Despite their gutsy display, Central African Republic lost their third Group C, 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier match 2-0 to Nigeria on Sunday at the Stade Omnisport de Bepanda in Douala, Cameroon on Sunday.
The result sees coach Raoul Savoy’s charges sitting at number three in the group with four points, five adrift log leaders Nigeria.
It was Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen goals that gave the Super Eagles the full three points and qualify for the second round with only two games remaining.
CAR started positively with the first chance on goal coming in the seventh minute when Georgino M’Vondo was played through on goal, but he was denied in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Okoye.
Nigeria, who struggled early on, started finding their feet and took the lead in the 28th minute when Balogun unleashed a powerful long-range shot past Prince Samolah.
CAR started to push forward and came close to finding an equalizer again in the 38th minute when Thibault Ban met a right-wing cross into the box, but his header shaved the wrong side of the post as they went into the break goalless.
Super Eagles managed to get their second at the stroke of halt-time with Osimhen completing a beautiful finish from the edge of the area, 2-0.
The home side sustained the pressure at the start of the second half and nearly managed to find the back of the net in the 58th minute when Flory Yangao produced a powerdul shot but it sailed over the crossbar.
Innocent Bonke almost extended Nigeria’s lead in the 74th minute but he saw his 24-yard shot sail inches wide of the target.
CAR tried to find their way back into the game and came close to finding the back of the net in the 85th minute when Henock Damona met a cross into the box, but he saw his ten-yard header well-saved by the keeper.
The Wild Beasts threw players forward in search of in the final five minutes but were unable to penetrate the Super Eagles defence as the match ended21-0 in favour of the latter.
