Comoros reignited their World Cup dream with a composed 2–0 victory over the Central African Republic on Sunday, moving within touching distance of Group I leaders Ghana in the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Coelacanths, smarting from a 3–0 defeat to Mali earlier in the window, responded in style in Meknès. After surviving an early scare when CAR’s Moustapha Djimet struck the post, Comoros took control of the game.

Captain Youssouf M’Changama broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a thunderous long-range strike, before Myziane Maolida doubled the lead nine minutes before half-time with a sharp finish from Faïz Selemani’s cross.

Despite enjoying more possession after the break, the Wild Beasts struggled to break down a disciplined Comoros defence, sealing their elimination from the qualification race.

The win lifts Comoros to 15 points from eight matches, just one behind Ghana on 16. Madagascar (13 points) and Mali (12 points) also remain firmly in contention, ensuring the race for top spot — and Africa’s direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup — remains wide open.

With Ghana hosting Mali in Accra and Madagascar facing Chad on Monday, the battle for qualification is set for more twists in what is shaping into one of CAF’s most competitive groups.

For Comoros, this was more than just three points — it was a statement of intent as they chase a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. For CAR, the focus now turns to playing for pride in their final fixtures.