2027 AFCON Qualifiers (Matchday 3): Ivory Coast vs. Gambia and DR Congo vs. Sierra Leone headline the fixtures, with Ghana facing elimination.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are entering a crucial phase. During matchdays 3 and 4, scheduled from November 12th to 17th, 2026, several major African nations will face decisive matches that will determine the outcome of their campaigns. Among the most anticipated fixtures are the two-legged ties between Ivory Coast and Gambia, as well as between DR Congo and Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, Ghana's future is already at stake.

After two matchdays, some teams have made a perfect start to their campaigns by winning their first two matches. This is particularly true for Morocco, Ivory Coast, Gambia, South Africa, DR Congo, Mali, Rwanda, and Guinea-Bissau. These teams will have the opportunity to consolidate their position during this new international window.

In Group C, all eyes will be on the duel between Ivory Coast's Elephants and Gambia's Scorpions. With six points each, the two teams will battle for first place in two consecutive matches, scheduled for Bouaké and then Bakau. This double-header could give one of the two teams a significant advantage in the race for qualification.

In the same group, Ghana is already under pressure. Having lost their first two matches, the Black Stars cannot afford any more mistakes against Somalia, whom they will face twice in an attempt to secure their first points.

Group K will also feature a top-of-the-table clash between Mali and Rwanda. The Eagles and the Amavubi, both with six points, will face off in a double-header between Bamako and Kigali. This duel could prove decisive in the race for first place.

In Group J, the battle promises to be particularly tight between Senegal, Mozambique, and Sudan. The Lions of Teranga and Mozambique both have four points, while Sudan trails by one. Reigning African champions Senegal will face Sudan in two crucial matches, while Mozambique will take on Ethiopia. These encounters could significantly alter the standings in this group.

Morocco, for its part, will be looking to maintain its perfect record in Group A. The Atlas Lions will face Niger twice, aiming to consolidate its lead. In Group B, Egypt and Angola, managed by Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé, are tied with four points. Malawi, with three points, also remains in contention. Angola will play South Sudan, while the Pharaohs will take on Malawi.

Leading Group D with six points, South Africa will look to continue their winning streak against Kenya. The Bafana Bafana will face a Kenyan side managed by Benni McCarthy, former South African striker and now coach of the Harambee Stars.

Another important match is the Group E clash between DR Congo and Sierra Leone. With two wins in as many games, the Leopards will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against a Sierra Leonean side determined to upset the odds. Equatorial Guinea, hosting Zimbabwe, will also be aiming to improve their position in the group.

The other groups also promise plenty of suspense. In Group G, Cameroon will host Namibia with the aim of extending their lead at the top. Uganda, leaders of Group H, have the same ambition against Botswana, as do Algeria in Group I, who will host Togo.

Group F presents a different picture, with Benin and Burkina Faso tied for first place with four points each. Both teams face challenging away matches, Benin in the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso in Mauritania. Both sides will be eager to get their campaign back on track.

Finally, in Group L, Guinea-Bissau, with six points, will face Madagascar twice. This is an opportunity for the Djurtus to consolidate their first place. Nigeria, second with three points, will play two matches against Tanzania, another host country of the competition.

It should be noted that Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, have automatically qualified for the final tournament. In groups containing one of these three countries, only the best remaining team will qualify. For the other groups, the top two teams in the standings will qualify.