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Comoros secure first-ever AFCON ticket

BY Idris Shehu

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Comoros will be making their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance in Cameroon next year.

Les Coelacantes, as the country’s national team is called, achieved this historic feat after holding onto a goalless draw at home against Togo on Thursday.

The team from a volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast remains unbeaten while currently top of the group G — that comprises Egypt, seven-time champions, and Kenya.

Comoros amassed nine points in five games after an impressive away win in Togo and huge draws against the heavyweights in the group.

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The country was registered by the Federation of International Football (FIFA) in 2005 and didn’t enter World Cup and AFCON qualifiers until 2007.

Les Coelacantes didn’t win a major qualifier until a victory over Botswana in 2016. It was their 20th attempt to win any qualifier for significant competitions.

Kenya and Egypt will slog it out later on Thursday for the second ticket available to the group.

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Comoros are the eighth team to qualify for the Nations Cup — joining the likes of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Cameroon.

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