World Cup (Q): Madagascar secure big derby win over Comoros

Madagascar’s Barea brightened their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification prospects with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Comoros in Ivory Coast on Wednesday.

Clement Couturier and Ahmad El Hadary Raheriniaina struck in either half at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan for the Barea to maintain their three-point distance behind Group I leaders Ghana.

The Black Stars thumped Central Africa Republic 5-0 in another Group I clash played on the same day. On the other hand, the loss eliminated Comoros’ chances of qualifying.

French-born midfielder Couturier opened the scoring for the Barea in the 10^th minute as the visitors went to the break leading 1-0.

The 32-year-old volleyed past a crowd after a ball had bounced into his path on the edge of the box. El Hadary initiated the goal when he played a short free-kick on the left. Some three passes later, the ball landed in Comoros’ box where their sloppy clearance to the opponents proved costly.

That proved to be the only goal of the opening half. Eventually, the visitors ensured the maximum points 17 minutes to full time when the 19-year-ol Paris FC young attacking midfielder, currently on loan at another French side Valenciennes FC, cushioned the lead with a fine finish.

However, the hosts did not go down without a fight. They launched a late fight back, as they reduced the deficit with a goal from Standard Liege winger Rafiki Said, only for the hosts’ push for an equalizer to be undermined by a numerical disadvantage after goalkeeper Ben Boina had received a red card five minutes into added time.

The next game for the Barea will see them travelling to face Mali on Saturday while Comoros will have their backs to the wall going into their next assignment on the road in Ghana on the same day.

Updated Group I Table

1. Ghana- 22 points
2. Madagascar- 19 points
3. Mali- 15 points
4. Comoros- 15 points
5. Central African Republic- 5 points
6. Chad- 1 point