World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage

Mar 19, 2025 at 4pm UK

Stade Larbi Zaouli

CAR vs Madagascar

Match preview

Under the guidance of Rigobert Song, the Central African Republic will be looking to build on their strong showing in December's African Nations Championship qualifiers to reignite their World Cup hopes.

Song was appointed in January 2025, just over two weeks after Les Fauves eliminated his country, Cameroon, on away goals in the second round of ANC qualifying to secure their place at the tournament.

However, their World Cup qualifying campaign was far from ideal, with just four points from four games leaving them fifth in the standings - five points behind group leaders Comoros and Ghana - after a dramatic 4-3 defeat to the Black Stars.

Les Fauves also endured a disappointing African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of Group B and failing to book a place at the main tournament in Morocco.

Still searching for their first appearance at a major tournament, Song's men know that victory on Wednesday is vital if they are to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

Central African Republic will take confidence from their strong record against Madagascar, having won the last three meetings by a combined score of 7-1.

However, their struggles in World Cup qualifying remain a cause for concern, with just three wins to go with three draws and 14 defeats in their last 20 matches.

Madagascar, on the other hand, will go into the game with confidence, having historically held the upper hand in this tournament, winning 3-0 and drawing 2-2 in their only previous meetings.

Newly-appointed head coach Corentin Martins, who took over on 30 January, will lead Barea for the first time as they look to continue their impressive run towards a first World Cup appearance.

Madagascar have exceeded expectations so far, collecting seven points from four games - two wins, one draw and one defeat - to sit third in the standings, just two points off the top.

After a poor start against Ghana, the Barea bounced back with wins over Chad and Comoros before a goalless draw with Mali kept them in contention.

However, their recent form has been worrying, with five defeats in their last nine matches in all competitions, in which they have won just one and drawn three.

Recent Performance

Central African Republic World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WL

Central African Republic form (all competitions):WLLLLL

Madagascar World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:WD

Madagascar form (all competitions):LDDLLL

Team News

Central African Republic have named a 25-man squad for this month's double-header against Madagascar and Mali, with six uncapped players earning call-ups.

Five players who started the last CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon in November have been dropped, but Geoffrey Kondogbia returns to bolster the midfield after missing the defeat.

Goduine Koyalipou also returns after missing the last two matches, while Donald Benamna, Calvin Bombo, Samuel Nlend, Wesley Ngakoutou, Gabriel Oualengbe and Jacob Youmbi have all been recalled.

Madagascar head coach Martins has introduced five new faces to his squad, while recalling two experienced campaigners for these crucial fixtures.

Among the new faces are goalkeeper Thomas Dupire, defenders Jordan Acapandie and Samuel Marcelin, midfielder Clement Couturier and striker Samuel Noireau-Dauriat, all of whom are in line to make their debuts.

Meanwhile, John Baggio and Arohasina Dax return from long absences to add vital experience as Barea look to strengthen their position in the race for a World Cup berth.

Possible starting lineup

Central African Republic possible starting lineup:

Youfeigane; Guinari, Yambere, Nbobe; Nlend, Bombo, Yangana-Ba-Komi, Kondogbia, Zandanga, Mafouta, Djimet

Madagascar possible starting lineup:

Laiton; Morgan, Berajo, Fontaine, Rabemanantsoa; Raveloson, Ilaimaharitra, Couturier; Rakotoharimalala, Caddy, Raheriniaina