Central African Republic start AFCON 2025 qualifiers with dominant win over Lesotho
The Central African Republic (CAR) opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Lesotho at the Stade El Abdi in El Jadida on Thursday. A brace from Louis Mafouta and a goal from Goduine Koyalipou secured all three points for the Wild Beasts in their Group B opener.
The match began at a blistering pace with CAR wasting no time in asserting their dominance.
Within just two minutes, Louis Mafouta capitalized on a defensive mishap involving Lesotho’s Sekhoane Moerane and Rethabile Rasethuntsa.
The confusion allowed Mafouta to slot the ball past the helpless goalkeeper, giving CAR the perfect start to the game.
CAR continued to press forward, with the home side looking dangerous with every attack.
In the 18th minute, Mafouta nearly turned provider when he set up Goduine Koyalipou in front of goal.
However, Koyalipou’s hesitation allowed Lesotho defender Fusi Matlabe to scramble back and clear the threat, keeping the scoreline unchanged.
The relentless pressure from CAR paid off again in the 24th minute.
Geoffrey Kondogbia delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Mafouta expertly controlled before rounding the Lesotho goalkeeper and placing the ball into an empty net for his second of the match.
The early brace put CAR firmly in control, leaving Lesotho struggling to gain a foothold in the contest.
Despite their efforts, Lesotho found it difficult to test CAR goalkeeper Dominique Youfeigane, who enjoyed a quiet first half.
Lesotho’s attacking attempts were largely thwarted, and their first real opportunity came in the 40th minute with a poorly taken corner that failed to trouble CAR’s defense.
Desperate for a way back into the game, Lesotho made two substitutions at the break, bringing on Thabo Matsoele and Tlotliso Phatsisi in place of Matlabe and Lehlohonolo Matsau.
The changes briefly injected some life into their play, and in the 56th minute, Lesotho managed to pull a goal back.
Matsoele’s clever pass found Sera Motebang, who calmly chipped the ball past the advancing Youfeigane, cutting CAR’s lead to 2-1.
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed just six minutes later.
CAR restored their two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute when Koyalipou latched onto a cross from Flory Yangao, finishing with composure to make it 3-1.
The goal effectively sealed the match, and from that point on, CAR shifted into game-management mode, frustrating Lesotho’s attempts to create further chances.
As the final whistle blew, CAR’s comfortable victory underscored their intent to make an impact in Group B.
The win provided a strong start for the Wild Beasts as they aim to secure a place at the 2025 AFCON, while Lesotho will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Central African Republic (2) 3
Mafouta 2′, 24′, Koyalipou 62′
Lesotho (0) 1
Motebang 56′
Central African Republic Starting XI: Dominique Youfeigane, Severin Tatolna, Amos Youga, Sadock Ndobe, Hugo Gambor, Karl Namnganda, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Isaac Solet, Ghislain Vénuste Baboula, Louis Mafouta, Goduine Koyalipou.
Lesotho Starting XI: Sekhoane Moerane, Fusi Matlabe, Rethabile Rasethuntsa, Thabo Makhele, Thabang Malane, Lisema Lebokollane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Jane Thaba-Ntso, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Tsepang Sefali, Sera Motebang.
