The AFCON 2027 qualifiers have reached Matchday 2, with 12 groups of four teams each competing in a round-robin format. The second matchday's fixtures will run through October 6, following the first matchday that took place from September 24-26 during the same FIFA international window. A special rule applies to groups featuring the host nations of the final tournament: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have already qualified, leaving the remaining teams to compete for one spot.
In Group J, Ethiopia will face Senegal on September 29 in Bahir Dar. Both teams had disappointing starts to their qualifying campaigns, with Ethiopia losing 1-0 to Sudan and Senegal drawing 1-1 with Mozambique. Senegal's attack will focus on the Premier League trio of Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye, as Sadio Mané is absent from the squad. Off the pitch, Senegal's federation is appealing the AFCON 2025 title awarded to Morocco.
Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria will face off in Group L on September 29, with both teams having won their opening matches. Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0, while Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1. Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen and will rely on Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. The match is crucial, as only one ticket is available in Group L due to Tanzania's hosting rights.
Ghana will host Gambia on September 29, with Gambia looking to build on their quarterfinal appearance in AFCON 2021. Zambia, the AFCON 2012 champion, will face Togo, which won its opening match against Burundi 1-0. Kennedy Boateng will miss the match for Togo due to injury. These matches will show how teams build on their opening results.
Cape Verde, which made its World Cup debut in 2026, will host Rwanda on September 29. Cape Verde had a disappointing start to the qualifiers, losing 3-1 to Mali, while Rwanda began its campaign with a 3-1 victory over Liberia. Other Matchday 2 fixtures include Madagascar vs Tanzania, Benin vs Mauritania, and Congo vs Cameroon.
The AFCON 2027 qualifiers also feature other notable matches, including Guinea vs Kenya on October 1 and Angola vs Malawi on October 6. Fans can follow the matches and stay updated on the biggest football events with AfroPari. The platform is also offering the Grand Football Quest, where users can place qualifying bets on top football tournaments to win rewards.
The qualifiers have seen intense competition, with some teams already taking the lead in their groups. Fans can expect more exciting matches as the tournament progresses. With various teams competing for a spot in the AFCON 2027, every result takes on added significance, especially with the special rule applying to groups featuring the host nations.
Key points
- Ethiopia will face Senegal in a crucial Group J match on September 29.
- Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria will compete for a spot in Group L on September 29.
- Cape Verde will host Rwanda in a Matchday 2 fixture on September 29.
