Discover the archipelago
From lagoon canoes to the stadiums of Africa, from mrengué to the world's tatamis: the history, feats and champions of the four islands, at home and far from the archipelago.
In the archipelago, sport is first and foremost a village affair: a dirt pitch, a ball, neighbourhood teams and a whole crowd along the touchline. It also happens at sea, aboard outrigger canoes, and around the rings of mrengué, the traditional boxing set to the rhythm of drums.
Since 1979, the year the Comoros Football Federation was founded and the first Indian Ocean Island Games were held, athletes from the four islands have measured themselves against their neighbours, then against Africa and the world. The Coelacanths played their first Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, Mahoran clubs make an appearance in the Coupe de France every season, and champions born in the archipelago shine far from home.
This section tells that story, presents well-known and lesser-known figures, takes a tour of each island's sports and follows the latest events in the sports news. Every article cites its sources.
From traditional games to AFCON
From mrengué bouts to the stands of the Africa Cup: how modern sport took hold on the four islands, and how their athletes found their place in the Indian Ocean, in Africa and in France.
Portraits
A legendary striker, a goalkeeper for one night, a world medallist judoka and a young powerchair football hopeful: athletes born in or linked to the archipelago, well known or little known, who have made the four islands shine.
Mrengué, canoes, mraha
Boxing to the sound of drums, outrigger canoe races, games of mraha on the squares: the games of strength and skill that the archipelago practised long before stadiums, and which are still alive.
Ngazidja, Mwali, Ndzuani, Maore
Historic clubs, stadiums, favourite sports: what gets each of the four islands excited, from Mitsamiouli to Fomboni, from Mirontsy to Mamoudzou.
1979–2027
Born in Réunion in 1979, the Island Games bring together athletes from the Indian Ocean every four years. In 2027, for the first time, they will be held in the Comoros.
The latest results and feats, with their sources.
At 18, the Mahoran from Bouéni is playing with Les Bleus at the Powerchair Football World Cup in Buenos Aires, from 13 to 23 October. On his first…
Les Diables Noirs of Combani beat Bandrélé FC 3–2 in the regional final on Saturday 17 October, winning the fourth regional final in their history.…
The 12th Indian Ocean Island Games will be held in the Comoros from 10 to 19 August 2027. The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday 10 August,…
