2027 AFCON qualifiers: These 4 major nations up against it before matchday 2

25.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt

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Angola

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Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana... Many heavyweights failed to make a successful start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns.

What these national teams have in common is the need to respond in order not to jeopardise their chances of reaching the finals, with the number of matchdays limited (only 5 remain) and every point precious.

World Cup: five cruel scenarios that shattered African dreams!

A look back at the major African national teams who find themselves up against it before this second matchday.

Senegal

The Lions of Teranga could do no better than draw 1-1 with Mozambique in Patrick Viera’s first match as head coach.

A disappointing result, all the more so because Idrissa Gueye and his teammates produced an unremarkable performance.

Against Ethiopia, Senegal will be obliged to respond and win in order to bounce back and perhaps overtake Sudan, the current Group J leaders after their 1-0 victory over the Ethiopians.

The reigning African champions are in limbo after the CAF Jury’s decision to award the victory to Morocco. Senegal must not slip up, as failing to qualify for the finals would be a catastrophe.

Tunisia

The Carthage Eagles left the Rades Stadium to boos from their supporters after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Uganda. Two points were squandered in a group where only one team, in addition to Uganda, will qualify for the finals.

Mouine Chaabani’s first match after being appointed head coach in place of Hervé Renard was a timid affair. His team was unable to produce the level of play needed to win.

Against Botswana, once again at Rades, there is an urgent need to act: they must win at all costs and cannot afford the slightest mistake. Botswana held Libya to a 2-2 draw in their opening match, so caution is required!

Egypt

The Pharaohs’ first match against Angola ended 0-0. A disappointing result, all the more so because Mohamed Salah’s teammates were playing at home.

Hossam Hassan must make changes against South Sudan, who were beaten 2-1 by Malawi, in order to bounce back quickly and take the lead in Group B.

Does it need to be recalled that Egypt are the record holders for AFCON victories, with 7 titles won? They must live up to their standing at all costs and qualify for the finals.

Ghana

Absent from the last AFCON, Ghana fear they may miss out again in 2027 after an opening 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.

Against Gambia, the equation is simple: win to revive their campaign against a direct rival for qualification, if Somalia are considered out of the running.

Carlos Queiroz must draw on his resources to revive the Black Stars’ qualification campaign.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations