Central African Republic U20 profile: Underdogs with a point to prove in Egypt
The Central African Republic will return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a sense of unfinished business and growing confidence.
After reaching the quarter-finals in 2021 and participating again in 2023, the Fauves U20 are determined to build on past experiences and surprise the continent once again.
Grouped in a tough Pool C alongside reigning champions Senegal, four-time winners Ghana and an ambitious DR Congo side, the Central Africans are considered outsiders. But with a blend of resilience, emerging talent, and a fearless approach, they are preparing to defy expectations.
Their route to the finals was unconventional. After finishing as semi-finalists in the 2024 UNIFFAC qualifiers, they earned their spot following the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation. Now, under the guidance of coach Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye, the CAR U20s are eager to make the most of this opportunity on African football’s youth stage.
Full profile is below:
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The Central African Republic will be one of the attractions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON.
The Central African country, whose age-group teams are increasingly asserting themselves on the continental scene, will present themselves with the firm ambition of creating a surprise.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
The Central African Republic qualified following the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation by FIFA for state interference in the country's football activities.
Finalists of the UNIFFAC U-20 Tournament, which they hosted from September 24 to October 3, 2024, the U-20 Red Devils were to represent the UNIFFAC zone alongside the DRC, winner of the qualifiers.
But their suspension benefits the Central Africans whom they had beaten in the semi-finals of the qualifiers. Housed in Pool A, the Fauves U-20 will play alongside Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana.
HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON
The Central African Republic discovered the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 during the edition held in Mauritania.
It was a historic qualification since this team, coached by Sébastien Ngato, became the very first Central African team to represent the country in the finals of an Africa Cup of Nations. For a first participation, the Central African Juniors did not disappoint, as they reached the quarter-final stage.
The team will qualify for a second consecutive edition in 2023 in Egypt but will not go further than the group stage.
By presenting itself this year in a third consecutive edition, the country will try to build on its previous experiences to improve its results.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bercier Eddy Jores Mbaigoto - Captain of the Central African Republic U-20 team, Bercier Eddy Jores Mbaigato (18 years old) has established himself as a key part of the team during the UNIFFAC Tournament. His goal in the 2-1 win over Gabon was one of the biggest sensations of this competition played in Brazzaville, Congo.
Serge Nestor Cherubin Kondja - FC SOS striker in CAR, Serge Nestor Cherubin Kondja (19 years old) is the boss of the Central African attack. He has exceptional technical qualities and also knows how to be effective in front of goal.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Appointed head of the Central African Republic's U-20 team in July 2024, replacing Sébastien Ngato who was promoted to the senior team, Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye will have the heavy responsibility of leading the Central African Juniors to this continental event.
The 42-year-old former Congolese defender (19 caps) is a former professional footballer who has negotiated most of his career in France (Grenoble, Clermont, US Orléans, FC Metz)
Since his reconversion as a coach in 2014, he has officiated at the head of several clubs in France (Louhans-Cuiseaux, Villefranche Beaujolais II, Bourg Sud, Tarbes PF) but also as coach of the RCA A' team, before being entrusted with this new responsibility in July 2024.
Owner of a football academy in France, Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye is a fan of the seductive game. If his style can vary depending on the opposition opposite, he nevertheless relies on a rigorous organization, to ensure balance and efficiency to his team.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
CAR will play in Group C alongside Senegal, a talented and balanced team, the title holders will be among the favourites for the first place in the group. Their talent and technical strength make them a formidable opponent.
Ghana are a true powerhouse of young African football, and have a technically talented and physically imposing team. The Black Satellites will be one of the group's biggest challenges.
Democratic Republic of Congo are a technically sound team with great ambition and good momentum, DR Congo could represent a real threat in the group.