With the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) just under three weeks away, Central African Republic (CAR) head coach Sébastien Ngato is clear about his team’s ambitions: “We’re not just here to participate.”
Despite being CHAN debutants and facing tough competition in Group B from hosts Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and Mauritania, Ngato is no stranger to breaking new ground.
He guided CAR to their historic first-ever CHAN appearance, overcoming regional heavyweights Cameroon in a dramatic qualification campaign.
This achievement builds on his success with the U20 national side, which he led to back-to-back CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations appearances.
Ngato has focused on continuity and tactical discipline, relying on a core group of players he’s coached for years.
This strong team chemistry, combined with immense public support and even praise from the country’s President, has fueled their drive to go deep into the tournament.
Ngato expressed immense joy at the historic CHAN qualification, seeing it as a victory for all Central African football.
He recalled the dramatic comeback against Côte d’Ivoire and the historic win over Cameroon, crediting his team’s discipline and long-standing cohesion for their success.
The electric reception upon their return from Cameroon, including congratulations from the President, has only intensified their motivation.
Looking ahead, Ngato’s objective for CHAN is clear: “to get out of the group stage” and then advance as far as possible.
He emphasized that merely winning one match isn’t enough. For the future of Central African football, he advocates for “continuity and investment in local football,” particularly in grassroots programs, believing this will develop competitive teams in the years to come.
