Benin lead Central African Republic 3-1 at half-time in their Africa Cup of Nations CAN 2027 qualifying match at Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.
The Group F encounter’s third matchday began at a frantic pace, with H. Imourane putting the Guepards ahead after only seven minutes.
Central African Republic responded through L. Mafouta, who restored parity in the 19th minute for the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui.
Benin then took control before the interval. Rodolfo Aloko restored their lead in the 31st minute, before Aiyegun Tosin added a third five minutes later, with Yamirou Ouorou providing the assist.
Gernot Rohr’s side dominated possession during the closing stages of the first half and went into the break with a two-goal advantage.
The result puts Benin in a strong position in the race for qualification, while Central African Republic face the prospect of having to produce a significantly improved second-half performance if they are to recover from the deficit.