Geoffrey Kondogbia explains shock omission from CAR squad

Central African Republic captain Geoffrey Kondogbia has spoken publicly to address his absence from the national team during the March international window, rejecting suggestions that he declined an invitation to represent his country.

In a message shared on Instagram, the midfielder sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding his omission, bringing an end to speculation that had circulated in recent days.

Kondogbia explained that he had been informed roughly ten days before the training camp that he would not be part of the squad assembling in Bangui.

The player indicated that the decision was not made by the technical team.

According to his account, head coach Éloge Enza Yamissi told him he had been left out following instructions from the president of the Central African Football Federation.

Despite the situation, Kondogbia emphasized that his commitment to the national team remains unchanged.

He reiterated his attachment to the Wild Beasts and expressed his willingness to return whenever called upon, underlining his continued dedication to representing the Central African Republic.

The absence of the captain has been particularly notable given the importance of the current international window.

The team is returning to play in front of home supporters after several years away, making the occasion significant for both players and fans. K

ondogbia admitted that not being involved at such a moment was difficult to accept, especially as he was not given a clear explanation for the decision.

The development highlights ongoing challenges within some African football structures, where administrative decisions can directly impact team selection and player involvement.

Kondogbia’s case has drawn attention across the continent, with many observers questioning the circumstances behind the exclusion of a key figure in the national setup.

Born in France, Kondogbia initially represented the European nation at youth level and even featured for the senior side in non-competitive matches.

However, he later switched allegiance to the Central African Republic, making his debut in 2018 and quickly assuming a leadership role within the squad.

His experience at international level and his influence in midfield have made him one of the team’s most important players.

Over the years, he has contributed both leadership and crucial performances, including an important goal in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

His presence has been central to the team’s ambitions, making his recent omission all the more surprising.

While the reasons behind the decision remain unclear, Kondogbia’s statement has at least clarified his position.

 

 

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Mubarak Haruna
Mubarak Haruna is an emerging force in African football journalism, recognised for his speed, accuracy and ability to break major stories. He specialises in breaking news, match coverage and multimedia storytelling across radio, television and digital platforms.He holds a degree in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and has developed his craft within some of Ghana’s leading media organisations. Mubarak has worked with the Multimedia Group, where he served as a sports radio and television presenter at Joy FM, while also contributing as a writer for Myjoyonline.com.Known for his sharp instincts and ability to deliver timely football stories, Mubarak has gained growing recognition for his impactful reporting and dedication to the profession.He is currently the Deputy Managing Editor of African.Football, where he plays a key role in driving editorial operations, breaking major stories and supporting the platform’s mission to deliver fast, reliable and high-quality African football content to a global audience.

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