Central African Republic national football team

Early years (1956–1989)

The team made its debut under the name of Ubangi-Shari in 1956 against French Cameroon. The Central African Football Federation was founded in 1961 and joined FIFA in 1964 and CAF in 1965.

Their first competitive match was in the 1961 Friendship Games in Ivory Coast where Central African Republic drew twice against Upper Volta and Liberia before losing to the hosts and failing to progress to the next round.

Central African Republic entered the 1974 African Cup of Nations qualification for the first time, progressing due to Gabon's withdrawal but were then eliminated 5–4 on aggregate by Ivory Coast, a tie which saw the second leg abandoned at half-time after arguments between players of both sides, forcing a replay in Lagos which Ivory Coast won 5–1.

They took part in 1984 UDEAC Cup where they qualified to the knock-out rounds on goal-difference over Equatorial Guinea but were then heavily beaten by Cameroon 7–1 before beating Gabon on penalties to finish third. However, in the 1988 UDEAC Cup, Gabon would get their revenge, beating Central African Republic in the semi-finals. The following year Central African Republic would host the 1989 UDEAC Cup, making it to the finals, beating Gabon on the way, before losing 2–1 to Cameroon.

Sporadic matches (1990–2008)

During the 1990s, Central African Republic played very few international games, withdrawing from the 1996 African Cup of Nations qualification without playing a match. They returned to competition in the UNIFAC Cup in 1999, winning three times and losing twice to finish second.

Central African Republic participated in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers for the first time, losing in the first round to Zimbabwe. They reached the final of the inaugural CEMAC Cup, losing to an amateur Cameroon team that they'd drawn with a week earlier in the tournament.

Promising victories (2009–2019)

In 2009, Central African Republic hosted the 2009 CEMAC Cup where they defeated Equatorial Guinea 3–0 in the final, with goals from Salif Kéïta and a brace from Hilaire Momi to claim their first trophy.

During the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Central African Republic achieved a historic 2–0 home victory over the top seeded Algeria, a team that had recently competed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In July 2011, they climbed to 89th place in the FIFA world rankings, having occupied 202nd place as recently as August 2010.

On 2 June 2012, they obtained their first victory in World Cup qualification, beating Botswana 2–0 at home. Despite that positive result, Central African Republic finished bottom of their group. On 15 June 2012, despite being reduced to ten men, they achieved another impressive victory, beating Egypt 3–2 in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, inflicting the first home defeat on the Egyptians in AFCON qualifiers since 1965. Thanks to a 1–1 draw at home in the second leg, Central African Republic eliminated the Egyptians, but in the second round they were defeated by Burkina Faso.

Missed opportunities (2020–present)

On 30 March 2021, in the last group stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification, Central African Republic lost 1–0 at home against Mauritania to finish bottom of their group; hence, they missed the opportunity, had they won, to finish second which would have qualified them for the final tournament for the first time in their history.^[5]

On 17 June 2023, Central African Republic needed a win at home against Angola on matchday 5 of the qualifications to secure their first ever participation in the Africa Cup of Nations;^[6] however, the match ended in a 2–1 defeat and a drop to third place.^[7] In the final group stage match, the national team lost 2–1 to Ghana, despite a 1–0 lead, which ended their last hope of qualification.^[8]

2024

Central African Republic  v  Gabon

18 November 2025 AFCON Qual.	Central African Republic	0–1	Gabon	Johannesburg, South Africa
19:00 UTC+1		Report	Kanga 74' (pen.)	Stadium: Orlando Stadium Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

2025

Central African Republic  v  Madagascar

19 March 2025 (2025-03-19) 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Central African Republic	1–4	Madagascar	Casablanca, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1	Gambor 9'	Report	Raveloson 17', 21' Randrianantenaina 49' Rafanomezantsoa 89'	Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium Referee: Adalbert Diouf (Senegal)

Central African Republic  v  Mali

24 March 2025 (2025-03-24) 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Central African Republic	0–0	Mali	Casablanca, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1		Report		Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga (Malawi)

