The Central African Republic began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in style, securing a 3-1 victory over Lesotho in their opening Group B match at the Stade El Abdi on Thursday night.
The Wild Beasts made a lightning-fast start to the game, catching Lesotho off guard just moments after the kickoff.
Louis Mafouta wasted no time in putting Central African Republic ahead, finding the back of the net within the first minute.
The early goal left Lesotho stunned, forcing them to adopt a more defensive approach as they struggled to settle into the match.
Despite being rocked by the early setback, Lesotho eventually found their rhythm and began to see more of the ball.
While they managed to maintain possession during the middle stages of the first half, they found it difficult to break down Central African Republic’s defense.
On the counterattack, however, the Wild Beasts remained a constant threat.
Mafouta continued to torment Lesotho’s defense and doubled Central African Republic’s lead in the 23rd minute.
Following a slick passing move, Mafouta capitalized on a defensive misjudgment, deftly rounding the onrushing goalkeeper and calmly finishing into the open net.
His clinical display gave the home side a firm grip on the match.
As the first half wore on, Central African Republic grew in confidence, dictating the tempo and controlling possession.
Lesotho found themselves chasing shadows, unable to regain meaningful control of the game as the hosts ended the half in a commanding position.
Lesotho came out for the second half with renewed energy, and their persistence paid off just 10 minutes after the restart.
Motebang Sera pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired home to reduce the deficit, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
However, that hope was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Central African Republic restored their two-goal cushion through Goduine Koyalipou.
The forward finished off a flowing passing move inside the penalty area, slotting the ball into the net to make it 3-1.
Despite Lesotho’s efforts to push forward and dominate possession in the final stages of the match, the Wild Beasts adopted a solid defensive stance and focused on game management.
Lesotho struggled to create any significant chances as the clock ticked down, leaving them frustrated in their attempts to claw back into the game.
In the end, Central African Republic held firm to secure an impressive victory, kickstarting their qualification campaign with three vital points.
They will now look to build on this performance as they continue their quest to reach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Match Summary:
Central African Republic (2) 3
Goals: Mafouta (1’, 23’), Koyalipou (62’)
Lesotho (0) 1
Goal: Sera (56’)
Central African Republic Line-up: Youfeigane, Ndobe, Gambor, Tatolna, Kondogbia, Youga (Yangao 43’), Solet, Mafouta (Yawanendji 83’), Koyalipou (Godame 82’), Namnganda (Urie 65’), Baboula (Dangabo 65’)
Lesotho Line-up: Moerane, Rasethuntsa, Malane (Sefoli 81’), Matlabe (Matsoele 46’), Lebokollane, Makhele, Thabantso, Fothoane (Letsema 81’), Sefali (Mokhachane 81’), Matsau (Phatsisi 46’), Sera
Central African Republic’s convincing performance has set them on the right track in Group B, while Lesotho will need to regroup as they aim for their first points in the qualifying campaign.
