The 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers are set to commence on Thursday, September 24, with 48 teams competing in a long and exciting journey to the continental finals. The qualifiers will feature 24 matches in 12 groups between Thursday and Saturday, September 26. The tournament is scheduled to take place in East Africa, specifically in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
The first round of qualifiers promises to be thrilling, with several high-profile matches lined up. One of the most anticipated games is between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana in Bouaké, while Egypt, a seven-time African champion, will host Angola at the Cairo International Stadium. Algeria, another top contender, will face Zambia in Tizi Ouzou. These matches mark the beginning of a new phase for these teams, with some undergoing changes in their coaching staff and player rosters.
The qualifiers will feature several intriguing matchups, including a clash between former African champions Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Côte d'Ivoire's new coach, Hervé Renard, has called up eight new players to his squad, while Ghana has recalled several players who missed the 2026 World Cup. Other notable matches include Congo DR against Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone against Zimbabwe.
On Friday, September 25, the qualifiers will continue with 14 more matches, including a highly anticipated game between Algeria and Zambia. Egypt, under new management, will look to make a strong start against Angola. Other notable matches include Senegal against Mozambique and Nigeria against Madagascar.
The qualifiers will be played over six matchdays, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals. However, the groups featuring Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the three host nations, will have only one additional team qualifying, as these countries have already secured their spots in the tournament.
The 2027 African Cup of Nations will mark the return of the competition to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the tournament in 1976. The qualifiers will continue until March 2027, with the final tournament scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
The draw for the qualifiers has placed the 48 participating teams into 12 groups of four teams each. The teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals. The qualifiers are expected to be highly competitive, with many top teams vying for a spot in the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Algeria and Egypt are among the top contenders in the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- The qualifiers will feature 24 matches in 12 groups between September 24 and October 6.
- The 2027 African Cup of Nations will take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
