three teams we’ve never beaten before. So if I have to set a goal, I want to change our history,” he says, hinting at hopes of finally beating at least one of the teams.
A question of mentality
Group A won’t be an easy one by any means. Morocco qualified automatically as the hosts, of course, but they are the highest-placed African country in the FIFA ranking and most likely the biggest favourites to go all the way.
Zambia, Mali and Comoros all topped their respective qualifying groups, and Comoros were surely the biggest surprise of the bunch, going undefeated in a qualifying group that featured Tunisia, Gambia and Madagascar. Especially their 1-0 win in Tunisia, who qualified in second place, was a historic one.
“It’s a question of mentality. A coach needs to think his team is better than any other team, even if it’s not true at the moment. I always ask my players to think like a big team,” Cusin tells Flashscore of his approach when recalling the triumph in the port town of Rades.
“Before the game against Tunisia, I told them: 'You are not third-division players. You are Chelsea’s centre-back. You are Juventus’ striker. You play for Real Madrid.' I wanted to give them self-confidence,” he remembers.
“Maybe Tunisia expected us to just defend, but we played with three forwards and were very offensive. After taking four points against Tunisia, I was sure we would qualify."
Four days after the triumphant win, Comoros held the favourites to a 1-1 draw in the return fixture, which they played in the Ivory Coast. The minnows were forced to play the last two years, including the entirety of the AFCON qualifiers, away from home as the stadium in Comoros didn’t meet CAF standards.
That finally changed this November when Comoros returned home to play two friendlies against Namibia and won both. The head coach remembers the incredible reaction of the fans who saw their sporting heroes finally come back.
“The supporters of Comoros are unbelievable. They are crazy for football,” Cusin says with a smile. “When we returned in November, the way they welcomed us was incredible. From the airport to the hotel, the streets were full of people. The stadium was full for both games. The people are incredible. We love them and we want to play for them,” he adds.
Keep building on youth
Under Cusin’s leadership, the squad has transformed immensely over the last two years - at most, five of the players who represented Comoros at the previous AFCON are expected to make the squad now. In the friendly win against Namibia, seven players aged between 18 and 20 featured.
“The Comoros approached me several years ago to rebuild the team, change players, give the squad a new identity. It was tough, but we have progressed 30 positions in the FIFA ranking. We have won almost 60% of our games,” Cusin recalls.
“But as I said, we are not Nigeria or Senegal. You cannot ask me to win the AFCON. You can ask me to play great and maybe be the surprise. We never know."
What is also unknown is Cusin’s future beyond the AFCON. The coach who transformed the minnows into one of the most pleasant surprises of African football is nearing the end of his contract with the Comoros, even though talks of a possible extension are already taking place.
“If I continue, I want to build with this group and bring in more young players. I want Comoros to always be in the AFCON and, maybe one day, like Cape Verde, to reach the World Cup,” he says.