2027 AFCON Qualifiers Draw: All the big teams spared except Ghana and Ivory Coast

The countdown has begun for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in East Africa. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) held the draw for the AFCON qualifiers yesterday, Tuesday, May 19.

A review of the groups reveals that the continent's powerhouses have generally been drawn against manageable opponents. Senegal, placed in Group J, is the clear favorite against challengers such as Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

The Pharaohs, the Indomitable Lions, the Super Eagles, and the Fennecs should have an easy time of it.

Egypt, recent semi-finalist of the AFCON in Morocco, should logically overcome Angola, South Sudan and Malawi in their group B. The same goes for Cameroon who are drawn with Comoros, Namibia and Congo in group G.

Algeria, the 2019 AFCON champions, also have a relatively easy draw in Group I, as they will only face challengers like Zambia, Togo, and Burundi. Nigeria, who impressed at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, should cruise through Group L, which also includes Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and Tanzania.

Affordable groups for Babana Bafana, Stallions and Leopards

Tunisia, often very good in qualifiers, will face Libya, Uganda and Botswana in Group H. In Group D, South Africa should also come out on top, against opponents like Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea.

Burkina Faso, runners-up in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, are also considered favorites in Group F, where they will face Benin, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic. The Democratic Republic of Congo should also perform well in Group E, where they will face Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. And what about Morocco, who are drawn with Gabon, Lesotho, and Niger in Group A?

Group C, the death group

The only group where places will likely be hotly contested is Group C, which includes teams like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gambia, and Somalia. Given the history and reputation of both the Elephants and the Black Stars in Africa, it's safe to say that the Ivory Coast-Ghana match promises to be electrifying.

Gambia should also not be underestimated, a team that is clearly improving and could play spoiler in this group considered by many to be the group of death.