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

The Central African Republic and Comoros clash at Meknes Honor Stadium on Sunday in round eight of CAF’s 2026 World Cup qualifying, each seeking a response to defeat but with contrasting stakes.

Les Coelacantes remain firmly in the qualification race despite their midweek loss against Mali, whereas Les Fauves saw their hopes dashed by Madagascar and now have little more than pride to play for.

Match preview

Long regarded as lightweights in the continent’s football scene, CAR only recently broke new ground by making their first-ever appearance at the African Nations Championship.

As debutants, it was hardly a surprise they bowed out in the group stage after collecting just a solitary point from four games, one of which was a 2-0 defeat to Madagascar.

Thursday’s World Cup qualifier carried a sense of deja vu as Les Fauves fell to the same opposition by a similar scoreline, effectively ending any lingering dreams of reaching the finals.

They currently sit fifth in Group I with five points from one victory, two draws and four defeats, leaving Eloge Enza Yamissi’s men eleven adrift of leaders Ghana, while a playoff berth appears equally out of reach.

With only pride realistically left on the line, Les Fauves host Comoros at a neutral venue in Meknes on Sunday, hoping to end a seven-match winless streak across all competitions (D3 L4), their only success in eleven games this year coming in a friendly against Mauritania.

There is greater weight attached to this fixture for Comoros, who are desperate to respond following a 3-0 defeat to Mali on Thursday which dented their standing in the table.

Les Coelacantes began the campaign brightly, stunning many by leading a group that also included continental giants Ghana after winning three of their opening four matches (L1), but they have now slipped to fourth with just one victory from their last three (L2).

Stefano Cusin’s men have been both enterprising and vulnerable in this campaign, scoring nine and conceding ten, and with CAR finding the net eight times but leaking fifteen, another open contest could be on the cards.

The previous meeting between these nations served up a six-goal thriller, with Les Coelacantes coming out on top, and Comoros will be eager to extend that record as they continue the push for a historic first appearance at the World Cup.

Central African Republic World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Central African Republic form (all competitions):

Comoros World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Comoros form (all competitions):

Team News

New England Revolution II defender Chris Mbai Asem made his debut for CAR against Madagascar but was withdrawn before the interval, so he may not feature from the outset, especially if Yamissi opts to blood other fresh faces with qualification now virtually out of reach.

Either Saturnin Nagasouma or Marcellin Biandao could make their bow in goal, while Dimitri Kogbeto, who won his first cap as a substitute last time out, may be handed a starting berth.

Amiens striker Louis Mafouta, the nation’s all-time leading marksman with sixteen goals, was also introduced from the bench against Madagascar, and he could be restored to the lineup to bolster the attack.

With Comoros chasing a vital win, Cusin is likely to reshuffle his defence after the backline collapsed against Mali, conceding three in a 5-4-1 system that offered little resistance.

A switch to a four-man rearguard appears on the cards, with Salim Ben Boina likely to replace Yannick Pandor in goal, while seasoned midfielder Youssouf M’Changama could also return after being named among the substitutes last time out.

Central African Republic possible starting lineup:

Basse-Zokana; Youga, Yangao; Kogbeto, Oualengbe, Gambor, Ndokomandji, Namgbema; Djimet, Mafouta

Comoros possible starting lineup:

Boina; M Youssouf, Omari, Boura, Abdallah; Youssef, Mohamed, M'Changama; Selemani, Maolida, Said

We say: Central African Republic 1-2 Comoros

The Central African Republic may look to showcase resilience and restore pride with the pressure of qualification lifted, but Comoros, with far more at stake, should edge this battle in what promises to be a lively contest.

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