Benin and Central African Republic name probable line-ups for 2027 Afcon qualifier

Benin will host Central African Republic in the first leg of their two-match 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie on Thursday, 12 November 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

The match is the third round of qualification, and both sides are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Benin

Gernot Rohr is set to retain a midfield three as Benin look to combine defensive organisation with an attacking threat. The formation should also allow the Guepards to apply pressure through a front three from the opening stages.

Probable Benin XI

Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou

Defenders: Tamimou Ouorou, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani, Charlemagne Azongnitode

Midfielders: Hassane Imourane, Sessi d’Almeida, Dodo Dokou

Forwards: Aiyegun Tosin, Rodolfo Aloko, Junior Olaitan

Benin will be aiming to make home advantage count in the opening game of the tie before the return fixture against the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui.

Central African Republic

Central African Republic are also expected to use a 4-3-3 as they look to respond to Benin’s approach.

The Fauves du Bas-Oubangui will seek to remain compact without the ball and use quick transitions, particularly in wide areas, to unsettle the home defence.

Probable Central African Republic XI

Goalkeeper: Dominique Youfeigane

Defenders: Raphael Marc Yapende, Sacha M’Baka, Hugo Gambor, Junior Sambia

Midfielders: Venuste Baboula, Edwin Quarshie, Badara Diomande

Forwards: Goduine Koyalipou, Moustapha Djimet, Isaac Solet

The third-round meeting is due to take place shortly, with both teams beginning their two-leg contest for progress in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

Odds listed by 1xbet price a Benin victory at 1.47, while a draw is rated at 3.57 and a Central African Republic win at 6.59.