CAN 2027 qualifiers: Benin face crucial Central African Republic test in Abidjan

Benin will look to strengthen their position at the top of Group F when they face the Central African Republic in the CAN 2027 qualifiers on Thursday.

The match, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT, will be played at Abidjan’s Felix-Houphouet-Boigny Stadium. The return fixture is scheduled for next Monday in Douala.

The two sides go into the third round of matches with contrasting records.

Gernot Rohr’s Guepards lead the group with four points after drawing with Burkina Faso and beating Mauritania. That unbeaten start has put Benin in a strong position as they prepare for a decisive double-header against the Central African Republic.

The Fauves du Bas-Oubangui, by contrast, are bottom of the group without a point. They suffered defeats in their opening two matches and cannot afford another setback if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Benin will be aiming for a convincing victory to protect their lead and take a significant step towards qualification for CAN 2027.

The Central African Republic will be without suspended midfielder Edwin Quarshie and need a major result in Abidjan to revive their campaign and avoid the prospect of an early elimination.