The greatest Comoros players of all time

Time Stamp: February 19, 2022 7:18 AM

A small group of islands nestled in the Indian Ocean, The Comoros have never been a heavyweight in world football. However, the French roots to the island has meant that the sport has always been a popular sport in the country- to the point where players have graduated into top-level talent. Now, Comorian players can be found scattered throughout European football playing several top leagues in England, France and Italy. It’s gotten to the point that their national side, known as The Coelacanths, are now qualifying for top levels tournament such as the African Nations Cup. But who are their greatest players that got them to this point?

 

Kassim Abdallah

One of the first players to enjoy the international spotlight, Kassim Abdallah has flourished as a solid defender in French football. Playing primarily as a centre-back, Abdallah’s strength and aerial ability helped him thwart attacks immediately before they started. His biggest claim to fame was playing as a regular member of the Olympique Marseille squad between 2012-2014 regularly showcasing that players from his homeland could make it into the big time. Abdallah’s stint in Ligue 1 was extending after joining Evian in 2014 before they would be relegated a few seasons later. After some time in Saudi Arabia, Abdallah still plays for lower league French sides as well as representing his homeland in international competition.

 

Jimmy Abdou

Not much was known about Jimmy Abdou when he first appeared for Sedan in 2005. However, his dogged performances as a defensive midfielder opened up plenty of new opportunities in the coming season. When Sedan were relegated in 2007, Abdou left France completely moving to England on a short-term move with Championship side Plymouth Argyle. After impressing in Devon, Millwall would snap up Abdou where he would became a regular for the team for the next decade. During his time in South London, Abdou became a fan favourite winning Player of the Year on no less than two occasions and becoming a cult figure at The Den. He would also become an icon for the national side becoming their captain and leading to their first African Cup of Nations appearance in 2022. It’s these feats that ensures Abdou will be a cult figure to his home nation for decades to come.

 

Ben Nabouhane

It took Ben Nabouhane a long time to find a comfortable environment but once the striker did that, he has proven to be exceptionally clinical. The pint-sized striker has been able to use his pace and guile to carve out opportunities and dispatch them with ease. After not settling in both Franc and Greece, it was a move to Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade that made the difference. In the Serbian Superliga, Nabouhane has destroyed opposition regularly hitting double figures including 17 goals in 24 games during the 2018/19 season. It’s why he has won 4 Serbian SuperLiga titles and named in two SuperLiga Team of Season. It’s a story that proved anyone can find success if they remain patient.

 

Youssouf M’Changama

Despite not being a known name, Youssouf M’Changama has had impacts wherever he played. The attacking midfielder struggled to make a breakthrough until leaving France and joining Oldham in 2012. With the English side, M’Changama showed the drive and determination needed to succeed at the professional level. After a short stint in Algeria, M’Changama moved back to France with Gazelec Ajaccio in 2016 and was a regular starter for the Ligue 2 side. Since then, he has solidified himself as a capable midfielder at that level having also appeared for Grenoble and Guingamp. For the national side, M’Changama is a legend holding the record for appearances with 48 caps and second in goals with 9. He remains one of the nation’s brightest stars and will help inspire The Coelacanths to more success in years to come.

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