Ghana and Ivory Coast Drawn Together in Afcon 2027 Qualifier
Ghana have been paired with two familiar adversaries from across the Atlantic as they prepare to compete for a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars, alongside Ivory Coast and The Gambia, will face off against Somalia in Group C. This group has certainly caught some attention among fans, who cannot help but ask: why always us?
Former Ivory Coast international Max-Alain Gradel, a key player at the 2022 Afcon win in the country, remains optimistic despite the difficulty of their draw. 'This group is a difficult group,' said Gradel, assistant to the draw organizers, but he believes in the team's ability to come through. However, the former star concedes the challenge: 'But we will do everything that we can to qualify.'
According to reporting by BBC Sport - Nigeria (Super Eagles)Pathway to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
The road to the finals is paved with six rounds of qualifying matches, starting from September and running through March next year. 48 teams will battle it out for a chance at the coveted tournament, which is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Teams in Group C
In the heart of this qualifying journey lies Group C: a highly competitive trio including Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, and Somalia. These teams will vying for two spots to progress to the Afcon finals from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the groups structured?
The 48 teams are split into 12 groups of four, with each group’s top-two advancing. The co-hosts will book their spots in the tournament automatically, leaving only one more place for each hosting nation.
When do the qualifiers begin and end?
The first round of matches is scheduled from September to November 2026, with the final stage taking place in March 2027. These matches will determine which teams will represent their nations at the Afcon finals.