‘Football Is A Sport For Dreamers’

It’s never happened in the history of football, that a nation with less than one million people qualifies for the World Cup, buy maybe this Comoros Islands coach can make it happen.

Italian coach Stefano Cusin started his adventures in African football with the tough assignment of trying to improve the fortunes of South Sudan, which, as the world’s youngest nation, had much catching up to do.

His time spent in the country’s capital Juba helped transform South Sudan into a more competitive outfit, earning their rivals respect and the 56-year-old coach a good reputation.

When he took on the job as Comoros Islands coach, it was a step-up in terms of potential even if the Comoros are among the continent’s smallest countries, and in footballing terms, also young.

They exceeded expectations by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon three years ago and at that tournament inflicted a shock defeat on four-time champions Ghana before booking an unlikely spot in the knockout rounds.

Comoros did not make it to the last finals in the Ivory Coast but Cusin has engineered a return for the small island archipelago to the next finals, which will be held in Morocco in December.

This time it was no shock but what was unexpected was the Comoros finishing top of their qualifying group, ahead of perennial contenders Tunisia and even beating the north Africans away in Tunis during the qualifying campaign.

“It’s something unbelievable, even if we have really good players. Of course, we could not imagine beating Tunisia. We did prepare as best we could because in our minds we did want to get a result. But we didn’t really expect it because Tunisia hadn’t lost a home game for some 14 years. It was an unbelievable result and we were very happy with it,” Cusin tells FORBES AFRICA.

Comoros might have a small population but do have the added benefit of a large émigré community in France, most settled in and around Marseille. They provide the bulk of the team.

“Look, all of them are Comorians. Of course, most of them grew up in Europe so this is a big advantage because they have had a background of good training. Most of them played for France at the youth national team level. So, we are talking about quality players. They are not amateurs.

“From the beginning of this mission, I noticed how much the squad has the right mentality, the right plan and very good players,” he adds.

It does mean there is little chance for homegrown players to make the team.

“It’s a big step because most of our players are playing in France, some in Ligue 1, or in the Netherlands in their top league,” adds the coach, born in Montreal, Canada, but who grew up in Italy and whose coaching career has been wide and varied.

“But we are trying to bring some of the best local talents with us. There’s potential, but it’s still a very young football country. I’m enjoying the challenge because for me personally, this is a place that we can build something, it’s a place where the people want to work, they want to grow, they want to improve.”

With a place at the Cup of Nations finals secure, the Comoros can now concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers, which dominate the international schedule in Africa for most of 2025.

“You know, our target was to qualify for AFCON. Now we’ve make our target come true. The World Cup is the dream. I mean, if it happens, it would be unbelievable, but it’s very difficult because in our group we are up against some very strong teams. It’s never happened in the history of football, that a nation with less than one million people qualifies for the World Cup. But in any case, we will fight for our dream.

“Football is a sport for dreamers. So, if you are not a dreamer, you shouldn’t be a coach,” he adds.

More realistic is to have a good showing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

“We must go step by step. The World Cup qualifiers will help us to gain experience and to grow again. And then we will arrive in Morocco without expectations. But at the same time, we will not fear any team. And I suppose that’s the best place to be. There’s no pressure, but at the same time, I know that we can do well because of what the team has already,” Cusin adds.