2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Campaign Begins

According to Bbc.

Background

Pitso Mosimane, although not mentioned directly in the context of the latest coaching change, remains an important figure in the world of African football. With experience at the highest level, he could be a potential candidate for a coaching role in a national team that is looking for a new direction ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Why this is important

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is important because it involves many coaching changes that can affect the team's performance. New coaches like Patrick Vieira and Herve Renard bring new experience and strategies, which could be a deciding factor in the team's journey to the tournament. Additionally, with only one place available in the home group, every game is crucial for the competing teams.

Main Points

• 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Campaign Begins.
• The qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations has begun with many coaching changes, including Patrick Vieira who is now coaching Senegal and Herve Renard who is returning as coach of Ivory Coast.
• Afcon 2027: Patrick Vieira and Herve Renard begin qualifying campaigns - BBC Sport.

Just eight months after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is starting to roll. In this extended international window, the 48 teams still competing will undergo two qualifying rounds starting on Thursday. Several additional matches will take place in November, and the group phase will conclude with the final two matches in March. The top two teams from nine groups out of a total of twelve groups will proceed to the final round consisting of 24 teams in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. While preparations for the tournament in East Africa may be behind, all three hosts have already qualified, leaving only one place available in their respective groups. This means that second place may not be enough to qualify.

A number of coaching changes have occurred since the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and this year's FIFA World Cup, while several star players have hung up their boots. Among the coaching changes, two big names stole the attention. Herve Renard, the only coach to ever win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, returns as Ivory Coast coach after 11 years, taking his team to home against Ghana on Thursday in what is the most exciting match of the first round.

On the other hand, Carlos Queiroz returned to lead Ghana after leading them to the last 32 at the World Cup. However, Tottenham Hotspur lost its player, Mohammed Kudus, who withdrew from the squad. Patrick Vieira, the 1998 World Cup champion with France, is also the new coach of Senegal, his home country. Vieira called the position a "dream come true", although he will have to start with two away games against Mozambique and Ethiopia as Dakar prepares for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Claude Le Roy, who guided Cameroon to success at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, returns as Congo-Brazzaville coach five years after leaving his last international job with Togo. Cape Verde, who were one of the highlights of the 2026 World Cup after challenging Argentina, now face a new challenge with new coach Humberto Bettencourt after Bubista stepped down. Bettencourt will begin his tenure with a match in Mali on Friday before hosting Rwanda on Tuesday.

Algeria, Tunisia and South Africa have also changed coaches since the World Cup. Tunisia have now turned to Moin Chaaban, the former Esperance and Renaissance Berkane coach, after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane was re-appointed as South Africa coach after 14 years, and Brahim Hemdani is now leading Algeria after the departure of Vladmir Petkovic.

Another interesting story came from Eritrea who returned to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group stages for the first time since 2008 after beating Eswatini 4-1 on aggregate in the initial round. However, seven Eritrean players did not return after the second leg match which took place in South Africa. Eritrea now hopes to compete with the big teams despite relying solely on talent from the diaspora, with only three domestically based players included in the squad.

Meanwhile, Somalia also created history by reaching the qualifying group stage for the first time, despite having to compete with Ivory Coast, Ghana and Gambia. Hopefully their journey can inspire other teams on this continent.

What happened next

After the first round of qualifying, teams will move on to additional matches in November, where the results will be crucial for their continuation. With the group phase ending in March, teams will have to prepare well to ensure they can qualify for the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The coaching changes that occur will also continue to be in the spotlight, especially how they can optimize the potential of star players such as Edouard Mendy and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers?

Qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins with 48 teams competing in two rounds, starting on Thursday.

Who confirms coaching changes for competing teams?

Patrick Vieira and Herve Renard are the two new coaches to confirm their positions, with Vieira becoming Senegal coach and Renard returning to coach Ivory Coast.

Why is now the right time to start qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations?

Qualifying begins just eight months after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, and teams need to prepare for the upcoming tournament.

What changes have occurred since the last African Cup of Nations?

A number of coaching changes have occurred, including the return of Herve Renard and Patrick Vieira to the position of national team coach.

What will happen after the qualifying group phase?

The top two teams from nine groups will proceed to the final round consisting of 24 teams in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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