Afcon 2027: DRC, Morocco and Ivory Coast close to finals places

The first qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be confirmed this week when the latest round of matches begins on Thursday.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ivory Coast and Morocco are the leading contenders to maintain their perfect starts and become the first teams to reach the finals, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17.

Two teams will qualify from each of the 12 groups, apart from three groups where the qualifying arrangements differ. The DRC, Ivory Coast and Morocco will all secure their places in the 24-team tournament if they win their respective ties over the next seven days.

DRC meet Sierra Leone, Morocco play Niger and Ivory Coast face Gambia. Gambia were responsible for one of the campaign’s biggest early surprises when they defeated Ghana in Group C in September.

The matches represent a crucial moment for Ghana, who qualified for this year’s World Cup but failed to reach the most recent Afcon in Morocco after a disastrous qualifying campaign. The Black Stars now risk missing out on another edition of the continental competition.

Ghana began their current campaign with defeat by Ivory Coast before suffering an unexpected home loss to Gambia. They conceded four goals in that match, prompting the departure of veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz.

Kim Lars Bjorkegren, the 44-year-old Swede in charge of Ghana’s women’s team, has taken temporary control of the men’s side while the search for Queiroz’s successor continues.

Captain Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Kudus are both available again after recovering from injury, although Antoine Semenyo remains absent. Ghana host Somalia in successive qualifiers in Sekondi on Thursday and Monday.

Somalia have given up home advantage because they do not have a stadium that meets international standards.

Nigeria are also in danger of failing to reach the finals after suffering a damaging 3-0 defeat by Guinea Bissau in their most recent Group L fixture.

The Super Eagles must beat Tanzania in both of their upcoming meetings, first in Uyo on Friday before the return match in Dar es Salaam next Tuesday.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup has already led to departures among officials in the country’s football administration. Another absence from Afcon would represent a significant setback for the Super Eagles, who reached the semi-finals at the previous tournament.