SM
Real Madrid vs. Arsenal: 2 hrs 41 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data
CA
World Cup Qualifying - Africa | Group Stage
Mar 19, 2025 at 4pm UK
Stade Larbi Zaouli
MN

CAR
vs.
Madagascar

 

Preview: Central African Republic vs. Madagascar - prediction, team news, lineups

:Headline: Preview: Central African Republic vs. Madagascar - prediction, team news, lineups:
Sports Mole previews Wednesday's World Cup Qualifying - Africa clash between Central African Republic and Madagascar, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Sports Mole

The first clash in this international break's double-header sees the Central African Republic face Madagascar at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in neutral Morocco on Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying series.

Les Fauves resume their campaign eager to turn their fortunes around with a crucial win following an underwhelming start of one victory, one draw and two defeats.


Match preview

Under Rigobert Song's guidance, the Central African Republic will look to build on their strong showing in the African Nations Championship qualification round in December as they seek to reignite their World Cup hopes.

Song was appointed in January 2025, just over two weeks after Les Fauves eliminated his country, Cameroon, on away goals in the second round of ANC qualification, securing their tournament place.

However, their World Cup qualifying campaign has been far from ideal, with just four points from four games leaving them fifth in the standings — five points adrift of Comoros and Ghana, the group's frontrunners — following a dramatic 4-3 defeat against the Black Stars.

Les Fauves also endured a disappointing African Cup of Nations qualifiers campaign, finishing bottom of Group B and failing to book a spot in the main tournament in Morocco.

Still searching for their first appearance at a major competition, Song's men know that victory on Wednesday is imperative to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The Central African Republic will take confidence from their strong record against Madagascar, having won the last three meetings by an aggregate score of 7-1.

However, their struggles in World Cup qualifiers remain a concern, with just three wins in their last 20, alongside three draws and 14 losses.

Madagascar, meanwhile, approach this fixture with belief, having historically held the upper hand in this tournament, winning 3-0 and drawing 2-2 in their only previous such encounters.

Newly appointed head coach Corentin Martins, who took charge on January 30, will lead Barea for the first time, aiming to continue their impressive run toward a maiden World Cup appearance.

Madagascar have exceeded expectations so far, collecting seven points from four games courtesy of two victories, one draw and one defeat, leaving them third in the standings and just two points off the top.

After a losing start against Ghana, the Barea responded with back-to-back wins over Chad and Comoros before grinding out a goalless draw against Mali, keeping them well in contention.

However, recent form is a concern, with five defeats in their last nine outings across all competitions, managing only one win and three draws in that time.

Central African Republic World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:


Central African Republic form (all competitions):


Madagascar World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:


Madagascar form (all competitions):



Team News

The Central African Republic have named a 25-man squad for this month's double-header against Madagascar and Mali, with six uncapped players earning call-ups.

Five players who started their last match against Gabon in November at the conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been dropped, but Geoffrey Kondogbia returns to bolster the midfield after missing the defeat.

Goduine Koyalipou is also back after being absent from the previous two matches, while Donald Benamna, Calvin Bombo, Samuel Nlend, Wesley Ngakoutou, Gabriel Oualengbe and Jacob Youmbi have been recalled.

Madagascar head coach Martins has introduced five new faces to his squad while recalling two experienced campaigners for these crucial fixtures.

Among the fresh call-ups are goalkeeper Thomas Dupire, defenders Jordan Acapandie and Samuel Marcelin, midfielder Clement Couturier and forward Samuel Noireau-Dauriat, all of whom are in line to make their debuts.

Meanwhile, John Baggio and Arohasina Dax return after lengthy absences, adding vital experience as Barea look to strengthen their position in the race for a World Cup berth.


Central African Republic possible starting lineup:
Youfeigane; Guinari, Yambere, Nbobe; Nlend, Bombo, Yangana-Ba-Komi, Kondogbia, Zandanga, Mafouta, Djimet

Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Laiton; Morgan, Berajo, Fontaine, Rabemanantsoa; Raveloson, Ilaimaharitra, Couturier; Rakotoharimalala, Caddy, Raheriniaina


We say: Central African Republic 1-0 Madagascar

With home support absent due to the neutral venue, the Central African Republic could face a challenge, but their strong record in this fixture, coupled with Madagascar's recent struggles, suggests they have the edge to grind out a win.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




body check tags ::

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


amp_article__568154 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2025-03-18 14:43:55:
html db last update - 2025-03-18 14:43:55 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html
Read more!
Share this article now:


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Recommended Next on SM
No Messi! Inter Miami star absent as Scaloni names Argentina squad
"Damning" Tuchel, Guardiola quotes spell trouble for Grealish amid "psychological issue"
Not Man United or Chelsea: Which PL clubs could Gyokeres join this summer?
Preview: CAR vs. Gabon - prediction, team news, lineups
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal291610353242958
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest29166749351454
4Chelsea29147853371649
5Manchester CityMan City29146955401548
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29121164842647
8Fulham2912984338545
9Aston Villa2912984145-445
10Bournemouth29128948361244
11Brentford29125125045541
12Crystal Palace2810993633339
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd29107123740-337
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs291041555431234
15Everton2971393236-434
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2997133349-1634
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2975174058-1826
18Ipswich TownIpswich2938182862-3417
19Leicester CityLeicester2945202565-4017
20Southampton2923242170-499
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Not Man United or Chelsea: Which PL clubs could Gyokeres join this summer?

1

NM

Who will start in the absence of Neymar? Predicted Brazil lineup vs. Colombia

2

WW

'My ear was destroyed': Mateta issues fresh injury update after Roberts challenge

NEW

3

'E

'Sweeter on the Swede': Isak stance becomes clear as Arsenal, Liverpool suffer blow

4

'O

Aston Villa 'open to selling' midfielder following successful loan spell

5

AV

Preview: Kosovo vs. Iceland - prediction, team news, lineups

6

PK

Italy vs. Germany: Head-to-head record and past meetings

7

IV

Recoveries and renewals: Arsenal to start 'formal contract talks' with key attacker

8

RA

Kevin Magnussen, Haas, set to cut all ties

9

KM

Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets - prediction, team news, form guide

10

PL


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .