In an upcoming African World Cup qualifier, the Central African Republic will face off against Mali at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Mali currently sit fourth in Group I standings, showcasing consistent form with two wins, two draws, and one loss. However, despite a recent string of setbacks, the Central African Republic are always poised to surprise their opponents on home soil.

The Central African Republic (CAR) national football team is forced to play its home matches on neutral ground in Morocco. The main reasons are the lack of stadiums in their country that meet international standards, as well as the complex political situation, which makes hosting major sporting events unsafe.

The two teams have met only once in history; that match was in 2023 and the game was tied 1-1 and, like now, that match was played in the World Cup qualifiers.

Starting XI – Central African Republic: Lembet (PO), Oualengbe, Ndobé, Yamberé, Basse-Zokana, Namgbema, Guinari, Kondogbia, Koyalipou, Mafouta and Kima Beyissa.

Subs: Sacha M’Baka, Noah Ato-Zandanga, Moustapha Djimet, Samuel Nlend, Wesley Ngakoutou, Bertilio Yangana-Ba-Komi, Dominique Youfeigane, Donald Benamna, Enzo Grothe, Hugo Gambor, Mauril Abimala, Axel Urie.

Starting XI – Mali: D. Diarra (PO), C. Konaté, A. Diaby, S. Niakaté, M. Diarra, L. Coulibaly, A. Dieng, Y. Bissouma, K. Doumbia, E. B. Touré and N. Dorgeles.

Subs: 1. Ismael Diawara, 22. Youssouf Koita, 3. Amadou Dante, 21. Salim Diakité. 15. Mamadou Fofana, 12. Mohamed Camara, 17. Mamadou Camara, 4. Mamadou Sangare, 19. Ibrahima Sissoko, 20. Sekou Koita, 14. Youssouf Niakate, 25. Mustapha Sangaré.