The Barea of Madagascar face the coelacanths of the Comoros in a decisive Indian Ocean derby for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In Abidjan, the men of Corentin Martins play their va-all to consolidate their second place in group I and dream of historical qualification.
Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny d’Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, will be the scene of a crucial confrontation between the Barea of Madagascar and the Coelacanthes of Comoros, this evening at 7:00 p.m. This Indian Ocean derby, counting for the ninth day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers area Africa, could seal the fate of the Barea in their quest for a historical qualification. In group I, the tension is at its height. The Barea, currently second with 16 points, are only ahead of the Comoros, third, only one point (15 points). This match promises to be a real leaving or double for the protégés of Corentin Martins. A victory would allow Madagascar to consolidate its position and approach the last day, against Mali, with a psychological and accounting advantage. Conversely, a misstep could compromise their chances of direct qualification and relegate them to a second place, synonymous with dam.
A preparation under duress
The French coach, Corentin Martins, had to deal with a tight calendar. If a large part of the workforce was already present for Monday training, some players, retained by their club commitments until Sunday, joined the selection until Monday evening. Thus, this Tuesday was the only day to refine automatisms with a whole group. Building on continuity in its choices, with almost 90% of the players who are already present during the last regrouping in September, the Coco coach relies on cohesion and knowledge of his workforce to make the difference.
A derby loaded with issues. This duel facing the Comoros goes beyond the simple sports framework. It is a regional rivalry, where supremacy in the Indian Ocean is at stake. The Barea, carried by their ambition and their dynamics, know that each evening action will count. The coelacanthes, on the other hand, arrive with the firm intention of overthrowing their Malagasy neighbors and seizing second place in the group. In the other meetings of this ninth day, Ghana will meet the Central African Republic, while Mali will face the Sao of Chad. These matches will also have their importance for the final classification of the group, before a final day when Madagascar will travel to Bamako to challenge the Eagles of Mali on October 12. This last meeting already promises to be a final for the Barea.
Power of Samson
World article 2026: The Barea play their qualification against the Comoros appeared first in Midi Madagasikara.