Comoros have gotten their Group H campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers off to a winning start by defeating Lesotho 2-0 on Friday afternoon.
The result at the Stade Ominisports de Malouzini sees the Coelacanths on three points at the top of the standings.
Comoros came into this encounter backed by their vocal supporters at home and were the favourites to claim the full three points.
They started well and had the first shot on goal in the eight minute, courtesy of a long range strike from Ben Nabouhane, but his effort was well-saved by the Lesotho keeper.
The home side continued to pile on the pressure and came close to the opening goal in the 25th minute, when Fouad Bachirou met a pass from Faïz Selemani, but he was thwarted by the Lesotho keeper once again.
Lesotho offered very little in attack throughout the opening half, but did managing a stinging 18-yard shot on goal in the 39th minute thanks to Masoabi Nkoto, but he saw his effort brilliantly saved by the Comoros keeper.
The half ended 0-0.
Comoros came out a rejuvenated side at the start of the second half and went ahead on the 59th minute after Youssouf M’Changama went through on goal from Saidi Bakari ‘s pass and slotted into the bottom corner.
In the 65th minute some swift counter-attacking play by Comoros, saw Faiz Selemani drive into the box before unleashing a well-stuck shot, but he saw his effort cleared off the goalline.
Five minutes later Lesotho were on the attack when Lisema Lebokollane met a cross from the left with a strong header, but his effort went just wide of the target.
The next decent effort on goal only came in the 77th minute, when Rethabile Rasethuntša unleashed a long range thunderbolt, but it sailed over the Comoros goal.
Coelacantes had the attacking momentum in the closing phase and they doubled their lead on the 81st minute with a close range strike from second half substitute Benjaloud Youssouf.
