2027 AFCON qualifiers: Key matches to watch across the 12 groups on Matchday 3

The race for places at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will intensify this week as teams across the 12 qualifying groups prepare for crucial Matchday 3 fixtures from November 12 to 14, with the fourth round of matches scheduled for November 16 and 17.

After the opening two rounds, several nations have made strong starts, while others are already under pressure to collect points and keep their qualification hopes alive.

A number of important encounters could also have a major influence on the standings, particularly in groups where the leading teams are separated by just a few points.

In Group A, Morocco will look to extend their perfect start when they face Niger. The Atlas Lions have collected six points from their opening two matches and hold a three-point advantage over Gabon and Niger. Both sides will be looking to strengthen their positions in the group.

Group B sees Egypt and Angola share the lead with four points each, while Malawi have three. Egypt take on Malawi, with Angola facing South Sudan. Victories for both leading teams would give them an opportunity to create some distance at the top.

One of the standout fixtures comes in Group C, where Ivory Coast and Gambia meet in a battle between two sides who have won their opening two games. Both teams have six points, making their double-header particularly important in the race for first place. Ghana and Somalia, meanwhile, are both without a point and face each other in two crucial encounters as they seek to revive their campaigns.

In Group D, South Africa lead with six points and face Kenya, who are already qualified as co-hosts of the tournament. Guinea, sitting third with three points, take on Eritrea as they attempt to reduce the gap on Bafana Bafana. The remaining qualification place is still being contested by South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.

DR Congo will aim to maintain their winning record in Group E when they meet bottom-placed Sierra Leone, who are yet to earn a point.

Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, both on three points, will also meet in a contest that could determine who takes a stronger position behind the Leopards.

Group F remains closely contested, with Benin and Burkina Faso leading on four points, followed by Mauritania on three. Benin host the Central African Republic, while Burkina Faso travel to Mauritania.

Cameroon, with four points, are top of Group G, but Comoros and Namibia remain close behind on three points each. The Indomitable Lions face Namibia, while Comoros host Congo in two fixtures that could change the standings.

Group H presents a different situation, with Uganda already qualified as hosts but currently leading the group with four points. Tunisia and Botswana have two points each, while Libya have one. Tunisia’s meeting with Libya and Uganda’s encounter with Botswana could prove important in determining which side secures the remaining qualification place.

Algeria lead Group I with four points and will host Togo, who have three. The Sparrowhawks have an opportunity to draw level with the Fennecs before the return meeting in Lomé. Zambia, also on three points, face Burundi, who have collected one point.

In Group J, Senegal and Mozambique are level at the top with four points apiece. Senegal host Sudan, who have three points, while Mozambique welcome Ethiopia, who are still searching for their first point.

Group K features one of the biggest encounters of the round as Mali and Rwanda, both with maximum points from their opening two matches, face each other. Cape Verde and Liberia, who are yet to pick up a point, will also meet as they look to get their campaigns back on track.

Finally, Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points following their impressive 3-0 victory over Nigeria. The Djurtus face Madagascar, while Nigeria host Tanzania, who are already qualified as co-hosts. The Super Eagles have three points and will be under pressure to close the gap on the group leaders.

With several teams separated by narrow margins, Matchday 3 could prove an important turning point in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, while the subsequent fixtures on November 16 and 17 will give nations another opportunity to strengthen their positions.