As the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 approaches, Comoros head coach Stefano Cusin made bold statements reflecting the mindset of his squad. “We are not here by chance,” he declared, underlining the determination of the Coelacanths to prove they deserve their place at Africa’s biggest football event.
The Italian tactician went even further, sending a clear warning to the continent’s giants. “For the big African nations, playing Comoros is like going to the dentist, they don’t like it,” he said. It was a colorful metaphor to stress how difficult his team is to handle, thanks to their fighting spirit and strong collective organization.
Recent history backs up his words. After their AFCON debut in 2021, where they shocked many by reaching the Round of 16 against host Cameroon, the Coelacanths have established themselves as Africa’s surprise package. Despite fewer resources than powerhouses like Egypt, Senegal, or Nigeria, Comoros showed they can compete and even upset traditional favorites.
In 2025, the ambition is clear: to confirm their status as feared underdogs. With a core group of improving players, a well-defined playing identity, and passionate supporters behind them, Comoros want to shake up the continent once again. Stefano Cusin’s message serves both as a warning to rivals and as a rallying cry to his team.