CAN 2027: 11 nations could book their places in the finals this week

The first qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be confirmed during the fourth round of matches on Monday and Tuesday, with 11 teams in contention to secure their places at the tournament.

The finals will be held from 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. No team has yet qualified on the field, but several sides can now seal their progress to the “Pamoja” edition.

Morocco, who lead Group A, will qualify if they avoid defeat by Niger in Tuesday’s match in Rabat, where the fixture has been moved. A win or draw would be enough regardless of the result between the other teams.

A draw would take Morocco to 10 points and ensure they finish above Niger, even if Niger reach the same total. Morocco’s 5-1 victory in the first meeting gives them the advantage in the head-to-head record. Only Gabon could still overtake them, but Morocco would finish top even if all three teams ended on 10 points.

Egypt also have control of their own fate in Group B. Victory away to Malawi would send the Pharaons through, without them needing to consider the outcome of the group’s other match. Egypt won the reverse fixture 5-0.

Angola, managed by Aliou Cisse, must win at South Sudan and hope Egypt beat Malawi. That combination would leave both Angola and Egypt on 10 points, an unreachable total for the other teams in the group.

In Group C, Ivory Coast will qualify by winning in The Gambia. A draw would also be sufficient if Ghana fail to beat Somalia at home.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo must defeat Sierra Leone in their match, which is being played in Morocco, to guarantee qualification. The result of Zimbabwe against Equatorial Guinea would not affect their position.

Burkina Faso can secure their place by winning away to Mauritania. Should that happen, the result between Central African Republic and Benin would have no bearing on the Stallions’ qualification.

Benin can also qualify, but require two results: victory against Central African Republic, in a game relocated to Cameroon, and a Burkina Faso win in Mauritania.

Cameroon must beat Namibia in a fixture moved to Botswana. The Indomitable Lions would then need either a draw between Congo and Comoros or a Comoros victory.

Algeria must win in Togo and hope Burundi do not beat Zambia. A draw or a Zambia win would allow Brahim Hemdani’s side to qualify.

Senegal need to defeat Sudan in a match being staged in South Sudan, while also hoping Mozambique win in Ethiopia. That would send the 2021 African champions through.

Finally, Mali will qualify with victory in Rwanda. A draw would be enough if Cape Verde fail to beat Liberia.