Central African Republic under pressure after three straight defeats

Three defeats leave little margin

Central African Republic have lost all three of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, leaving them fourth in Group F on zero points, while leaders Benin have seven from three. The gap is seven points, and the home side now face the team that beat them 4-1 in their most recent meeting.

That result came on 12 November. Central African Republic’s record in this competition also includes a defeat in their only home match, in which they scored no goals and conceded once. Benin, by contrast, have two wins and a draw, although their sole away fixture ended level.

Benin’s scoring against Central African Republic’s defence

Across three matches in this competition, Central African Republic have scored twice and conceded eight. Benin have scored seven and conceded three in the same number of qualifying games, making their attack the clearest contrast with the home side’s defensive record.

Benin have not kept a clean sheet in the group, while Central African Republic have yet to do so either. A pattern to watch is whether Benin can continue to find goals against a side that has conceded eight times in three matches; the visitors’ one away game, however, was a draw, so their away record is less commanding than their overall group form.

The latest meeting favoured Benin

Benin won the teams’ only listed meeting, a 4-1 result in this qualifying campaign on 12 November. That gives them a recent advantage, but the return fixture is a separate test for Central African Republic after three consecutive defeats.

Our prediction

Benin have the stronger case after winning twice and drawing once in the group, while Central African Republic have lost all three and conceded eight goals. The visitors look better placed to avoid defeat, though their only away match in the competition was a draw and Central African Republic will be seeking a response at home.