AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and Senegal face crucial Matchday 2 tests – Full fixtures

The race for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations enters another decisive phase as Matchday 2 of the qualifiers gets underway across the continent from September 28 to October 6, 2026.

With 24 places at the finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania up for grabs, the second round of group-stage fixtures presents an early opportunity for the continent’s leading nations to strengthen their positions.

Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria are among the major sides facing potentially tricky assignments, while several emerging nations will be looking to claim results that could alter the early standings.

Ghana face Gambia in Group C

Ghana will host The Gambia on September 29 at 16:00 GMT in one of the standout fixtures of the round.

The Black Stars will be seeking maximum points after stumbling in their opener against Cote d’Ivoire, while The Gambia will aim to frustrate the hosts and improve their position in Group C.

Later that evening, Côte d’Ivoire travel to face Somalia at 19:00 GMT. The Elephants will be expected to control proceedings, but Somalia will look to a disciplined defensive approach to keep the contest competitive.

Nigeria travel to Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria will be on the road when they face Guinea-Bissau at 16:00 GMT on September 29.

The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar and will be seeking another three points to maintain their momentum.

Before that fixture, Madagascar will meet Tanzania at 13:00 GMT. As co-hosts, Tanzania already have their place at the finals secured, but the match remains important for building competitive momentum.

Morocco, Egypt and Algeria face away challenges

Morocco begin their Matchday 2 assignment against Lesotho at 13:00 GMT on September 29.

The Atlas Lions will attempt to build on their opening result and establish an early advantage in Group A. Gabon and Niger will then meet at 19:00 GMT in the other fixture.

In Group B, Egypt travel to face South Sudan at 13:00 GMT on September 29. The Pharaohs will be looking to collect the points after a closely contested opening round.

The group’s other fixture will be played on October 6, when Angola host Malawi at 19:00 GMT.

Algeria also face an away test, travelling to Burundi at 13:00 GMT on September 29. Zambia and Togo will meet later at 16:00 GMT in the other Group I encounter.

Senegal, Cameroon and South Africa in action

Senegal will visit Ethiopia at 13:00 GMT on September 29, with Mozambique hosting Sudan at the same time in Group J.

Cameroon will face Congo at 19:00 GMT after Comoros host Namibia at 11:00 GMT in Group G.

South Africa, meanwhile, travel to face Eritrea on September 30 at 16:00 GMT. Guinea will then host Kenya on October 1 at the same time.

Full Matchday 2 fixtures by group

Group A

• Lesotho vs Morocco — September 29, 13:00 GMT
• Gabon vs Niger — September 29, 19:00 GMT

Group B

• South Sudan vs Egypt — September 29, 13:00 GMT
• Angola vs Malawi — October 6, 19:00 GMT

Group C

• Ghana vs The Gambia — September 29, 16:00 GMT
• Somalia vs Côte d’Ivoire — September 29, 19:00 GMT

Group D

• Eritrea vs South Africa — September 30, 16:00 GMT
• Guinea vs Kenya — October 1, 16:00 GMT

Group E

• Equatorial Guinea vs Sierra Leone — September 28, 16:00 GMT
• Zimbabwe vs DR Congo — September 28, 16:00 GMT

Group F

• Central African Republic vs Burkina Faso — September 28, 16:00 GMT
• Benin vs Mauritania — September 29, 19:00 GMT

Group G

• Comoros vs Namibia — September 29, 11:00 GMT
• Congo vs Cameroon — September 29, 19:00 GMT

Group H

• Botswana vs Tunisia — September 28, 19:00 GMT
• Uganda vs Libya — September 29, 16:00 GMT

Group I

• Burundi vs Algeria — September 29, 13:00 GMT
• Zambia vs Togo — September 29, 16:00 GMT

Group J

• Ethiopia vs Senegal — September 29, 13:00 GMT
• Mozambique vs Sudan — September 29, 13:00 GMT

Group K

• Cape Verde vs Rwanda — September 29, 16:00 GMT
• Liberia vs Mali — September 29, 19:00 GMT

Group L

• Madagascar vs Tanzania — September 29, 13:00 GMT
• Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria — September 29, 16:00 GMT