The qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begin on Thursday, with 48 countries competing for spots in Africa's premier football tournament. The competition will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, marking its return to East Africa after 51 years.
The qualifying process is divided into 12 groups, with teams playing six rounds from now until March next year. The draw took place in Cairo, Egypt, in May. In total, 24 teams will qualify for the finals. The general rule is that the top two teams in each group advance. However, in groups containing Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—who have automatically qualified as co-hosts—only the highest-ranked team outside the respective host country will go through. Matches will be played in a home-and-away format, with each team playing six games.
The 36th edition of AFCON will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027, at 10 venues. The stadiums are located in the Tanzanian cities of Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar; the Kenyan capital Nairobi; and Hoima, Kampala, and Lira in Uganda.
In the latest AFCON final on January 18, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0, with Pape Gueye's extra-time goal securing their second continental title. However, in March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the extraordinary move to strip Senegal of their crown and award it to Morocco. The controversial decision followed a review of an incident at the end of normal time, when most of the Senegalese team temporarily left the field to protest an added-time penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed after a lengthy delay. Senegal have appealed against CAF's decision, and the appeal will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.
Several star players will feature in the qualifiers. Egypt's squad includes two-time African Footballer of the Year Mohamed Salah. Morocco's team features Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz and teenage midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi. Nigeria boasts Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. Ghana is strengthened by the return of Mohammed Kudus, while Senegal's midfield includes talents like Ibrahim Mbaye and Iliman Ndiaye.
Morocco will be without captain Achraf Hakimi for the opening two matches due to a two-match suspension, and Ismael Saibari is banned for three games for unsporting behaviour during the chaotic AFCON final in January. Senegal will be without Sadio Mane, who misses the match against Mozambique with a physical issue. Nigeria's Victor Osimhen will miss the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he recovers from a muscle problem. Gabon will be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who quit international duty. Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, and Inaki Williams are among other players who retired from international football this year.
Fans can catch all the action from the AFCON 2027 qualifiers on various broadcasters and streaming platforms. Al Jazeera Sport will also bring live coverage of select matches.
Source: www.aljazeera.com