Afcon 2027 qualifying begins

The 48 remaining nations start their qualifying campaigns this week with two rounds of matches. The top two in nine of the 12 groups will reach the 24-team finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Herve Renard returns to Ivory Coast

The French coach, who won Afcon with two different nations, takes charge of Ivory Coast for the second time after 11 years away. He starts at home against Ghana on Thursday in the standout first-round fixture.

Patrick Vieira takes Senegal job

The 1998 World Cup winner with France and former Arsenal midfielder, 50, describes the Senegal role as an absolute dream. He starts with two away games because Dakar is preparing to host the 2026 Youth Olympics.

“an absolute dream”

Ghana's Queiroz faces squad changes

Carlos Queiroz returns as Ghana coach after leading the Black Stars to the World Cup last 32. However, Tottenham's Mohammed Kudus is among several players who have withdrawn from his squad.

Cape Verde's new era begins

After pushing Argentina to extra time in the World Cup last 32, Cape Verde's long-serving coach Bubista resigned. His former assistant Humberto Bettencourt takes over and starts away at Mali on Friday.

Claude Le Roy returns at 78

The Afcon legend has signed on for a second stint with Congo-Brazzaville at age 78. He is aiming to coach at a record-extending tenth edition of the finals after the Red Devils missed the last tournament in 2015.

Pitso Mosimane back with South Africa

The coach has been reappointed by South Africa 14 years after his last spell, which saw Bafana Bafana miss the 2012 Afcon. Algeria has also changed coaches, with Brahim Hemdani taking over after Vladimir Petkovic's departure.

Mendy, Mahrez and stars retire

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, 34, who won Afcon in 2021 and 2025, has retired from international duty. Riyad Mahrez, who captained Algeria to the 2019 title, has also quit, along with Ivory Coast midfielders Seko Fofana and Jean-Michael Seri.

Aubameyang steps back from Gabon

The 37-year-old striker has ruled himself out of Gabon duty, saying he felt humiliated by his treatment after their World Cup group-stage exit. He was initially excluded from the squad despite later having that sanction lifted.

“humiliated”

Eritrea returns after 18 years

Eritrea reached the group stage for the first time since 2008 after beating Eswatini 4-1 on aggregate. However, seven players absconded after the away leg, reflecting ongoing issues with athletes fleeing the one-party state.

Somalia reaches group stage for first time

Somalia have qualified for the group stage of Afcon qualifying for the very first time. The Ocean Stars, ranked 53rd on the continent, face a tough draw alongside Ivory Coast, Ghana and The Gambia.