The Central African Republic are making their ninth appearance in AFCON qualifying since 2000-01, but have never progressed to the main stage and will be hoping this is their year.

However, with the likes of African giants Morocco and formidable Gabon in Group B, most would agree that Les Fauves' chances of qualifying are slim.

However, Raoul Savoy's side will go into the qualifiers full of confidence after a number of morale-boosting performances this year, including two easy friendly victories over Bhutan and Papua New Guinea in March.

CAR then produced a resilient performance to hold on to a one-goal lead over Chad in World Cup qualifying before a thrilling encounter with Ghana, which they narrowly lost 4-3 in June.

This will be the first time the two sides have met in a recognised international fixture, but both would have picked it as the most likely of the competition.

Ranked 149th in the world and 45th out of 53 CAF nations, Lesotho are by far the lowest ranked team in Group B. With Morocco the highest ranked team in Africa and Gabon currently in the top 20, it is fair to say that the Southern Africans have a tough task ahead of them.

The Likuena's recent record suggests that they will struggle in this section, having failed to win any of their last four matches, including a winless outing at the COSAFA Cup in July.

Since the arrival of Leslie Notsi in November last year, the new boss has managed just two wins in his first 12 games in charge, with five draws and five defeats in the remaining 10.

On the bright side, however, Lesotho remain in the hunt for a place at the 2026 World Cup, with four games to play and two points behind group leaders Rwanda and South Africa.

Central African Republic possible starting lineup:

Youfeigane; Yangao, Yoga, Ndobe, Tatolna; Baboula, Pirioua, Kondogbia, Solet; Namnganda, Mafouta

Lesotho possible starting lineup:

Moerane; Makhele, Malane, Mokokoane, Matlabe; Fothoane, Toloane, Lebokollane, Mokhachane; Makateng, Thabantso

Prediction:Central African Republic 2-1 Lesotho

Central African Republic VS Lesotho stream and TV listing

International：Holasports