The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins this week, with many prominent coaches facing their first competitive tests in new jobs. Forty-eight nations have been drawn into 12 groups, with the top two advancing from each group. The opening two rounds of qualifiers will provide an early indication of how quickly the new coaches can make their mark. Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and South Africa are among the teams with new coaches.
Hervé Renard has returned to Côte d'Ivoire for a second spell, having previously guided the team to the 2015 AFCON title. His first 25-man squad includes eight newcomers. Côte d'Ivoire begin their campaign against Ghana in Bouaké on September 24, before facing Somalia five days later. Renard will face Carlos Queiroz, who has been retained as Ghana coach after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
Patrick Vieira has taken over Senegal and will begin his tenure with away matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia. His first squad signals a period of change, with Sadio Mané absent due to a reported physical issue and several new players given opportunities. Vieira's appointment marks another major coaching change for Senegal, which has established itself among Africa's leading teams.
Pitso Mosimane is back in charge of South Africa for a third spell, replacing Hugo Broos. South Africa open their campaign against Guinea before facing Eritrea. Only one team besides automatic qualifiers Kenya can advance from Group D. Mosimane faces a challenging task in guiding South Africa through the qualifiers.
Morocco have begun a new era under Mohamed Ouahbi, who will lead the Atlas Lions against Gabon in their opening Group A fixture. Several established coaches are returning, while others are beginning their first competitive assignments. The opening rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will be as much about the coaches as the players.
The new coaches have little time for adjustment, as the race for places at the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda has already begun. Other new coaches include Moïne Chaabani (Tunisia), Brahim Hemdani (Algeria), and Humberto Bettencourt (Cape Verde). The qualifiers will provide an early glimpse of how these coaches intend to shape their teams.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will feature several high-profile matches, with top African teams competing for a spot in the tournament. The coaches' performances will be closely watched, as they aim to make an impact and guide their teams to success. The qualifiers will take place from September 24 to October 6.
Key points
- Hervé Renard returns to Côte d'Ivoire for a second spell as coach.
- Patrick Vieira begins his tenure as Senegal coach with away matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia.
- Several top African teams have new coaches for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
