Comoros Island land Ghana in World Cup qualifiers

Comoros Island have been handed a difficult opponents — Ghana — for the second round of their 2018 World Cup qualifiers, after their dramatic qualification from the preliminary round.

Last Tuesday, the island-state of Comoros advanced on the away goal rule after a 1-1 draw away to Lesotho, having drawn goalless in the first leg at home.

This will be the first time Les Coelecantes' are going past the first round of the World Cup qualifiers and despite the fact that they have never won a World Cup qualifier, they get to advance, a feat which has been received with mixed feeling.

They are happy because their qualification means their football is developing, but unhappy because their dream could end prematurely as they face a daunting task against Ghana’s Black Stars.

Despite the reality of nearing the end of their World Cup qualifying journey earlier than they may wish for, the Islanders are happy with their progress and will enjoy it while it lasts.

Coach Amir Abdou told the media after their draw against Lesotho that they were satisfied with their performance and will give of their best in the second round.

“We are happy that we are through to the second round. It means we have done something right with our game. We will enjoy the moment without thinking too much about the second round.

Of course, we know we have to play Ghana now and that’s is quite a big game for us. They are giants not just by their name, but also their pedigree in Africa and world football. We will prepare for them when the time comes. But for now we are happy that we are through against Lesotho,” the coach said.

Sierra Leone also failed to make it past the first round after being eliminated by Chad while Mauritania also celebrated their qualification after beating debutants, South Sudan.