Benin aim to strengthen their position in AFCON qualifying against Central African Republic

Benin will look to take another step towards qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Central African Republic in Group F on Monday.

The match will be played at the Stade de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon, at 17:00, four days after Benin’s emphatic 4-1 win over the same opponents in Abidjan.

The result lifted the Guepards to the top of Group F on goal difference, level on seven points with Burkina Faso. Central African Republic are bottom without a point and have a goal difference of -6.

Central African Republic, known as Les Fauves, have lost all three of their qualifying matches, scoring twice and conceding eight goals. They began with a 3-1 defeat by Mauritania on 24 September before losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso four days later.

Abdelaziz Kerkache was appointed coach on 6 November, replacing Eloge Enza-Yamissi, and had only six days to prepare his team before the first meeting with Benin. The Moroccan, who has also managed Mouloudia Oujda, immediately recalled Olympique de Marseille midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and Le Mans striker Louis Mafouta. Mafouta scored Central African Republic’s equaliser in Abidjan.

Despite having 56% possession and winning eight corners to Benin’s five, Central African Republic allowed eight shots on target and conceded four goals. They are still seeking a first historic appearance at an Africa Cup of Nations finals, having narrowly missed out in 2021 and 2023. Their home fixture must also be played in Douala rather than Bangui.

Benin remain unbeaten in qualifying under Gernot Rohr. They drew 1-1 away to Burkina Faso on 25 September before beating Mauritania 2-1 in Abidjan four days later, with Rodolfo Aloko scoring twice. The team continue to play in Cote d’Ivoire while they await approval for the Stade de l’Amitie in Cotonou.

Hassane Imourane gave Benin an early lead in the previous match, scoring in the seventh minute, but Mafouta equalised in the 19th minute. Aloko restored the advantage in the 31st minute before Aiyegun Tosin added two more goals, in the 36th and 56th minutes.

Tosin and Aloko have scored six of Benin’s seven goals in qualifying. Benin converted eight of their 18 attempts despite having only 44% possession, while Central African Republic managed five shots on target from 14 efforts. Rohr said afterwards that the scoreline had flattered his side because of the number of attacking opportunities created by their opponents.

Edwin Quarshie returns for Central African Republic after suspension, while Venuste Baboula could feature after recovering from an ankle sprain. Kondogbia, Mafouta and Goduine Koyalipou all started the first match.

Benin remain without injured captain Steve Mounie. Rohr is expected to rely again on Aloko, Tosin and Junior Olaitan, who has made an impressive start to the season with Besiktas, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. Sixteen-year-old midfielder Parfait Faton of AAS Sarcelles has received his first senior call-up in a 25-player squad that also includes Sessi D’Almeida and Jodel Dossou.

Burkina Faso also have seven points after Elohim Kabore’s injury-time winner against Mauritania. Benin’s greater defensive stability should give them the edge, with a 2-1 victory the predicted outcome.