Central African Republic Announces 23-Man Squad for AFCON Qualifier Against Guinea-Bissau
The Central African Republic has officially unveiled its 23-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary clash against Guinea-Bissau, scheduled for May 18. The announcement was made by the country’s Football Federation, setting the stage for what promises to be a crucial fixture in the qualifying campaign.
The squad features a blend of domestic and internationally-based talent, with four players selected from local clubs and the remaining 19 plying their trade abroad. Among the foreign-based players, seven are currently active in African leagues, while twelve are based in Europe, reflecting a growing trend of Central African footballers making their mark on international stages.
The first-leg encounter is set to take place at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The Central African Republic often opts to play home fixtures outside of its borders due to logistical and security challenges, and Brazzaville has frequently served as a temporary home ground in recent years.
According to the federation, logistical preparations are already underway, with players currently awaiting their travel arrangements to the Congolese capital. The timely arrival and preparation of the squad will be key, as the team aims to put in a strong performance in the first leg before heading into the return fixture.
The selection reflects the Central African Republic’s efforts to balance domestic development with international experience. The inclusion of locally-based players highlights the federation’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, while the strong European contingent adds depth and technical quality to the team.
This fixture marks an important step in the national team’s ambitions to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament they have yet to reach in their history. With renewed optimism and a carefully assembled squad, the team will be looking to make a statement against a Guinea-Bissau side that has gained momentum in recent years.
The match in Brazzaville will be watched closely not only by fans of the Central African Republic but also by observers of African football who are keen to see whether this team can overcome the odds and secure a historic place in the continental tournament.
The final list of players is expected to begin reporting to camp in the coming days, as preparations intensify ahead of the crucial preliminary tie. For Central African football, this is not just another qualifier—it is a chance to inspire a nation and turn a page in their footballing story.
