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Central African Republic national football team facts for kids

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The Central African Republic national football team, also known as Les Fauves (The Wild Beasts), represents the Central African Republic in international football. This team is managed by the Central African Football Federation and is a member of the CAF, which is the main football body in Africa. Even though they have often been seen as one of the less strong teams in Africa, they have had some exciting moments and successes. For example, they won the 2009 CEMAC Cup by defeating Equatorial Guinea 3–0 in the final. Their FIFA ranking improved a lot, jumping from 202nd in August 2010 to 89th by July 2011. They also achieved a surprising 2–0 victory at home against Algeria in a qualifier for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. On June 2, 2012, they won their first ever FIFA World Cup qualifier, beating Botswana 2–0 at home.

Quick facts for kids
Central African Republic
Nickname(s) Les Fauves
(The Wild Beasts)
Association Central African Football Federation
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation UNIFFAC
(Central Africa)
Head coach Rigobert Song
Captain Geoffrey Kondogbia
Most caps Foxi Kéthévoama (48)
Top scorer Louis Mafouta (16)
Home stadium Barthélemy Boganda Stadium
FIFA code CTA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 112 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 49 (October 2012)
Lowest 202 (July–September 2009, March–August 2010)
Elo ranking
Current 126 Increase 6 (3 March 2019)
Highest 79 (1956)
Lowest 164 (2007–2009)
First international
Ubangi-Shari 5–1 French Cameroon
(Ubangi-Shari; unknown date 1956)
Biggest win
 Central African Republic 6–0 Bhutan 
(Colombo, Sri Lanka; 22 March 2024)
Biggest defeat
 Ivory Coast 11–0 Central African Republic 
(Abidjan, Ivory Coast; 27 December 1961)
African Nations Championship
Appearances 1 (first in 2024)
Best result TBD (2024)

Team History

Early Football Years (1956–1989)

The team first played in 1956 under the name Ubangi-Shari against French Cameroon. The Central African Football Federation was created in 1961. It then joined FIFA in 1964 and CAF in 1965.

Their first official match was in 1961 at the Friendship Games in Ivory Coast. They tied two games against Upper Volta and Liberia. However, they lost to the host country and did not move on.

The Central African Republic entered the 1974 African Cup of Nations qualification for the first time. They moved forward because Gabon pulled out. But then, they were knocked out by Ivory Coast after a total score of 5–4. The second game had to be replayed in Lagos after arguments between players. Ivory Coast won the replay 5–1.

They also played in the 1984 UDEAC Cup. They made it to the knockout rounds based on goal difference over Equatorial Guinea. However, they lost badly to Cameroon 7–1. They then beat Gabon in a penalty shootout to finish third. In the 1988 UDEAC Cup, Gabon got their revenge by beating them in the semi-finals. The next year, the Central African Republic hosted the 1989 UDEAC Cup. They reached the finals, beating Gabon along the way, but lost 2–1 to Cameroon.

Occasional Matches (1990–2008)

During the 1990s, the Central African Republic played very few international games. They pulled out of the 1996 African Cup of Nations qualification without playing a single match. They returned to competition in the UNIFAC Cup in 1999. They won three games and lost two, finishing in second place.

The team took part in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers for the first time. They lost in the first round to Zimbabwe. They reached the final of the first ever CEMAC Cup. They lost to an amateur Cameroon team, even though they had tied with them earlier in the tournament.

Promising Victories (2009–2019)

In 2009, the Central African Republic hosted the 2009 CEMAC Cup. They won their first trophy by defeating Equatorial Guinea 3–0 in the final. Salif Kéïta scored one goal, and Hilaire Momi scored two.

During the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Central African Republic achieved a big 2–0 home win over Algeria. Algeria had just played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In July 2011, their FIFA world ranking went up to 89th place. This was a huge jump from 202nd place in August 2010.

On June 2, 2012, they got their first win in World Cup qualification. They beat Botswana 2–0 at home. Despite this good result, the Central African Republic finished last in their group. On June 15, 2012, even with only ten players, they had another impressive win. They beat Egypt 3–2 in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This was the first time Egypt had lost a home AFCON qualifier since 1965. With a 1–1 tie at home in the second game, the Central African Republic knocked out Egypt. However, in the next round, they were defeated by Burkina Faso.

Recent Challenges (2020–Present)

Hugo Gambor RC Lens - USL Dunkerque (08-07-2023) 22
Hugo Gambor played his first game for the Central African Republic in 2024.

On March 30, 2021, in their last group stage match for the Africa Cup of Nations qualification, the Central African Republic lost 1–0 at home to Mauritania. This meant they finished last in their group. They missed the chance to finish second, which would have qualified them for the main tournament for the first time.

