Central African Republic national football team facts for kids
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.
Nickname(s) | Les Fauves (The Wild Beasts) |
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Association | Central African Football Federation | ||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | ||
Sub-confederation | UNIFFAC (Central Africa) |
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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 | ||
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FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 112 ![]() |
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Highest | 49 (October 2012) | ||
Lowest | 202 (July–September 2009, March–August 2010) | ||
Elo ranking | |||
Current | 126 ![]() |
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Highest | 79 (1956) | ||
Lowest | 164 (2007–2009) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Ubangi-Shari; unknown date 1956) |
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Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Colombo, Sri Lanka; 22 March 2024) |
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Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Abidjan, Ivory Coast; 27 December 1961) |
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African Nations Championship | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2024) | ||
Best result | TBD (2024) |
Contents
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)
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 | ![]() |
Colombo, Sri Lanka |
15:00 UTC+5:30 | Stadium: Colombo Racecourse Referee: Mohamed Jafran (Sri Lanka) |
25 March 2024 FIFA World Series | Central African Republic ![]() |
4–0 | ![]() |
Colombo, Sri Lanka |
09:30 UTC+05:30 | Stadium: Colombo Racecourse Attendance: 550 Referee: Hettikamkanamge Perera (Sri Lanka) |
5 June 2026 World Cup Qualification | Central African Republic ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Oujda, Morocco |
17:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Stade Municipal d'Oujda Attendance: 1,300 Referee: Patrice Milazare (Mauritius) |
10 June 2026 World Cup Qualification | Ghana ![]() |
4–3 | ![]() |
Kumasi, Ghana |
19:00 UTC±0 |
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Stadium: Baba Yara Stadium Attendance: 39,000 Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya) |
5 September 2025 AFCON Qual. | Central African Republic ![]() |
3–1 | ![]() |
El Jadida, Morocco |
--:-- | Sera ![]() |
Stadium: Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium Referee: Youcef Gamouh (Algeria) |
10 September 2025 AFCON Qual. | Gabon ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Franceville, Gabon |
17:00 UTC+1 | Aubameyang ![]() Babicka ![]() |
Stadium: Stade de Franceville Referee: Peter Waweru (Kenya) |
12 October 2025 AFCON Qual. | Morocco ![]() |
5–0 | ![]() |
Oujda, Morocco |
20:00 UTC+1 |
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Stadium: Honor Stadium Attendance: 19,800 Referee: Alhasan Bass (Gambia) |
15 October 2025 AFCON Qual. | Central African Republic ![]() |
0–4 | ![]() |
Oujda, Morocco |
20:00 UTC+1 |
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Stadium: Honor Stadium Referee: Naby Laye Touré (Guinea) |
14 November 2025 AFCON Qual. | Lesotho ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
14:00 UTC+2 | Mokhachane ![]() |
Stadium: Free State Stadium |
18 November 2025 AFCON Qual. | Central African Republic ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
19:00 UTC+1 |
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Stadium: Orlando Stadium Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania) |
2025 Matches
19 March 2025 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Central African Republic ![]() |
1–4 | ![]() |
Casablanca, Morocco |
17:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium Referee: Adalbert Diouf (Senegal) |
24 March 2025 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Central African Republic ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Casablanca, Morocco |
17:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium Referee: Godfrey Nkhakananga (Malawi) |
6 June 2025 International friendly | Mauritania ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Casablanca, Morocco |
21:00 UTC+1 | Tanjy ![]() |
Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium |
9 June 2025 International friendly | Tunisia ![]() |
Canceled | ![]() |
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.
Evgeni Rogov (1973-1976)
Jean-Jacques Ombi (?-?)
Étienne Momokoamas (2004-2006)
Francois Yanguere (2006-2008)
Jules Accorsi (2010–2012)
Herve Lougoundji (2012–2014)
Raoul Savoy (2014–2015)
Blaise Kopogo (2015)
Herve Lougoundji (2015–2017)
Raoul Savoy (2017–2019)
François Zahoui (2019–2021)
Raoul Savoy (2021–2024)
Eloge Enza Yamissi (2024-25)
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 |
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GK | Geoffrey Lembet | 3 September 1988 | 42 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Dominique Youfeigane | 7 February 2000 | 14 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Sadock Ndobé | 9 September 1998 | 34 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Peter Guinari | 2 June 2001 | 22 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Cédric Yambéré | 6 November 1990 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Wesley Ngakoutou-Yapende | 18 August 2001 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Leonce Namgbema | 23 April 2004 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Cherubin Merius Basse-Zokana | 18 April 2004 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Kenny Kima Beyissa | 28 January 2001 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Sacha M'Baka | 4 June 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Mike Bettinger | 28 January 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Noah-Kévin Ato-Zandanga | 5 July 2003 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Bertillo-Arnold Yangana-Ba-Komi | 24 March 2004 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Gabriel Oualengbe | 21 May 2004 | 3 | 1 | ![]() |
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MF | Benjamin Idaro | 26 January 2005 | 0 | 0 | Unattached | |
MF | Ghislain Mounguide | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Sidney Tchibinda | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Vénuste Baboula | 23 August 1998 | 17 | 3 | ![]() |
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FW | Samuel Nlend | 15 March 1995 | 7 | 1 | Unattached | |
FW | Wesley Ngakoutou | 18 August 2001 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Moustapha Djimet | 12 June 2003 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Juste Koulou | 18 December 1998 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Enzo Grothe | 24 March 2005 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Dimitri Kogbeto | 29 October 1992 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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 |
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GK | Maurel Abimala | 7 January 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Christopher Bimako | 5 August 1994 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Hugo Gambor | 30 December 2002 | 3 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Amos Youga | 8 December 1992 | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Séverin Tatolna | 10 February 2002 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Dylan Mboumbouni | 20 February 1996 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Flory Yangao | 13 January 2002 | 29 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Freeman Niamathé | 12 March 1999 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Guy Bekain | 15 June 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Geoffrey Kondogbia (captain) | 15 February 1993 | 22 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Axel Urie | 14 April 1999 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Jacob Youmbi | 5 September 1989 | 6 | 0 | Unattached | v. ![]() |
MF | Donald Benamna | 14 September 1996 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Calvin Bombo | 18 January 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Brad Pirioua | 6 March 2000 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Isaac Ngoma | 9 December 2002 | 14 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Isaac Solet | 16 June 2001 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Hamissou Dangabo | 15 January 2003 | 5 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Dayan Saholona | 21 February 1998 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Trésor Toropite | 31 July 1994 | 33 | 6 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Mabekondiasson | 22 March 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Eleoenai Tompte | 18 January 1999 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Louis Mafouta | 2 July 1994 | 32 | 16 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Goduine Koyalipou | 15 February 2000 | 9 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Karl Namnganda | 8 February 1996 | 25 | 4 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Tieri-Teddy Godame | 9 July 2002 | 6 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Loïs Kaya | 15 October 1993 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Michael Kanguite | 15 February 2001 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Christian Malipangou | 16 May 2002 | 12 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
INJ Withdrew due to injury |
Team Records
Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the Central African Republic.
Most Appearances
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
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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 |
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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
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de la República Centroafricana para niños