Gradel, Troost-Ekong, El Hadary and Mputu to assist AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw in Cairo

African football greats Max-Alain Gradel, William Troost-Ekong, Essam El Hadary and Trésor Mputu will play a ceremonial role in the qualification draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027, set for Tuesday, 19 May in Cairo.

The draw will be held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association at 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT) and will be broadcast live on CAF TV.

The 2027 edition of AFCON, branded “PAMOJA”, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

It will be the first time three countries have co-hosted Africa’s flagship football tournament, marking a return of the finals to East Africa for the first time in 51 years.

A total of 48 teams will compete in the qualifiers, drawn into 12 groups. The top two sides from each group will advance to the finals.

The three host nations will also participate in qualifying but have already secured automatic entry, meaning an additional team from their group will qualify alongside them.

The ceremony will feature four of the continent’s most celebrated former internationals, each with a distinguished legacy in the competition.

Ivorian winger Max-Alain Gradel enjoyed a decorated career across Europe and Africa, earning recognition for his pace, creativity and leadership.

He featured prominently for Côte d’Ivoire at multiple AFCON and World Cup tournaments, including their title-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023.

Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong established himself as a modern defensive leader, known for his composure and influence at the back.

He captained the Super Eagles in major tournaments and was named Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary remains one of Africa’s most decorated players, with four AFCON titles to his name and a record-breaking appearance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the age of 45.

DR Congo playmaker Trésor Mputu earned legendary status through his brilliance at club level with TP Mazembe, helping the side dominate African football and reach the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2010. He also inspired DR Congo’s CHAN triumph in 2009.

The CAF qualifiers will be staged across the three FIFA international windows:

• Matchdays 1–2: 21 September to 6 October 2026
• Matchdays 3–4: 9 to 17 November 2026
• Matchdays 5–6: 22 to 30 March 2027