Ghana, Madagascar Prepare for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Ghana is in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia in the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw.
Ghana’s opening away match against Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled for the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, followed by the home fixture against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The GFA’s Management Committee reviews the squad’s administrative and logistical arrangements before the list is forwarded to the Executive Council, which must ratify it before invitations are sent to selected players.
Nigeria’s injury doubts include midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka and Tochukwu Nnadi, right-back Ryan Alebiosu and winger Femi Azeez, in addition to the expected absences of Victor Osimhen and Zaidu Sanusi.
Madagascar’s match against Nigeria will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, while its fixture against Tanzania is scheduled for the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco.
Ghana is preparing for a critical restart under new coach Carlos Queiroz after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars will open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, 2026, followed by a home match against The Gambia three days later GNA. Queiroz has submitted a 21-man squad that awaits final approval from Ghana's Management Committee and Executive Council before announcement.
Meanwhile, Madagascar is also gearing up for its qualifying campaign, announcing its squad on September 17. The team faces Nigeria in Uyo on September 25 and Tanzania in Morocco on September 29 Sportsworldghana. Both nations are working to recover from tournament disappointments and rebuild ahead of the 2027 continental showdown.
Ghana sits in Group C with Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia. The four-time African champions missed the 2025 tournament and are desperate to end a lengthy title drought GNA. Officials have emphasized that the opening qualifiers are crucial for building momentum and confidence under Queiroz's leadership.
The Black Stars will play away first, traveling to the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké to face Côte d'Ivoire. They then return home to the Accra Sports Stadium to battle The Gambia GNA. These back-to-back fixtures will set the tone for Ghana's entire qualifying campaign.
Queiroz's 21-man squad brings together seven returning players who were not part of Ghana's 2026 World Cup squad Sportsworldghana. The coach is mixing veterans with fresh talent as he builds his vision for the Black Stars. The squad must pass administrative review before the Ghana FA sends out formal invitations to players.
Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham's attacking midfielder, leads the list of returnees to the squad Sportsworldghana. The 26-year-old has been recalled to help drive Ghana's qualifying ambitions. The Management Committee will review logistics and arrangements before the Executive Council ratifies the final list during the week of September 21–25.
Nigeria faces serious injury doubts as it prepares to host Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, and Tochukwu Nnadi are all questionable Sportsworldghana. Right-back Ryan Alebiosu and winger Femi Azeez are also uncertain.
The Super Eagles are also without striker Victor Osimhen and left-back Zaidu Sanusi for these qualifiers Sportsworldghana. These absences will force coach Eric Simons to reshuffle his lineup. Nigeria must overcome these obstacles to maintain its strong qualifying record against a resurgent Madagascar side.
Madagascar's schedule features back-to-back road challenges. The squad announcement comes on September 17, giving players minimal time to prepare before facing Nigeria in Uyo three days later Sportsworldghana. A trip to Morocco follows just four days after that.
The Malagasy team will face Tanzania at the Stade d'Honneur de Meknès in Morocco on September 29 Sportsworldghana. Playing in unfamiliar venues and back-to-back competitions tests squad depth and fitness. Madagascar will need its squad to handle the demanding schedule while competing against strong African opponents.
Publishers
14
Articles
8
Reach
22