AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Set to Begin Across Africa
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Set to Begin Across Africa
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Key Points
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The qualifiers will be played on a home-and-away basis over six matchdays, rather than only during the opening October window; the schedule resumes from Nov. 9–17, 2026, before the final two rounds from March 22–30, 2027.
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CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2027 tournament will not be postponed, and the finals will mark the Africa Cup of Nations’ return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted in 1976.
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Ghana’s September camp is also preparing for an international friendly against Morocco, alongside the qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia; the squad opened camp in Accra on Sept. 21, 2026.
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The opening qualifying window includes several high-profile fixtures beyond Ghana’s opener, including Morocco versus Gabon, Egypt versus Angola, Algeria versus Zambia, Senegal versus Mozambique and Mali versus Cape Verde.
Africa's road to the 2027 Cup of Nations kicks off September 24 with 48 teams competing across 12 qualifying groups. The tournament returns to East Africa for the first time since 1976, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda hosting the finals from June 19 through July 17, 2027 CAF. Qualifiers will span six matchdays spread across three windows: September 24–October 6, November 9–17, 2026, and March 22–30, 2027 Sporting News.
Ghana face a tough start away to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, then host The Gambia five days later. Coach Carlos Queiroz has added nine new players to the squad ahead of camp, which opened in Accra on September 21 Benin Web TV. South Africa must capitalize on home advantage before traveling to Egypt to face Eritrea on September 30 and Egypt on October 4.
Ghana's Demanding Debut Against Ivory Coast
Ghana open their qualifying campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, a challenging opener for Carlos Queiroz's squad. The team then returns home to face The Gambia on September 29. Ghana are also preparing for a friendly against Morocco during this same window, adding extra intensity to their camp Benin Web TV.
Queiroz has reshuffled the squad, adding nine new players amid medical concerns within the existing roster. The squad assembled in Accra on September 21 to begin preparations. This combination of new faces and a tough opening fixture sets the tone for Ghana's qualification bid Sporting News.
South Africa's Home Advantage and Away Tests
South Africa must make the most of their home fixture before embarking on a difficult away trip to Egypt. They travel to Cairo to face Eritrea on September 30, then Egypt on October 4 FlashScore. These back-to-back away matches in North Africa will test Bafana Bafana early in their campaign.
With Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda qualifying automatically as co-hosts, South Africa cannot afford to stumble. The team must secure points from their home base while navigating one of Africa's toughest away environments FlashScore.
High-Profile Openers Across Africa
The opening window features several marquee fixtures beyond Ghana's opener. Morocco face Gabon, Egypt take on Angola, Algeria clash with Zambia, Senegal battle Mozambique, and Mali meet Cape Verde Sporting News. These matches set the stage for an intense qualification race across the continent.
Neutral Venues Force Multiple Teams from Home
Twelve African teams must play home matches at neutral venues due to stadium compliance issues with CAF standards Benin Web TV. Benin will host Mauritania in Abidjan on September 2, playing their qualifier away from home. This logistical challenge adds complexity to the qualification race and may affect teams' competitive advantage.
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