World Cup (Q): Central African Republic finish with victory

Central African Republic ended a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on a positive note Sunday with a 3-2 victory at Chad.

Captain Marius Mouandilmandji scored an equalizing goal for hosts Chad in the 87th minute but Karl Namnganda struck in stoppage time to give Les Fauves victory at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.

It was a dream start for Central African Republic, who opened the scoring in the 3rd minute when Moustapha Djimit produced an excellent dribble run down the right wing before crossing for Delphin Mokonou to finish. Venuste Baboula doubled the advantage just after the half hour mark and it appeared that Les Fauves were on their way to victory.

But spurred on by their home support, the Chadian team rallied at halftime. Celestin Ecua pulled a goal back soon after the interval from an assist by Marius Mouandilmandji as Les Sao proceeded to dominate the second half. Captain Marius then leveled the match and it appeared that the teams would share the points.

However, an error from the Chadian defense allowed Namnganda to lob his finish over Les Sao goalkeeper Jourdain Mbaynassem and the visitors escaped with all three points to finish play in Group I. Les Favues end the campaign with eight points from ten matches while Chad finish with a solitary point from September’s 1-1 draw with Group I winners Ghana.

Ghana will finish up later on Sunday at home against Comoros, where only a lopsided defeat combined with a lopsided Madagascar victory at Mali will result in Ghana losing top spot.