2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: key matches as group race intensifies

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers enter a decisive stage with the third round of fixtures taking place from 12 to 14 November 2026, followed by the fourth round from 16 to 17 November. After two matches, several teams have made strong starts, while others need results quickly to avoid falling behind.

Morocco are the only team in Group A with a perfect record and will seek a third win against Niger. The Atlas Lions have six points, three more than Gabon and Niger, who will also look to strengthen their positions.

Egypt and Angola lead Group B on four points, with Malawi on three. Egypt face Malawi, while Angola play South Sudan, with victories potentially allowing both leaders to open up a gap.

Group C features a meeting between two unbeaten sides as Cote d’Ivoire take on Gambia. Both have six points from two games, making their meetings important in the battle for first place. Ghana and Somalia, who are both without a point, face each other in the other key contest.

South Africa top Group D with six points and play Kenya, who are already qualified for the finals as hosts. Guinea, on three points, meet Eritrea and can close the gap on the Bafana Bafana. The remaining qualification place is principally being contested by South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.

In Group E, RD Congo will attempt to maintain their perfect start against bottom side Sierra Leone, who have no points. Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, both on three points, meet with second place behind the Leopards at stake.

Benin and Burkina Faso lead Group F with four points each, ahead of Mauritania on three. The Guepards host Central African Republic, while the Etalons travel to Mauritania.

Group G remains open, with Cameroon on four points and Comoros and Namibia on three. Cameroon play Namibia, while Comoros host Congo. Both fixtures could significantly alter the standings.

Uganda, already qualified as hosts, lead Group H with four points. Botswana and Tunisia have two each, while Libya have one. Tunisia face Libya in a crucial match for the remaining qualifying place, while Uganda meet Botswana.

Algeria, on four points, host Togo, who have three, in Group I. The Sparrowhawks can draw level with the Fennecs before the return match in Lome. Zambia, also on three points, play Burundi, who have one.

Senegal and Mozambique share the lead in Group J on four points. Senegal host Sudan, who have three, while Mozambique meet Ethiopia, who remain without a point.

Mali and Rwanda have both won their opening two matches in Group K, making their direct meeting the standout fixture of the round. Cape Verde and Liberia, both pointless, meet as they try to revive their campaigns.

Guinea-Bissau lead Group L with six points after, among other results, a 3-0 victory over Nigeria. The Djurtus play Madagascar, while Nigeria host Tanzania, who are qualified as hosts. The Super Eagles, second on three points, need to reduce the gap to leaders Guinea-Bissau.