CAN 2027 qualifying: Cote d’Ivoire-Gambia and Mali-Rwanda headline third round

The race to qualify for CAN 2027 resumes on 12 and 13 November 2026, with several closely contested fixtures set to shape the standings after the opening two rounds.

A number of teams begin the third matchday seeking to strengthen their positions, while others face an urgent need to recover. The most significant fixtures include meetings between sides competing directly for qualification.

Leaders meet in Group C

Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia meet in Group C in a clash between two teams with perfect records so far. Both have collected six points from their opening two matches, meaning victory would give either side outright control of the group.

Ghana, meanwhile, are under pressure when they face Somalia. The Black Stars have lost both of their first fixtures and have little room for error if they are to revive their campaign. They must return to winning ways against a Somalia side also looking to make progress in the group.

Group K also features a meeting between two leaders, as Mali host Rwanda. Both sides have won their opening two matches and go into the game with six points. Mali will be aiming to maintain their flawless start, while Rwanda will seek a result that keeps them level at the top.

In Group J, Senegal welcome Sudan in another potentially decisive contest. The Lions of Teranga have four points, while Sudan are only one point behind them. The winner will strengthen their position in the qualification race.

South Africa aim to stay top

South Africa face Kenya in Group D, with the Bafana Bafana looking to preserve their place at the summit. They have also won their first two matches and will attempt to maintain that momentum against the Harambee Stars.

The third round concludes with Algeria’s home fixture against Togo in Group I on 14 November. The Fennecs have four points, compared with three for the Eperviers.

That match will be followed by a return fixture in Lome on 17 November. The two games could prove important to Togo’s prospects as the qualifying campaign develops.

The key fixtures in the third round are:

Thursday, 12 November

15:00: Ghana v Somalia (Group C) 19:00: Cote d’Ivoire v Gambia (Group C) 19:00: Senegal v Sudan (Group J)

Friday, 13 November

16:00: South Africa v Kenya (Group D) 19:00: Mali v Rwanda (Group K)

Saturday, 14 November

19:00: Algeria v Togo (Group I)

All times are in GMT.