Mauritania  v  Central African Republic

6 June 2025 (2025-06-06) International friendly	Mauritania	1–2	Central African Republic	Casablanca, Morocco
21:00 UTC+1	Tanjy 22' (pen.)	Report	Oualengbe 39' Guinari 88'	Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium

Tunisia  v  Central African Republic

9 June 2025 (2025-06-09) International friendly	Tunisia	Canceled	Central African Republic	Casablanca, Morocco
		Report		Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium

Madagascar  v  Central African Republic

4 September 2026 World Cup Qualification	Madagascar	2–0	Central African Republic	Rabat, Morocco
	Caddy 45+2' Randrianantenaina 59'	Report		Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium Attendance: 450 Referee: Ahmed Arajiga (Tanzania)

Central African Republic  v  Comoros

7 September 2026 World Cup Qualification	Central African Republic	0–2	Comoros	Meknes, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1		Report	M'Changama 20' Maolida 39'	Stadium: Honor Stadium Attendance: 300

Central African Republic  v  Ghana

8 October 2026 World Cup Qualification	Central African Republic	0–5	Ghana	El Jadida, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1		Report	Salisu 20' Partey 52' Djiku 69' J. Ayew 71' Sulemana 87'	Stadium: Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium Attendance: 200 Referee: Patrice Milazare (Mauritius)

Chad  v  Central African Republic

12 October 2026 World Cup Qualification	Chad	2–3	Central African Republic	N'Djamena, Chad
17:00 UTC+1	Ecua 53' Mouandilmadji 87'	Report	Mokonou 3' Baboula 31' Namnganda 90+3'	Stadium: Stade Deby Itno Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique)

Current squad

The following players were selected for the friendly matches in March 2026.^[9]

Caps and goals as of 12 October 2025, after the match against Chad.

More information No., Pos. ...

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Dominique Youfeigane	(2000-02-07) 7 February 2000 (age 26)	16	0	Roeselare
	1GK	Alladum Kolimba	(1987-08-11) 11 August 1987 (age 38)	3	0	Remo Stars
	1GK	Désiré N'Zogué	(1993-07-19) 19 July 1993 (age 32)	2	0	YOSA
	2DF	Flory Yangao	(2002-01-13) 13 January 2002 (age 24)	33	0	Olympic Bangui
	2DF	Cherubin Merius Basse-Zokana	(2004-04-18) 18 April 2004 (age 22)	7	0	Red Star Bangui
	2DF	Fordeau Miambaye	(1992-11-09) 9 November 1992 (age 33)	3	0	Tempete
	2DF	Chris Mbai Assem	(2005-08-12) 12 August 2005 (age 20)	1	0	New England Revolution II
	2DF	Stéphane Kaïmba	(2005-11-16) 16 November 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Aigle Noir
	2DF	Mike Bettinger	(2004-01-28) 28 January 2004 (age 22)	0	0	Olympic Charleroi
	2DF	Julien Kouadio	(1999-09-22) 22 September 1999 (age 26)	0	0	Annecy
	2DF	Maurice Selemby	(2004-01-31) 31 January 2004 (age 22)	0	0	Castelfidardo
	3MF	Brad Pirioua	(2000-03-06) 6 March 2000 (age 26)	18	0	Heraclea
	3MF	Christian Yawanendji	(2002-05-16) 16 May 2002 (age 23)	15	3	Jamus
	3MF	Isaac Solet	(2001-06-16) 16 June 2001 (age 24)	12	0	CSKA Sofia
	3MF	Séverin Tatolna	(2002-02-10) 10 February 2002 (age 24)	12	0	Tatran Presov
	3MF	Noah Ato-Zandanga	(2003-07-05) 5 July 2003 (age 22)	9	0	Wil
	3MF	Donald Guesset	(1996-01-11) 11 January 1996 (age 30)	6	0	Douanes
	3MF	Bertillo-Arnold Yangana-Ba-Komi	(2004-03-24) 24 March 2004 (age 22)	4	0	Red Star Bangui
	3MF	Albert Makoubé	(1995-02-13) 13 February 1995 (age 31)	0	0	Portalban
	3MF	Joel Ngoya	(2002-01-03) 3 January 2002 (age 24)	0	0	Valenciennes
	3MF	Josias Sabone	(2006-08-28) 28 August 2006 (age 19)	0	0	Torino Primavera
	3MF	Ibrahim Sallet		0	0
	3MF	Sami Wattel	(2006-01-15) 15 January 2006 (age 20)	0	0	Nice
	4FW	Louis Mafouta	(1994-07-02) 2 July 1994 (age 31)	33	16	Guingamp
	4FW	Vénuste Baboula	(1998-08-23) 23 August 1998 (age 27)	19	4	NK Bravo
	4FW	Goduine Koyalipou	(2000-02-15) 15 February 2000 (age 26)	9	1	Angers
	4FW	Axel Urie	(1999-04-14) 14 April 1999 (age 27)	9	0	Radnik Surdulica
	4FW	Delphin Mokonou	(2000-10-28) 28 October 2000 (age 25)	3	1	Lambarene
	4FW	Glayne Wago	(2003-03-11) 11 March 2003 (age 23)	0	0	Buderich

