World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Madagascar defeats Central African Republic and climbs to 2nd place in group I

Madagascar delivered a convincing victory over the Central African Republic, securing a 2-0 win on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The Barea made the difference thanks to goals from Caddy and Randrianantenaina, climbing to second place in group I.

The match was part of the 7th round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Before this encounter, Madagascar was third in group I with 10 points, trailing Comoros (12 points) and Ghana (16 points).

On the pitch at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Warren Caddy opened the scoring for the Barea in the 45+2nd minute of the first half. The Central Africans tried to level before the break, but to no avail. Returning from halftime, Arnaud Randrianantenaina netted Madagascar’s second goal in the 59th minute. The score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

This win propels Madagascar to second place in group I with 13 points, just behind leaders Ghana with 15 points. As for the Central African Republic, they remain fifth with 5 points on the board.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.