On June 17, 2023, the Central African Republic needed a win at home against Angola. This match was part of the qualifiers. A win would have secured their first ever spot in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, they lost 2–1 and dropped to third place. In their final group match, the national team lost 2–1 to Ghana, even after leading 1–0. This ended their last hope of qualifying.

FIFA Series Tournament

In 2024, the Central African Republic played in their first tournament outside Africa. FIFA invited them to the 2024 FIFA Series matches held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They played against Bhutan and Papua New Guinea.

Recent Matches

Here are some of the Central African Republic's recent match results.

      Win       Draw       Loss

2024 Matches

22 March 2024 FIFA World Series Central African Republic  6–0  Bhutan Colombo, Sri Lanka
15:00 UTC+5:30
  • Toropité Goal 16'
  • Baboula Goal 48', 90+3'
  • Namnganda Goal 49', 64'
  • Dangabo Goal 56'
 Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Referee: Mohamed Jafran (Sri Lanka)
25 March 2024 FIFA World Series Central African Republic  4–0  Papua New Guinea Colombo, Sri Lanka
09:30 UTC+05:30
  • Yawanendji-Malipangou Goal 11'
  • Godame Goal 25', 43', 78'
 Stadium: Colombo Racecourse
Attendance: 550
Referee: Hettikamkanamge Perera (Sri Lanka)
5 June 2026 World Cup Qualification Central African Republic  1–0  Chad Oujda, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1
  • Baboula Goal 29'
 Stadium: Stade Municipal d'Oujda
Attendance: 1,300
Referee: Patrice Milazare (Mauritius)
10 June 2026 World Cup Qualification Ghana  4–3  Central African Republic Kumasi, Ghana
19:00 UTC±0
  • Ayew Goal 6' (pen.), 60', 69'
  • Fatawu Goal 62'
  • Mafouta Goal 11', 41', 90'
 Stadium: Baba Yara Stadium
Attendance: 39,000
Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)
5 September 2025 AFCON Qual. Central African Republic  3–1  Lesotho El Jadida, Morocco
--:-- 
  • Mafouta Goal 1', 24'
  • Koyalipou Goal 62'
 Sera Goal 56' Stadium: Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium
Referee: Youcef Gamouh (Algeria)
10 September 2025 AFCON Qual. Gabon  2–0  Central African Republic Franceville, Gabon
17:00 UTC+1 Aubameyang Goal 11' (pen.)
Babicka Goal 40'		 Stadium: Stade de Franceville
Referee: Peter Waweru (Kenya)
12 October 2025 AFCON Qual. Morocco  5–0  Central African Republic Oujda, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
  • Ezzalzouli Goal 18'
  • Ounahi Goal 38', 45+2'
  • Hakimi Goal 45'
  • Rahimi Goal 71' (pen.)
 Stadium: Honor Stadium
Attendance: 19,800
Referee: Alhasan Bass (Gambia)
15 October 2025 AFCON Qual. Central African Republic  0–4  Morocco Oujda, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
  • Ben Seghir Goal 34', 38'
  • En-Nesyri Goal 50' (pen.)
  • Ezzalzouli Goal 66'
 Stadium: Honor Stadium
Referee: Naby Laye Touré (Guinea)
14 November 2025 AFCON Qual. Lesotho  1–0  Central African Republic Bloemfontein, South Africa
14:00 UTC+2 Mokhachane Goal 51' Stadium: Free State Stadium
18 November 2025 AFCON Qual. Central African Republic  0–1  Gabon Johannesburg, South Africa
19:00 UTC+1
  • Kanga Goal 74' (pen.)
 Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)

2025 Matches

19 March 2025 (2025-03-19) 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Central African Republic  1–4  Madagascar Casablanca, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1
  • Gambor Goal 9'
  • Raveloson Goal 17', 21'
  • Randrianantenaina Goal 49'
  • Rafanomezantsoa Goal 89'
 Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium
Referee: Adalbert Diouf (Senegal)
24 March 2025 (2025-03-24) 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Central African Republic  0–0  Mali Casablanca, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1 Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium
Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga (Malawi)
6 June 2025 (2025-06-06) International friendly Mauritania  1–2  Central African Republic Casablanca, Morocco
21:00 UTC+1 Tanjy Goal 22' (pen.)
  • Oualengbe Goal 39'
  • Guinari Goal 88'
 Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium
9 June 2025 (2025-06-09) International friendly Tunisia  Canceled  Central African Republic Casablanca, Morocco
Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium

Coaching History

Here is a list of coaches for the Central African Republic national football team. Caretaker managers, who fill in temporarily, are shown in italics.

