Mauritius expect a tough clash against Indian Ocean rivals the Comoros Islands when they meet on Friday in their 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier.

Comoros host the first leg of the knockout round tie at Said Mohamed Cheik Stadium in Mitsamiouli on Friday with the return leg in Mauritius on Tuesday.

“We know that the Comoros will not give us any gifts,” Mauritius coach Joe Tshupula said in the build-up to the game.

“We have been training for a few weeks for this appointment. For us, the most important thing is to bring back the best possible result. We are aware that the best result would be a victory. We have as ambition to do a big thing in the Comoros.

“In football, there are no more small or big teams. Like us, the Comorian selection has a legitimate ambition. There are skills on both sides. It will be a tough game.”

Mauritius’ selection marks the return of striker Andy Sophie, who plays in Reunion for AS Saint Louisienne having left out Adrien Botlar, who the coach said was out of form.

Mauritius take 18 players to the Comoros but will add Nick Harel and Jean Hypolite of Roche Bois Bolton City to the squad for the second leg.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Christopher Caserne (Roche Bois Bolton City), Kevin Jean Louis (Pamplemousses SC)

Defenders: Fabrice Augustin (La Cure Sylvester), Damien Balisson (Cercle de Joachim), Marco Dorza (AS Port Louis 2000), Francis Rasolofonirina (Cercle de Joachim), Walter Saint Martin (Pamplemousses SC), Emmanuel Vincent (AS Port Louis 2000)

Midfielders: Fabrice Brasse (Roche Bois Bolton City), Kevin Bru (Ipswich Town, England), Adel Langue (Cercle de Joachim), Kevin Perticot (Pamplemousses SC), Luther Rose (AS Port Louis 2000), Jeremy Villeneuve (US d’Ivry, France)

Forwards: Jonathan Justin (Toulouse St-Jo, France), Gary Noel (VfB Lübeck, Germany), Andy Patate (Petite Rivière Noire), Andy Sophie (Saint Louisienne, Reunion)