AFCON
The Road To 2027: Full Breakdown Of AFCON Qualifiers
The journey to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun, and the release of the qualifiers’ fixtures has already ignited anticipation across the continent.
With heavyweight nations like South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana all handed challenging paths. The next 12 months promise high-stakes football, political subplots, and regional rivalries that will shape the final tournament.
A New Campaign, Familiar Pressure
Bafana Bafana enter the qualifiers with renewed belief after a strong resurgence in recent years. They are placed in Group D, where their biggest obstacle will be Guinea.
Kenya already qualified as a co-host, complicating matters further. Although Kenya’s place at the final tournament is guaranteed.
They still compete in the qualifiers, meaning only one additional team from the group will progress. The margins are razor-thin, and every point matters.
South Africa begins their journey at home to Guinea in what could be a decisive opening fixture. Given the structure of the group, this match has the potential to shape their entire qualification bid.
A win would provide an early advantage and also reduce pressure ahead of their second encounter, an away meeting with Eritrea.
Eritrea’s Complicated Return to Competitive Football
Eritrea men’s national football team
Eritrea’s presence in the group adds an unusual layer of uncertainty. After more than six years without competitive football.
They returned with a shock aggregate win over Eswatini during the preliminaries. That celebration was immediately overshadowed by internal issues, as seven players sought political asylum in South Africa after the match.
There remains doubt about whether Eritrea will complete the qualifiers, with whispers of a possible withdrawal. For now, however, they remain part of the group. South Africa is scheduled to visit them though the match will likely be played in Morocco due to inadequate facilities in Eritrea.
Benni McCarthy vs Bafana
The November showdown between South Africa and Kenya is one of the qualifiers’ most anticipated fixtures. Not only does it carry competitive significance.
But it also pits Bafana Bafana against one of their own. Benni McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer, now coaches the Harambee Stars. His tactical maturity and familiarity with South African football make the encounter far more intriguing than a standard qualification match.
The first leg takes place in South Africa before the reverse fixture in Nairobi during Matchday 4. A showdown that could reshape Group D’s standings.
South Africa’s Final Push in March
The qualifiers conclude in March next year. Bafana are travelling to Guinea before hosting Eritrea in their final fixture.
Guinea remains the biggest threat, even though they have hosted most of their home games outside their country due to stadium restrictions.
If South Africa is still battling for the top spot by the final window, these two fixtures could deliver a dramatic finish.
Nigeria’s Bid to Restore Continental Glory
Nigeria starts at home against Madagascar, a fixture they should control, before travelling to face a well-drilled Guinea-Bissau side.
Tanzania then awaits in a November double-header that may decide the group’s hierarchy. Nigeria closed its campaign with a trip to Madagascar and a home meeting with Guinea-Bissau. After failing to win the last AFCON. Despite boasting one of Africa’s strongest squads, expectations are immense.
Ghana Seek Redemption After Missing Morocco 2025
For Ghana, qualifying is not optional it is mandatory. Their journey begins with arguably their toughest match. An away clash against the Ivory Coast.
This opener will test the Black Stars’ mentality following the disappointment of missing out on the last edition. Gambia and Somalia also stand in their way. And while Ghana will expect to dominate Somalia in November’s double-header.
Their final push in March against the Ivory Coast and away to Gambia may determine how convincingly they return to the continental stage.
A Pan-African Qualification Marathon
Across the remaining groups, every nation faces its own internal storyline. Morocco and Gabon meet repeatedly in Group A, while Egypt faces an athletic Angola in Group B. Cameroon takes on the unpredictable Comoros in Group G, as Tunisia battles emerging Uganda in Group H.
Senegal, Mali, Algeria, and DR Congo have all been dealt tricky routes despite their favourite status. And reminding everyone that African qualifications rarely go as expected.
