Overview:
With co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda already guaranteed automatic spots at the 2027 finals, only 21 places remain up for grabs across the 12 qualifying groups.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Pamoja 2027 qualifiers enter a decisive phase this week as 48 nations resume their battle for continental glory across Matchdays 3 and 4.
Running from Thursday, 12 November to Tuesday, 17 November 2026, this international window features high-stakes double-headers that will push the qualifying campaign past its halfway mark.
With co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda already guaranteed automatic spots at the 2027 finals, only 21 places remain up for grabs across the 12 qualifying groups.
For several African heavyweights and emerging contenders, the next six days will either solidify their path to East Africa or leave them fighting for survival ahead of the final window in March 2027.
Top-of-the-table showdowns in Groups C and K
Groups C and K headline the November fixture list, with the top two unbeaten teams in each pool squaring off in back-to-back encounters.
In Group C, two-time champions Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia meet with identical six-point records after winning their opening two matches. Under returning head coach Hervé Renard, the Elephants host the Scorpions—managed by former Uganda Cranes tactician Johnathan McKinstry—in Bouaké on Thursday, 12 November, before travelling to Bakau for the return leg five days later. The winner of this double-header will take firm control of the group.
Elsewhere in Group C, four-time champions Ghana face immense pressure. After suffering defeats in both of their opening fixtures, the Black Stars enter a must-win double-header against winless Somalia, knowing that any further dropped points could severely damage their hopes of reaching the continental finals.
A similar dynamic unfolds in Group K, where unbeaten leaders Mali and Rwanda—both sitting on six points with identical goal differences—clash in Bamako before meeting again in Kigali. Meanwhile, Cabo Verde, riding momentum from their historic maiden FIFA World Cup appearance earlier in 2026, will look to ignite their AFCON qualifying campaign when they face Liberia twice, with both sides searching for their first points of the group.
Heavyweights under pressure in Groups J and L
In Group J, Senegal face Sudan in two pivotal fixtures. The Lions of Teranga sit atop the standings with four points from their opening two matches, just one point ahead of a determined Sudanese side. With Mozambique (4 points) also facing Ethiopia in back-to-back games, both encounters between Senegal and Sudan carry major implications for the group’s automatic qualification spots.
Over in Group L, Nigeria face a tricky double-header against co-hosts Tanzania. Because Tanzania’s place at the 2027 tournament is already secured, only the highest-finishing team among the remaining three nations in Group L will qualify. Currently sitting on three points—three behind early group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who play Madagascar—the Super Eagles have little margin for error as they host the Taifa Stars before travelling to Dar es Salaam.
Co-Hosts Stay Sharp Ahead of 2027
Although Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are already assured of competing on home soil next year, all three East African hosts remain actively involved in group play to build competitive momentum:
Uganda continue their Group H campaign with back-to-back clashes against Botswana, starting on Saturday, 14 November.
Kenya face a stern test in Group D against early group leaders South Africa, who enter the window with a maximum six points.
Tanzania test their mettle against three-time champions Nigeria in Group L.
Key Matchday 3 Fixtures to Watch
Thursday, 12 November: Ghana vs. Somalia (Group C), Côte d’Ivoire vs. Gambia (Group C), Senegal vs. Sudan (Group J), Cameroon vs. Namibia (Group G)
Friday, 13 November: Nigeria vs. Tanzania (Group L), South Africa vs. Kenya (Group D), Mali vs. Rwanda (Group K), Cabo Verde vs. Liberia (Group K), Morocco vs. Niger (Group A)
Saturday, 14 November: Uganda vs. Botswana (Group H)
Following the conclusion of Matchday 4 on Tuesday, 17 November, teams will turn their attention to the final two rounds of qualifiers scheduled for 22–30 March 2027, ahead of the tournament kick-off in East Africa on 19 June 2027.
