AFCON 2023 (Q): Kondogbia and Mafouta's timely return for CAR

The Central African Republic, last in Group E with one point, will play a part of its future, on the occasion of the two matches against Madagascar (March 23 and 27). Raoul Savoy, the Swiss coach of the Fauves, has recalled Geoffrey Kondogbia and Louis Mafouta for this double confrontation with the islanders.

The composition of the Central African Republic resembles those of other African teams, where local and expatriate players are scattered around the world, and not always in the best leagues. But the case of the Central African Republic is worth a look. The expatriates are listed in Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Congo), Europe (France, Luxembourg, Austria, Romania, Spain), Asia (Iraq, China, Saudi Arabia) and the United States.

In this selection, Geoffrey Kondogbia, who plays for Atletico Madrid, one of the best Spanish clubs, will be joined by Noah Ato-Zandanga, a 19-year-old midfielder who is under contract with CD Santaniyi, in the Spanish Division 4. The former French national team player (5 caps), who became a Central African international in 2018, had slammed the doors of the Fauves in June 2021, after two defeats in Rwanda in friendly matches (0-5, 0-2), lamenting the lack of professionalism. Raoul Savoy, who had welcomed him to the national team, was no longer in charge at the time of this departure, which was not definitive (the coach was the Ivorian François Zahoui, editor's note).

The return of Kondogbia is therefore good news for the Swiss coach. "He is a very experienced player, who knows the high level. He will take his place and bring something, especially to the young. For all these reasons, his presence is an additional asset for us. Geoffrey's experience will be important. As well as Louis Mafouta, who plays in France, at Quevilly-Rouen (Ligue 2), and who returns to the national team after a two-year absence. We know what he can bring to us", explains Raoul Savoy, while his team will have to take a maximum of points against Madagascar to stay in the race.

Savoy: "We're counting on their experience at the top level
The Fauves, beaten in Angola (-2, June 1) had then hung on to Ghana (1-1 on June 5, in Luanda), are still alive in a relatively tight group. They have not played since the last two games, which did not necessarily help Savoy to prepare this double meeting against the Baréa in the best conditions.

"We would have liked to have played friendlies in the last few FIFA matches, but we are one of the teams that don't have a lot of resources to do so. We are used to playing our home games on neutral ground. We would prefer to have the support of our fans, but since we can't play in Bangui yet, we'll make do."

The Central Africans will host the Madagascans on March 27 in Douala, Cameroon, and ahead of the first leg in Antananarivo on Thursday, Savoy has done his homework. "The objective is to be in the race after four games. If we take four points, it will be really good.

The technical boss of the Fauves will not have had much time to work with a partially renewed group. In addition to the return of Kondogbia and Mafouta, Savoy has called up Noah Ato-Zandanga and Tony Biakiolo (16 years old, Toulouse FC), who participated in the last U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, goalkeepers Marcellin Biandao (TP USCA Bangui) and Dominique Youfeigane (Guingamp, Ligue 2 française), defender Riphat Pounayo (Anges de Fatima), midfielder Ghislain Baboula (Racing CFF, Division 4 française) and striker Eleonai Tompte, who plays for Siegendorf in Division 3 Austria. The Central Africans reached Antananarivo on Tuesday, via Addis Ababa. "We are in commando mode. We will work as well as possible, with this group of players where the experience of some, including Kondogbia, will be very important ... "