CAR call up top scorer Mafouta for Ghana decider, Kongdobia out

The Central African Republic (CAR) have named striker Louis Mafouta in their 24-man squad for the crucial TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana on 7 September.

But they have been dealt a major blow ahead of the match as star midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia will miss the game.

The France-based player has been ruled out for several weeks through injury, robbing the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui of their most influential player.

Mafouta is the third highest scorer in the qualifying campaign with four goals, behind only Senegal's Sadio Mane and Nigeria's Victor Osimhen.

His firepower up front could prove crucial as the Central African Republic aim to clinch the win they likely need in Kumasi to seal an Africa Cup of Nations place.

The Fauves sit third in Group E on seven points heading into the final round of matches.

Leaders Ghana have nine points but could still miss out on goal difference should they lose and Angola overcome bottom side Madagascar.

However, coach Raoul Savoy will be without key midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia due to injury.

The Olympique Marseille star is ruled out for September after suffering a knee problem.

The 29-year-old former Inter Milan player would have been key to his side's chances of getting the result they require against the Black Stars.

Coach Raoul Savoy must now devise an alternative gameplan without his midfield talisman available for selection

Victory at the Baba Yara Stadium on 7 September would seal a maiden Cup of Nations qualification for the Central African Republic.

The Central Africans travel to face group leaders Ghana in Kumasi knowing that only a victory will seal a historic first ever qualification for the finals.

Anything less than a win would eliminate them, regardless of the result between Angola and Madagascar.

With Ghana only needing a draw to progress and sitting top on nine points, Kondogbia's absence is a significant setback for the Central African Republic.

Squad

Geoffrey Lembet, Berry Biandao, Saturnin Ngarsouma, Peter Guinari, Stéphane Ndobe, Flory Yangao, Freeman Niamathe, Sidney Dambakizi, Séverin Tatolna, Marco Yapende, Amos Youga, Gabriel Oualengbe, Brad Pirioua, Guy Bekaïn, Trésor Toropite , Vénuste Baboula, Karl Namnganda, Goduine Koyalipou, Marco Majouga, Axel Urie, Juste Koulou, Eleoenai Tompte, César Manzoki and Louis Mafouta