Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 18, 2024 at 7pm UK

Orlando Stadium

CARvs.Gabon

Match preview

When CAR started their AFCON qualifying journey with a 3-1 win against Lesotho on 5 September, there was a lot of optimism that they might be on course to feature on the continental scene for the first time in history.

However, Eloge Enza Yamissi's team have since lost each of their next four games by a combined score of 12-0, so they're still waiting for their first appearance at Africa's biggest football tournament.

Les Fauves were beaten 2-0 by Gabon in their second qualifier on 10 September, before suffering consecutive defeats against Morocco during the October international break, which really did them in.

There was still a slim chance of making it through from Group B, so the Central African Republic headed to the Toyota Stadium on Thursday to face off against Lesotho. They knew that anything but a win would spell the end of their AFCON ambitions.

CAR were in the driving seat for most of the first half, but they went into the break with nothing to show for it. Five minutes into the second half, Neo Mokhachane scored the winning goal for the hosts, which was the final straw for Monday's match.

Gabon have recovered from a slow start to their qualifying campaign to sit second in Group B after five rounds of games. However, a 5-1 defeat to Morocco at Stade de Franceville last time out means they will head into their final qualifier still looking over their shoulders.

It looked like Thierry Mouyouma's team were going to secure their place at the upcoming AFCON when Denis Bouanga put them in the lead with a goal in the fourth minute. Jamal Harkass, Youssef En-Nesyri and Ismael Saibari all scored either side of Brahim Diaz's double.

That was their second defeat in five qualifying matches, with both losses coming against Morocco. However, they also had two wins and a draw, which have left Les Panthères on the brink of a place in Morocco.

After Lesotho's hard-fought 1-0 win over CAR, Gabon have seen their lead over third place cut to three points and remain in a strong position ahead of their trip to Johannesburg.

Monday's visitors have been to the AFCON tournament every year since 2008 and will be confident of securing a place at the upcoming continental event after they didn't go to the one in Ivory Coast earlier this year.

Recent Performance

Central African Republic Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WLLLL

Central African Republic form (all competitions):LWLLLL

Gabon Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LWDWL

Gabon form (all competitions):LLWDWL

Team News

Geoffrey Lembet made his 40th international appearance for CAR last time out and is now just eight games away from Foxi Kethevoama's all-time record of 48.

Louis Mafouta didn't score against Lesotho, so he's now on a five-game goal drought for club and country. But he's expected to lead the line for the hosts.

Denis Bouanga is on a roll, with another goal last time out. The Gabonese striker will be looking to keep the momentum going.

Aubameyang's three-game scoring streak for the away side came to an end against Morocco, but the 35-year-old is confident he'll get back on the score sheet, having scored in the last meeting between Monday's opponents.

Possible starting lineup

Central African Republic possible starting lineup:

Lembet; Ndobe, Youga, Mboumbouni; Namgbema, Solet, Kondogbia, Bertillo, Ato-Zandanga; Mafouta, Namnganda

Gabon possible starting lineup:

Mbaba; Oyono, Appindangoye, Moussounda, Ekomie; Loufilou, Lemina, Kanga; Allevinah, Aubameyang, Bouanga