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Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Central African Republic squad within the last twelve months.

More information Pos., Player ...

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	Maurel Abimala	(2004-01-07) 7 January 2004 (age 22)	2	0	Olympic Real de Bangui	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
GK	Eugene Thibault Ganazoui		0	0	Douanes	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
GK	Marcellin Biandao	(1992-10-29) 29 October 1992 (age 33)	0	0	Fauve Azur	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
GK	Saturnin Ngarsouma	(1998-12-10) 10 December 1998 (age 27)	0	0	Red Star Bangui	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
GK	Geoffrey Lembet	(1988-09-03) 3 September 1988 (age 37)	42	0	Rennes	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
DF	Hugo Gambor	(2002-12-30) 30 December 2002 (age 23)	7	1	Troyes	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
DF	Kenny Kima Beyissa	(2001-01-28) 28 January 2001 (age 25)	6	0	Virton	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
DF	Boko Cyrille Kokpakpa	(1998-01-10) 10 January 1998 (age 28)	1	0	Olympic Bangui	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
DF	Amos Youga	(1992-12-08) 8 December 1992 (age 33)	30	0	Debrecen	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
DF	Leonce Namgbema	(2004-04-23) 23 April 2004 (age 22)	5	0	Red Star Bangui	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
DF	Sadock Ndobé	(1998-09-09) 9 September 1998 (age 27)	34	0	AS Otôho	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
DF	Peter Guinari	(2001-06-02) 2 June 2001 (age 24)	22	1	Krumovgrad	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
DF	Cédric Yambéré	(1990-11-06) 6 November 1990 (age 35)	20	0	Bordeaux	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
DF	Wesley Ngakoutou-Yapende	(2001-08-18) 18 August 2001 (age 24)	5	0	Nîmes	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
DF	Sacha M'Baka	(2004-06-04) 4 June 2004 (age 21)	1	0	Brest B	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
MF	Gabriel Oualengbe	(2004-05-21) 21 May 2004 (age 21)	6	1	Toulon	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
MF	Ghislain Mounguide	(2002-04-30) 30 April 2002 (age 24)	4	0	DFC8	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
MF	Parfait Namsona	(2000-10-25) 25 October 2000 (age 25)	2	0	DFC8	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
MF	Sidney Tchibinda	(1999-08-21) 21 August 1999 (age 26)	2	1	Olympic Real de Bangui	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
MF	Isaac Ngoma	(2002-12-09) 9 December 2002 (age 23)	16	3	Tempete	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
MF	Melki Ndokomandji	(1997-09-04) 4 September 1997 (age 28)	8	0	Tempete	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
MF	Michel Judicael Binguimale	(2000-10-25) 25 October 2000 (age 25)	0	0	SCAF	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
MF	Benjamin Idaro	(2005-01-26) 26 January 2005 (age 21)	0	0	Imperia	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
FW	Karl Namnganda	(1996-02-08) 8 February 1996 (age 30)	27	5	Göçmenköy	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
FW	Christian Malipangou	(2002-05-16) 16 May 2002 (age 23)	16	2	Gasosi	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
FW	Moustapha Djimet	(2003-06-12) 12 June 2003 (age 22)	7	0	Dinamo Minsk	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
FW	Enzo Grothe	(2005-03-24) 24 March 2005 (age 21)	1	0	Caen	v.  Chad, 12 October 2025
FW	Dimitri Kogbeto	(1992-10-29) 29 October 1992 (age 33)	2	0	Olympic Real de Bangui	v.  Comoros, 8 September 2025
FW	Samuel Nlend	(1995-03-15) 15 March 1995 (age 31)	7	1	Al-Shorouq	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
FW	Wesley N'Gakoutou	(2001-08-18) 18 August 2001 (age 24)	3	0	GOAL	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
FW	Juste Koulou	(1998-12-18) 18 December 1998 (age 27)	2	0	TP USCA	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025
FW	Eleoenai Tompte	(1999-01-18) 18 January 1999 (age 27)	5	0	Pompei	v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025 PRE
INJ Withdrew due to injury PRE Preliminary squad RET Retired from the national team SUS Serving suspension WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