  • Soviet Union Evgeni Rogov (1973-1976)
  • Central African Republic Jean-Jacques Ombi (?-?)
  • Central African Republic Étienne Momokoamas (2004-2006)
  • Central African Republic Francois Yanguere (2006-2008)
  • France Jules Accorsi (2010–2012)
  • Central African Republic Herve Lougoundji (2012–2014)
  • Switzerland Raoul Savoy (2014–2015)
  • France Blaise Kopogo (2015)
  • Central African Republic Herve Lougoundji (2015–2017)
  • Switzerland Raoul Savoy (2017–2019)
  • Ivory Coast François Zahoui (2019–2021)
  • Switzerland Raoul Savoy (2021–2024)
  • Central African Republic Eloge Enza Yamissi (2024-25)
  • Cameroon Rigobert Song (2025-)

Team Players

Current Squad

The players listed below were chosen for the friendly matches against Mauritania and Niger in June 2025.

The number of games played (Caps) and goals scored are updated as of June 6, 2025, after the match against Mauritania.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Geoffrey Lembet (1988-09-03) 3 September 1988 (age 36) 42 0 France Rennes
1GK Dominique Youfeigane (2000-02-07) 7 February 2000 (age 25) 14 0 Gibraltar Manchester 62
2DF Sadock Ndobé (1998-09-09) 9 September 1998 (age 26) 34 0 Republic of the Congo AS Otôho
2DF Peter Guinari (2001-06-02) 2 June 2001 (age 24) 22 1 Bulgaria Krumovgrad
2DF Cédric Yambéré (1990-11-06) 6 November 1990 (age 34) 20 0 France Bordeaux
2DF Wesley Ngakoutou-Yapende (2001-08-18) 18 August 2001 (age 23) 5 0 France Nîmes
2DF Leonce Namgbema (2004-04-23) 23 April 2004 (age 21) 4 0 Central African Republic Red Star Bangui
2DF Cherubin Merius Basse-Zokana (2004-04-18) 18 April 2004 (age 21) 3 0 Central African Republic Red Star Bangui
2DF Kenny Kima Beyissa (2001-01-28) 28 January 2001 (age 24) 2 0 Belgium Virton
2DF Sacha M'Baka (2004-06-04) 4 June 2004 (age 21) 1 0 France Brest B
2DF Mike Bettinger (2004-01-28) 28 January 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Bulgaria Fratria
3MF Noah-Kévin Ato-Zandanga (2003-07-05) 5 July 2003 (age 22) 8 0 France Saint-Maur
3MF Bertillo-Arnold Yangana-Ba-Komi (2004-03-24) 24 March 2004 (age 21) 4 0 Central African Republic Red Star Bangui
3MF Gabriel Oualengbe (2004-05-21) 21 May 2004 (age 21) 3 1 France Toulon
3MF Benjamin Idaro (2005-01-26) 26 January 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Unattached
3MF Ghislain Mounguide 1 0 Central African Republic
3MF Sidney Tchibinda 0 0 Central African Republic Olympic Real de Bangui
4FW Vénuste Baboula (1998-08-23) 23 August 1998 (age 26) 17 3 France Versailles
4FW Samuel Nlend (1995-03-15) 15 March 1995 (age 30) 7 1 Unattached
4FW Wesley Ngakoutou (2001-08-18) 18 August 2001 (age 23) 3 0 France GOAL
4FW Moustapha Djimet (2003-06-12) 12 June 2003 (age 22) 3 0 Belarus Dinamo Minsk
4FW Juste Koulou (1998-12-18) 18 December 1998 (age 26) 2 0 Central African Republic TP USCA
4FW Enzo Grothe (2005-03-24) 24 March 2005 (age 20) 0 0 France Caen
4FW Dimitri Kogbeto (1992-10-29) 29 October 1992 (age 32) 0 0 Central African Republic Olympic Real de Bangui

