According to Dailysports, the Central African Republic has handed Abdelaziz Karkache the head coach role, with the task of reviving a faltering AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign ahead of the double-header against Benin.
The Fauves have a new man in charge. The Central African Republic has appointed Abdelaziz Karkache as head coach, Dailysports reports. The decision comes after a disappointing start to the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign: the Fauves are yet to win either of their first two matches. Karkache takes over a team still searching for its first victory in these qualifiers.
The schedule gives him no breathing room. His first assignment will be a trip to Benin on Thursday 12 November 2026, followed by the return match on Sunday 15 November 2026, according to the same source.
Two matches, two defeats
The Fauves’ record in this qualifying group currently amounts to two losses. The Central African Republic first went down 3-1 to Mauritania, before losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso. No win in two outings: the Central African side must respond without delay.
It is in this context that the Central African Republic chose to change head coach. Dailysports presents the appointment as official and sees it as the start of a new era for the national team.
A baptism against Benin
The new head coach goes straight into the thick of it. The trip to Benin on Thursday 12 November 2026 will be his first outing in the Fauves dugout. Three days later, the two nations meet again for the return match on Sunday 15 November 2026.
One quirk of the schedule: the second match is announced for the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, rather than on Central African soil.
What will the Fauves look like?
The makeup of the squad remains the big unknown of this appointment. Dailysports says Karkache is expected to name his list for the November matches, without specifying its contents. The outlet also gives no details of the coach’s career.
For the Central African Republic, the stakes go beyond the simple double-header: the aim is to revive a campaign compromised by the defeats to Mauritania and Burkina Faso. Two positive results against Benin would put them back in the race for AFCON 2027.
Dailysports specifies neither the publication date of the squad list nor the possible names of the players selected.