Central African Republic were eliminated in the Preliminaries of the FIFA World Cup 2018 to be held in Russia after a 2-2 draw in Antanarivo losing 5-2 in aggregate.

Madagascar carried a three away goal advantage after beating hosts CAR 3-0 away in Bangui.

Central African Republic needed to score four goals to proceed and they began scoring their first in the 7th minute through Junior Gourier before Falimery Ramanamahefa drew level in the 15th minute.

The host took the lead in the 35th minute through Charles Andriamahitsinoro before Demba Malick equalized for a HT draw.

On resumption the visitors pushed hard to get the needed goals but were frustrated.

The draw sends Madagascar to the first round where they will meet Senegal.

Other nine matches are ongoing with the aggregate winners set to meet other top African countries.

Swaziland has a 6-0 advantage over Djibouti while Niger,Botswana and Burundi carried away wins with them.

Mauritania face new entrants South Sudan as Namibia battle it out against The Gambia.Guine Bissau host liberia.

Austin Oduor

talking African football