CAN 2027 (Q): Côte d'Ivoire - Ghana, RDC - Guinée Equatoriale… the matches to follow

The long road to AFCON 2027 begins this Thursday, September 24. Following the draw held last May, the 48 competing nations are progressively entering the group stage, with eight matches scheduled for this first matchday. With the competition set to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the first trends are already beginning to take shape.

In groups that do not include one of the three host nations, the top two places will be qualifying spots. In groups featuring automatically qualified nations, only one other side will claim their ticket.

Côte d'Ivoire – Ghana, a classic to kick things off

Some fixtures need no introduction. Côte d'Ivoire–Ghana is one of them. Two former African champions, two neighbours and a West African rivalry deeply embedded in the history of continental football meet in Bouaké, from 19:00 GMT, to open Group C. But behind the prestige of the fixture, Ghana arrive with several uncertainties.

Mohammed Kudus, recalled in Carlos Queiroz's first squad after several months of absence, ultimately decided not to join the Black Stars in order to continue his recovery. Forward Antoine Semenyo also withdrew due to an ankle problem. These absences force Queiroz to reorganise his group even before kick-off. The Portuguese coach is also beginning a new cycle following Ghana's absence from AFCON 2025, the Black Stars' first such absence from the competition since 2004.

On the other side, Côte d'Ivoire are also embarking on a new chapter with the return of Hervé Renard to the bench. The French coach, already an African champion with the Elephants in 2015, must build a team blending several experienced players with a younger generation. The match in Bouaké therefore serves as a first litmus test for both sides.

https://x.com/lefoot225/status/2102690834294476903?s=46

DR Congo facing the Equatorial Guinea trap

In Group E, DR Congo host Equatorial Guinea at 16:00 GMT. Here, unlike groups containing a host nation, both qualifying spots are genuinely up for grabs among the four teams: the Leopards, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. DR Congo have strong arguments and are looking to build on the momentum seen in recent years.

But Equatorial Guinea remain a difficult side to break down, capable of defending with discipline before transitioning quickly. The stakes are all the higher given that DR Congo will then travel to Zimbabwe on September 28. A home victory would therefore provide an early advantage ahead of that second outing. In the group's other fixture, Sierra Leone host Zimbabwe at 19:00 GMT.

Cameroon – Comoros, a duel that recalls Olembe

In Garoua, Cameroon face Comoros in Group G. On paper, the Indomitable Lions carry the heavier pedigree. But recent history urges caution. The two sides had already met at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, in a round of sixteen clash that became legendary. Reduced to ten men and forced to use an outfield player in goal after their goalkeeper went off, the Comorians still pushed the Lions to their limits before losing 2–1.

Five years on, the Coelacanths have gained in experience and maturity. Their ability to defend as a unit and exploit space quickly can cause problems for a Cameroonian side expected to take the initiative. Cameroon will therefore need to avoid getting drawn into a false rhythm. A first qualifying matchday is also won through managing pressure and through the ability not to hand transitions to an opponent who will likely bide their time.

Thursday, September 24 schedule

*All kick-off times are given in GMT.

13:00

Namibia – Congo

16:00

DR Congo – Equatorial Guinea

Mauritania – Central African Republic

Libya – Botswana

19:00

Côte d'Ivoire – Ghana

Sierra Leone – Zimbabwe

Cameroon – Comoros

Tunisia – Uganda