2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers: Côte d'Ivoire must overturn deficit against Kenya

17.11.26 14:00 Africa U23 Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast U23

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Kenya U23

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Next Tuesday, Côte d'Ivoire U23 will need to bring out all the stops to turn things around against Kenya and qualify for the next round of next year's U-23 AFCON qualifiers.

Last Wednesday, Côte d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Kenya in Nairobi in the first leg of the second round of qualifying for the 2027 U-23 AFCON. The defeat means the Ivorian players must win the return leg in Abidjan to keep their hopes of reaching the third and final qualifying round alive.

Kenya, meanwhile, will go into the second leg with a one-goal lead on aggregate. Kenya had already won a closely contested two-legged tie in the previous round. After beating Tanzania 4-1 in Nairobi, it lost 3-1 in Dar es Salaam but held on to a 5-4 aggregate advantage.

The Young Elephants are seeking qualification

It is worth noting that Côte d’Ivoire are aiming to return to the finals, having missed out in 2023. The Young Elephants reached the final of the 2019 edition in Egypt before playing in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic tournament.

The 2027 U-23 AFCON finals in Egypt will feature eight nations, including the hosts. Seven other teams will secure their places in the final qualifying round in March 2027. The competition will also serve as a pathway to the men's football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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Ivory Coast U23

Kenya U23

Africa U23 Cup of Nations