CAN U23 2027: Algeria draw Eswatini as second qualifying round ties confirmed

The second qualifying round for the CAN U23 2027 has been set, with Algeria drawn against Eswatini and Morocco facing Ethiopia.

Several teams, including Algeria, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali, were exempt from the opening round and now know their opponents. They will all have home advantage in the second legs.

Algeria will meet Eswatini, who eliminated Malawi. The Young Sihlangu won the first leg 0-1 in Lilongwe before drawing 1-1 with the Flames in Lobamba, securing a 1-2 aggregate victory. Algeria have not appeared at the CAN U23 since 2015.

Defending champions Morocco will play Ethiopia, who progressed after Uganda forfeited their tie. Cote d’Ivoire, who were absent from the most recent edition hosted by Morocco, will face Kenya.

Kenya advanced against Tanzania despite losing the second leg 1-3, having won the first match 4-1. The tie ended 5-4 on aggregate.

Senegal, like Algeria, have not qualified for the competition since 2015. They will take on South Sudan, who defeated Djibouti 0-3 and 1-2 across the two legs.

Mali and Guinea, who finished third and fourth respectively at the last CAN U23, have also been handed their opponents. Mali will play Zimbabwe, while Guinea will face Botswana.

Zimbabwe reached the second round after beating Mauritius 6-1 on aggregate. Botswana progressed against Seychelles with a 2-4 aggregate score.

Among the nations who came through the first qualifying round, Tunisia will meet Gabon after overcoming Benin 2-1 on aggregate. The Democratic Republic of the Congo have been paired with Nigeria, while Burkina Faso will play Zambia.

Egypt have qualified automatically as hosts.

The first legs of the second-round ties will be played on 9 November, with the return matches scheduled for 17 November.