As the Central African Republic (CAR) prepares to make its debut in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), the team’s confidence is palpable.
Though they are being considered underdogs, Coach Sébastien Ngato’s squad is brimming with determination and hunger to make a statement on the continental stage.
After several futile attempts to make the finals of the tournament, the Central African Republic qualified for the 2024 CHAN competition, set to run from August 2nd to 30th.
The Central African Republic is one of two debutants alongside co-hosts Kenya.
In the past, stage fright has been a thing for some debutants; this is the reason Coach Ngato opted for “Les Fauves” to engage in a two-month preparation camp at home and in Cameroon.
“We have prepared for this competition in two stages: in Bangui and Cameroon, to help our acclimatization.”
The newbies have locked in on the territory of neighbors, Cameroon for a week, played friendlies against Niger and Guinea.
With nothing to separate CAR and tournament regulars, Niger (0-0) and Guinea (1-1) in two friendlies, gaffer, Ngato believes the team is out to learn, but must defend the fatherland when the die is cast.
“We are debutants, and we know how difficult it would be, but we are coming with the idea of competitors. We are here to learn but equally to defend our colors.”
With the entire nation rallying behind them, the players are not only chasing CHAN glory – they are carrying the dreams of a football-loving people desperate for continental recognition.
The Central African Republic’s journey to CHAN 2024 was marked by a stunning 2-1 aggregate victory over Cameroon, with Bertillon Arnold Yangana scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute of the second leg. This win not only showcased CAR’s resilience, but also ended Cameroon’s streak of participation in the competition.
Having dumbed Cameroon, CAR’s blend of youthful energy and experienced players are ready to take on the best of Africa and prove that they are more than just newcomers in the tournament.
The Central African Republic (CAR) will make its maiden appearance in a senior CAF competition, marking a significant milestone after previously participating in the U20 and U17 AFCON tournaments. With this new chapter, CAR is pushing to carve out a place among the elite nations on the African continent.
The Central Africans are housed in Group B, where they will face Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and co-hosts Tanzania.
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