AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Benin thrash Central African Republic 4-1 in Group F clash

Benin strengthened their position at the top of Group F in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after securing an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic on Thursday.

The Cheetahs made a bright start at Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Imourane.

However, the Central African Republic responded in the 19th minute, with Louis Mafouta finding the net to restore parity and give the visitors hope of getting their first points of the qualifying campaign.

Benin quickly regained control of the encounter, with Rodolfo Aloko restoring their advantage in the 31st minute.

Aiyegun Tosin then extended the hosts’ lead five minutes later, scoring in the 36th minute to put Benin 3-1 ahead before the interval.

The forward continued his impressive performance after the restart, completing his brace in the 56th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

The Central African Republic struggled to find a response, allowing Benin to comfortably see out the contest and claim all three points.

The victory takes Benin to seven points after three matches, strengthening their hopes of securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals.