The Comoros national team has officially unveiled its 26-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, according to a press release from their football federation.
The roster is composed entirely of foreign-based players largely drawn from the Comorian diaspora in Europe a reflection of the country’s strategy to leverage global talent for its continental campaign. Among the names are two uncapped players: Amir Zaid and Kari Yannis, both currently playing in the lower tiers of the French league system.
Veteran striker El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, aged 36, is among the returning players a sign Comoros hopes experience will guide the squad through what could be a challenging group.  The full squad includes a balanced mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards selected with the aim of reviving the “giant-killing” spirit that earned them respect in the 2021 edition.
However, that ambition may face early tests. The team’s preparations suffered a blow after FIFA confirmed that clubs only need to release foreign-based players to their national teams by December 15 just six days before the tournament begins. As a result, their planned training camp in Tunisia and a friendly against Botswana were cancelled. Coach Stéphane Cusin lamented the tight turnaround, stating the squad might only get “four or five training sessions” before facing hosts Morocco in the opening match.
For Comoros, a small island nation entering just its second AFCON tournament, the road ahead is steep but the blend of diaspora-based experience, youthful ambition and underdog resolve could still make them a dark horse to watch when the tournament kicks off later this month.