South Africa headline decisive Group D in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Group D has emerged as a standout act of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Confederation of African Football conducted the draw in Cairo, with a rare winner-takes-all twist set to define the group.

The section features South Africa, Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea, but the presence of co-host Kenya changes the equation. With Kenya already assured of a place at the finals, only one additional team will qualify from the group, effectively turning it into a straight shootout between South Africa and Guinea, while Eritrea are cast as potential spoilers.

The broader draw confirmed a high-stakes route to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” bid. A total of 48 teams have been split into 12 groups, with qualification rules adjusted to accommodate the hosts.

Elsewhere, defending champions Ivory Coast headline Group A alongside Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Chad. Group G pits heavyweights Nigeria and Mali in one of the toughest sections, while Group L features a strong pairing of Senegal and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Qualifiers will run from September 2026 to March 2027, determining the 24 teams for the finals scheduled between June 19 and July 17, 2027. 

While hosts use the campaign for preparation, the remaining nations face a narrow path, with only group winners and, in standard groups, runners-up progressing.