The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for the 2027 finals begin today, with 48 countries divided into 12 groups competing in a six-round process that will run until March next year. The top two teams from nine groups will advance to the finals, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. These three countries are also participating in the qualifiers, but with a reduced chance of advancing from their groups.
The 2027 AFCON finals will feature 24 teams and take place from June 19 to July 17. However, the continent is still awaiting a decision on the last edition of the Cup of Nations, which was held in Morocco in January. Senegal won the final but were stripped of the title due to a protest, and Morocco was awarded the trophy. Senegal has appealed against the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision, which will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.
Morocco, who were the best-performing African side at the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, will begin their Group A qualifiers at home against Gabon in Rabat. They will then face Lesotho on September 29 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Lesotho is one of 12 countries forced to play their home games at a neutral venue due to stadium inadequacies.
Senegal, under new coach Patrick Vieira, will start their Group J campaign against Mozambique in Maputo. Vieira has made several changes to the team, including the exclusion of key players like Sadio Mane. Tunisia, who had a disappointing World Cup, have also made many changes, retaining only 14 players from their previous tournament.
Tunisia's new coach, Moin Chaabani, will make his debut against Uganda in Group H today. The team aims to extend their record number of successive finals appearances to 18. The opening round of games features a heavyweight derby between Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana in Group C today.
The qualifiers also include a crucial match between South Africa and Guinea in Johannesburg on Saturday. The outcome of this match will be vital for both countries, even at the start of the campaign. Several countries have switched their home fixtures due to various reasons, including the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The AFCON qualifiers will continue until March next year, with the top teams advancing to the finals. The uncertainty over the last edition's winners and the changes in teams and coaches make this qualifying process particularly interesting. Key teams will look to secure their spots in the 2027 AFCON finals.
Key points
- The 2027 AFCON finals will feature 24 teams and take place from June 19 to July 17.
- Morocco will begin their Group A qualifiers at home against Gabon in Rabat.
- Senegal's new coach, Patrick Vieira, will make his debut against Mozambique in Maputo.
