Latest news with #FauvesdeBas-Oubangui
CAF
03-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Debut Alert: Kenya and CAR prepare for their first CHAN appearance
The eighth edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) will mark a historic milestone, as two nations, Kenya and the Central African Republic (CAR), make their debut in the tournament. Kenya's Harambee Stars will feature in the biennial competition for the first time, earning qualification by virtue of being one of three co-hosts. This will also be the first time the tournament is jointly hosted by three countries, and Kenya will be eager to prove that their inclusion is more than just a stroke of fortune and show they belong among Africa's best. Despite multiple past attempts, the Harambee Stars have consistently fallen at the final hurdle in qualification. Now, under the leadership of new head coach Benni McCarthy who is embarking on his first senior national team assignment, Kenya has a golden opportunity to showcase its potential on home soil. The Stars have been drawn into a tough Group A alongside former champions Morocco and DR Congo, as well as Angola and Zambia. All of Kenya's group matches will be played at the iconic Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, the same venue where the country reached the final of the 1987 All-Africa Games. Kenya will be banking on home advantage and the unwavering support of their passionate fans to propel them toward their minimum goal: reaching the Round of 16. Coach McCarthy has already named a 30-man provisional squad, which will be trimmed to the final 23 at least a week before the tournament. Kenya's campaign kicks off on August 3 with an opener against DR Congo. Also making their tournament debut is the Central African Republic. The Fauves de Bas-Oubangui earned their place at the tournament in a commanding manner, eliminating continental heavyweights Cameroon on the away goals rule. After losing the first leg 1-0 at home (played in Ivory Coast), CAR staged a stunning comeback in the return leg at Bafoussam's Stade Omnisports, coming from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to a late strike by Bertillon Arnold Yangana. Head coach Eloge Enza has named a provisional 30-man squad, and the team has begun its preparations in the capital, Bangui. CAR has been placed in Group B, where they will take on co-hosts Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso in matches set to be played in Dar es Salaam. Like the Harambee Stars, the Central African Republic will be aiming to advance past the group stages in their first appearance at the tournament tailor-made for homegrown talent.
CAF
25-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAR begin historic CHAN journey with 30-man provisional squad
The Central African Republic (CAR) have named a 30-man provisional squad and launched intensive preparations for their historic debut at the TotalEnergies 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking a new chapter in the country's footballing story. Led by coach Eloge Enza, the Fauves de Bas-Oubangui are undergoing rigorous daily training sessions at the Barthelemy Boganda Stadium in Bangui, with a double session scheduled every day. The squad is made up entirely of locally based players – a key requirement of the CHAN tournament. In a passionate address at the dawn of training, Central African Football Federation (FCF) President Célestin Yanindji called on the team to carry the pride of the nation. 'This is not just football. It is an extraordinary adventure to represent your country,' he declared, rallying the players to fight for the flag and write their names into the annals of African football. 'Behind every dribble, pass, and goal are thousands of supporters who believe in you. Stay focused. Stay united. Victory is our mission,' Yanindji said. The 2024 CHAN, scheduled for August 2025 across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, is Africa's premier competition for players active in their domestic leagues. For the Central African Republic, this marks their first appearance in the competition, a landmark moment. Drawn into Group B, the RCA will face formidable opposition including hosts Tanzania, as well as Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso – all CHAN veterans with significant tournament experience. Preparation for the squad will be in two phases: three weeks of home training in Bangui followed by two weeks abroad, including three international friendly matches yet to be officially announced. The goal is not only to fine-tune tactics and fitness but also to build mental toughness and cohesion in a team mostly untested at this level. Coach Enza, a respected figure in Central African football, has placed strong emphasis on physical conditioning, tactical discipline, and unity. The inclusion of exciting young talents like striker Nze Ronaldo and midfielder Galabazi Angelo underlines the balance between raw potential and experience in the squad. With the nation rallying behind them, the players are not only chasing CHAN qualification glory – they are carrying the dreams of a football-loving people desperate for continental recognition. The road to August will be long and demanding, but for the Central African Republic, the CHAN is more than a competition. It is a symbol of progress, pride, and a rare opportunity to inspire hope through the beautiful game. Full Provisional Squad – Central African Republic (CHAN 2024) Goalkeepers:Abimala MaurilleAmalimoto BonargesNgarssouma Saturnin Ganazou Thibaut Fulgence Defenders:Nangbema BenjaminSouango MichaelBasset CherubinTongba IsmaëlYangao MichaelBeito RufusKokpapa CyrilleKaimba Stéphane Miambaye Fourdeau Midfielders:Yangana ArnoldNdokomandji MelkiMonguide GhislainGalabazi AngeloGuesset DonaldTchibinda SidneyGbenou Boris Guiakoue Saul Forwards:Kaya Loïc TonnerFayanga YanKogbeto DimitriZoumarra Ange ElyséeGuindjipou VianneyMokonou DelphinNze Ronaldo Momi Hilaire
