The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign enters a pivotal phase this week, with Matchdays 3 and 4 delivering 48 fixtures across 12 groups between Thursday, 12 November and Tuesday, 17 November. Several of the continent's most storied footballing nations face high-pressure double-headers that could shape the qualification picture for months to come.
Perfect records on the line
Group C provides the standout contest of the round, with Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia — both carrying maximum six points — set to meet twice. The Elephants, now guided by returning coach Hervé Renard, host the Scorpions in Bouaké on 12 November before making the trip to Bakau five days later. These back-to-back clashes could effectively decide Group C's qualifying spots. Also in Group C, Ghana take on Somalia in a double-header they cannot afford to mishandle, with their AFCON future hanging in the balance.
Group K offers another collision between flawless sides, as Mali and Rwanda — each with six points — travel to face one another in Bamako and Kigali. Cabo Verde, fresh from their historic debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026, also look to build momentum when they face Liberia twice.
Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal chase ground
In Group L, Nigeria face a defining pair of fixtures against co-hosts Tanzania. The Super Eagles sit on three points, three adrift of group leaders Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania having qualified automatically as a co-host, Nigeria must finish as the leading non-host side to book their place at the finals.
Morocco enter their Group A double-header against Niger on 13 and 17 November with a perfect record to protect. Senegal, meanwhile, hold four points in Group J and face Sudan — one point behind — in two encounters that could swing decisively in either direction.
Egypt under new management, South Africa flying
Egypt, the seven-time African champions, begin a new era under recently appointed coach Ali Maher when they face Malawi in Group B. Angola, also on four points, meet South Sudan twice in the same group.
South Africa arrive at their Group D double-header against co-hosts Kenya in exceptional form, sitting top with six points. Bafana Bafana face a Kenyan side led by former South Africa international striker Benni McCarthy, making the tie all the more intriguing.
Cameroon, Tunisia, and Algeria seek consolidation
Cameroon take on Namibia in Group G, Tunisia face neighbours Libya in Group H, and Algeria meet Togo in Group I. All three sides are seeking to tighten their grip in closely contested groups. DR Congo, also with maximum points in Group E, host Sierra Leone before travelling for the return leg.
In Group F, Benin and Burkina Faso are level at the summit ahead of their respective tests against Central African Republic and Mauritania. The three tournament co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — have already qualified automatically, meaning only the top non-host finisher qualifies in groups containing a co-host, while the top two progress from all other groups.
The qualifying campaign concludes with Matchdays 5 and 6 in March 2027, when the final places at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 — to be held across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027 — will be confirmed. It will be the first time three nations have jointly hosted the competition.