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Most appearances

Top goalscorers

FIFA World Cup

More information FIFA World Cup record, FIFA World Cup qualification record ...

FIFA World Cup record										FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1930	Not a FIFA member									Not a FIFA member
1934
1938
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966	Did not enter									Did not enter
1970
1974
1978	Withdrew									Withdrew
1982	Disqualified during qualifying									Disqualified during qualifying
1986	Did not enter									Did not enter
1990
1994
1998
2002	Did not qualify									2	0	0	2	1	4
2006	Withdrew									Withdrew
2010
2014	Did not qualify									6	1	0	5	5	12
2018										2	0	1	1	2	5
2022										6	1	1	4	4	9
2026										10	2	2	6	11	24
2030	To be determined									To be determined
2034
Total	–	0/15	–	–	–	–	–	–		26	4	4	18	23	54

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Africa Cup of Nations

More information Africa Cup of Nations record, Africa Cup of Nations qualification record ...

Africa Cup of Nations record										Africa Cup of Nations qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1957	Part of France									Part of France
1959
1962	Not affiliated to CAF									Not affiliated to CAF
1963
1965
1968
1970	Did not enter									Did not enter
1972
1974	Did not qualify									2	1	0	1	5	6
1976	Withdrew									Withdrew
1978	Did not enter									Did not enter
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988	Did not qualify									2	0	0	2	2	7
1990	Did not enter									Did not enter
1992
1994
1996	Withdrew									Withdrew
1998	Disqualified									Disqualified
2000	Did not enter									Did not enter
2002	Did not qualify									2	0	1	1	1	3
2004										6	0	2	4	3	9
2006	Withdrew									Withdrew
2008	Did not enter									Did not enter
2010	Withdrew									Withdrew
2012	Did not qualify									6	2	2	2	5	5
2013										4	2	1	1	6	6
2015										2	0	1	1	1	3
2017										6	3	1	2	9	11
2019										6	1	3	2	4	8
2021										6	1	1	4	5	11
2023										6	2	1	3	9	7
2025										6	1	0	5	3	14
2027	To be determined									To be determined
2029
Total	–	0/35	–	–	–	–	–	–		54	13	13	28	53	90

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African Nations Championship

More information African Nations Championship record, African Nations Championship qualification record ...

African Nations Championship record										African Nations Championship qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2009	Did not enter									Did not enter
2011
2014	Withdrew									Withdrew
2016
2018	Disqualified									Disqualified
2020	Did not qualify									2	0	0	2	1	6
2022										2	1	0	1	2	2
2024	Group stage	18th	4	0	1	3	2	7		2	1	0	1	2	2
Total	Group stage	1/7	4	0	1	3	2	7		6	2	0	4	5	10

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Regional

• CEMAC Cup
  • Champions (1): 2009
  • Runners-up (1): 2003
• UNIFAC Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 1999

Friendly

• FIFA Series (1): 2024 Sri Lanka