The Central African Republic host Benin at Stade de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon, on Monday, 16 November 2026 (17:00) in the fourth round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying. Benin sit top of Group F on goal difference with seven points, level with Burkina Faso, while the Central African Republic have no points and a goal difference of -6.
Benin won the reverse fixture 4-1 in Abidjan last Thursday and will be expected to claim another victory, although coach Gernot Rohr warned afterwards that the scoreline flattered his side after the Central African Republic created several attacking opportunities.
Known as Les Fauves, the Central African Republic had lost their opening three qualifying matches before the first meeting with Benin, scoring twice and conceding eight goals. They began with a 3-1 defeat by Mauritania on 24 September and then lost 1-0 to Burkina Faso four days later.
Abdelaziz Kerkache was appointed on 6 November to replace Eloge Enza-Yamissi and had only six days to prepare his team for the first game against Benin. The Moroccan coach, who has also worked with Mouloudia d’Oujda, recalled Olympique de Marseille midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and Le Mans forward Louis Mafouta. Mafouta scored the Central African Republic’s equaliser in Abidjan.
Despite having 56% possession and winning eight corners to Benin’s five, Central African Republic goalkeeper Dominique Youfeigane faced eight shots on target and conceded four goals. The team are still seeking a first appearance at an Africa Cup of Nations finals after narrowly missing out in 2021 and 2023. Their home fixture is being played in Douala rather than Bangui because of the need to move the match.
Benin had taken seven points from their first three matches before the emphatic victory last week. They drew 1-1 away to Burkina Faso on 25 September, then beat Mauritania 2-1 in Abidjan on 29 September, with Rodolfo Aloko scoring twice.
Hassane Imourane put Benin ahead after seven minutes in the first meeting, but Mafouta equalised in the 19th minute. Aloko restored Benin’s advantage in the 31st minute before Aiyegun Tosin added a third five minutes later and completed his double in the 56th minute. Tosin and Aloko have scored six of Benin’s seven goals in qualifying.
Benin had only 44% possession but converted eight of 18 shots on target, while the Central African Republic managed five efforts on target from 14 attempts. Burkina Faso also have seven points after beating Mauritania with a stoppage-time goal from Elohim Kabore, leaving goal difference separating the teams.
Edwin Quarshie returns for the Central African Republic after suspension, while Venuste Baboula could start after recovering from an ankle sprain. Kondogbia, Mafouta and Goduine Koyalipou all started the first match.
Benin remain without injured captain and striker Steve Mounie. Rohr is expected to retain Rodolfo Aloko, Aiyegun Tosin and Junior Olaitan, who has made a notable start to the season with Besiktas, registering three goals and seven assists. Sixteen-year-old Parfait Faton of AAS Sarcelles has received his first senior call-up in a 25-man squad that also includes Sessi D’Almeida and Jodel Dossou.
Benin’s finishing and greater collective control could prove decisive again. The forecast is a 2-1 win for Gernot Rohr’s side.
