18 July 2019 – Comoros coach Choudjay Mahandi has named a final 20-plater selection for their debut showing at the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay from July 31-August 11.
The Indian Island nation will enter the regional showpiece competition for the first time and hope to show their progress in recent years after as difficult introduction to women’s international football.
The squad is made up of experienced players, but does include some 18-year-olds in defender Ali Fariza and midfielder Mmadi Ranya.
Comoros have been drawn in Group A and face hosts South Africa first up on July 31, a side that beat them 13-0 some five years ago. They will expect a much better showing this time round.
They will then face Madagascar two days later, before they round out their pool play against Malawi on August 5.
Growth in the women’s game has been slow in the country, but is picking up pace and they will be keen to showcase their quality in the regional championship.
The country entered the preliminary competition for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, their first appearance, but after that heavy loss to powerhouse South Africa in the first leg of their qualifier, did not fulfil the return fixture.
They then did not enter the preliminaries for the 2019 World Cup, and have also not entered the qualifiers for the African Women’s Championship.
Comoros squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Matina, Hirma Allaoui
Defenders: Ahmed Soilha, Samra Ali, Ali Fariza, Ali Rabouanta, Mdahoma Melanie, Said Soule Wassula
Midfielders: Arlis Sidy, Nadia Farid, Ali Niswati, Nourdati Mohamed Boina, Hassana Mina, Itrisso Salmata Samantha, Mmadi Ranya, Halima Atthoumani Chanfi
Strikers: Hassani Hayat, Ibrahim Nassila, Nakchat Mohamed, Hairyat Abdourahmanı
(source: COSAFA.com)