Recent Call-ups

These players have also been called to the Central African Republic squad in the last year.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Maurel Abimala (2004-01-07) 7 January 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Central African Republic Olympic Real de Bangui v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
GK Christopher Bimako (1994-08-05) 5 August 1994 (age 30) 0 0 Central African Republic Olympic Real de Bangui v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
DF Hugo Gambor (2002-12-30) 30 December 2002 (age 22) 3 1 Belgium Gent v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
DF Amos Youga (1992-12-08) 8 December 1992 (age 32) 28 0 Hungary Debrecen v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
DF Séverin Tatolna (2002-02-10) 10 February 2002 (age 23) 12 0 Slovakia Humenné v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
DF Dylan Mboumbouni (1996-02-20) 20 February 1996 (age 29) 11 0 Romania Concordia Chiajna v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
DF Flory Yangao (2002-01-13) 13 January 2002 (age 23) 29 0 Central African Republic Olympic Bangui v.  Morocco, 15 October 2024
DF Freeman Niamathé (1999-03-12) 12 March 1999 (age 26) 16 0 Republic of the Congo Diables Noirs v.  Morocco, 15 October 2024
DF Guy Bekain (2001-06-15) 15 June 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Central African Republic Red Star Bangui v.  Gabon, 10 September 2024
MF Geoffrey Kondogbia (captain) (1993-02-15) 15 February 1993 (age 32) 22 3 France Marseille v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
MF Axel Urie (1999-04-14) 14 April 1999 (age 26) 8 0 Qatar Al Kharaitiyat v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
MF Jacob Youmbi (1989-09-05) 5 September 1989 (age 35) 6 0 Unattached v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
MF Donald Benamna (1996-09-14) 14 September 1996 (age 28) 5 0 United States Texoma v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
MF Calvin Bombo (1999-01-18) 18 January 1999 (age 26) 1 0 France Charleville v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
MF Brad Pirioua (2000-03-06) 6 March 2000 (age 25) 16 0 France Istres v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
MF Isaac Ngoma (2002-12-09) 9 December 2002 (age 22) 14 3 Central African Republic Tempete v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
MF Isaac Solet (2001-06-16) 16 June 2001 (age 24) 12 0 Turkey Göztepe v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
MF Hamissou Dangabo (2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 22) 5 1 France Nantes v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
MF Dayan Saholona (1998-02-21) 21 February 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Switzerland Dietikon v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
MF Trésor Toropite (1994-07-31) 31 July 1994 (age 30) 33 6 Republic of the Congo AS Otohô v.  Morocco, 15 October 2024
MF Mabekondiasson (2003-03-22) 22 March 2003 (age 22) 1 0 France Blois v.  Morocco, 15 October 2024
FW Eleoenai Tompte (1999-01-18) 18 January 1999 (age 26) 5 0 Italy Pompei v.  Mauritania, 6 June 2025 PRE
FW Louis Mafouta (1994-07-02) 2 July 1994 (age 31) 32 16 France Amiens v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
FW Goduine Koyalipou (2000-02-15) 15 February 2000 (age 25) 9 1 France RC Lens v.  Mali, 24 March 2025
FW Karl Namnganda (1996-02-08) 8 February 1996 (age 29) 25 4 Bulgaria Pirin Blagoevgrad v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
FW Tieri-Teddy Godame (2002-07-09) 9 July 2002 (age 23) 6 3 France Guingamp v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
FW Loïs Kaya (1993-10-15) 15 October 1993 (age 31) 3 0 Central African Republic Tempete v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
FW Michael Kanguite (2001-02-15) 15 February 2001 (age 24) 2 0 Lesotho Lijabatho v.  Gabon, 18 November 2024
FW Christian Malipangou (2002-05-16) 16 May 2002 (age 23) 12 2 Rwanda Gasosi v.  Lesotho, 14 November 2024 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.

Team Records

Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the Central African Republic.

Most Appearances

Foxi Kethevoama 2
Foxi Kéthévoama has played the most games for the Central African Republic, with 48 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Foxi Kéthévoama 49 8 2002–2021
2 Geoffrey Lembet 40 0 2010–present
3 Franklin Anzité 37 0 2010–2019
4 Nicaise Zimbori-Auzingoni 36 2 2011–2018
5 Hilaire Momi 33 10 2007–2018
Saint-Cyr Ngam Ngam 33 0 2015–2022
Trésor Toropité 33 6 2013–present
8 Salif Kéïta 31 3 2007–2021
Sadock Ndobé 31 0 2017–present
10 Eloge Enza-Yamissi 30 1 2010–2020
Vianney Mabidé 30 5 2010–2020
Louis Mafouta 30 16 2017–present

Top Goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Louis Mafouta 16 30 0.53 2017–present
2 Hilaire Momi 10 33 0.3 2007–2018
3 Foxi Kéthévoama 8 49 0.16 2002–2021
4 Tresór Toropité 6 33 0.18 2014–present
5 Vianney Mabidé 5 30 0.17 2010–2020
6 Moussa Limane 4 13 0.31 2013–2017
Karl Namnganda 4 25 0.16 2021–present
Junior Gourrier 4 27 0.15 2007–2021
9 Tieri Godame 3 6 0.5 2024–present
Isaac Ngoma 3 14 0.21 2021–present
Vénuste Baboula 3 17 0.18 2023–present
Geoffrey Kondogbia 3 20 0.15 2018–present
Salif Kéïta 3 31 0.1 2007–2021

Team Achievements

Regional Cups

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

Friendly Tournaments

  • FIFA Series: Sri Lanka
    • Champions (1): 2024

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de la República Centroafricana para niños

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