Still without a point after three matchdays, the Central African Republic meet Benin again on Monday in Douala with Geoffrey Kondogbia and Louis Mafouta, recalled by new head coach Abdelaziz Kelkache after the 4-1 defeat in Abidjan.
The Central African Republic meet Benin again on Monday 16 November 2026 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, for the return leg of Group F in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, after Benin’s 4-1 win in Abidjan on Thursday. A decisive match for a team that has yet to get off the mark.
An already heavy deficit
The new head coach Abdelaziz Kelkache has recalled two key men to try to turn things around: midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia (Marseille) and forward Louis Mafouta (Le Mans), both absent from the first two matchdays, according to Dongqiudi.
The record is cruel for the Central Africans. Three matches, three defeats, zero points and a goal difference of -6, Dongqiudi reports. Since the start of these qualifiers, the CAR have scored 2 goals and conceded 8.
In the first leg, Imourane opened the scoring as early as the 7th minute before Mafouta equalised in the 19th. But Aloko (31st) and then Tosin, with a brace (36th, 56th), sealed the 4-1 win for Benin. Enough to fuel regrets, especially as Tosin and Aloko have scored 6 of Benin’s 7 goals in the qualifiers.
Benin head coach Gernot Rohr himself believes the score exaggerated his team’s superiority, according to Dongqiudi: “The score exaggerated our team’s superiority, because the CAR attacked a lot.”
Kelkache, the man for a fresh start
Appointed on 6 November 2026 to replace Éloi Nza Yamissi, Moroccan Abdelaziz Kelkache inherits a major rebuilding job. His first lever: bringing back the internationals who were missing. The return of Kondogbia, a Marseille midfielder, and Mafouta, a Le Mans forward, gives him immediate options.
Further reinforcements could follow. A possible return for Quachie, after suspension, and for Babra, who has an ankle problem, has been mentioned, though unconfirmed at this stage. All potential boosts for a team still without a point in Group F.
A solid Benin, but without Mounié
On the other side, Benin are well placed. With 7 points, Rohr’s men share top spot in the group with Burkina Faso and lead the Burkinabè on goal difference, according to Dongqiudi. Their attacking strength rests in particular on Olaitan, credited with 3 goals and 7 assists for Besiktas this season.
Benin will, however, have to do without their captain, forward Steve Mounié, still absent through injury. Rohr’s 25-man squad also includes 16-year-old midfielder Fadon (AAS Sarcelles) for the first time.
The return leg will be played on Monday 16 November 2026 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, where the two teams meet again after the 4-1 first leg.