AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: Ghana’s Opponents Confirmed
Ghana has been handed a tough draw for the 2027 AFCON
The Black Stars of Ghana now know their road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, May 19.
The four-time African champions, who missed out on the last edition in Morocco, will be desperate to return to the continental stage and chase a first title since 1982.
Source: Twitter
Ghana discovers AFCON 2027 path
Ghana has been placed in Group C alongside 2023 champions Ivory Coast, as well as The Gambia and Somalia.
On paper, the Ivory Coast stands out as the toughest opponent.
However, Gambia have built a reputation as a stubborn side in recent editions, while Somalia will be aiming to continue their growth and chase a historic first qualification.
For Ghana, the draw comes with added pressure after they failed to reach the 2025 tournament, where they finished bottom of a group that included Angola, Niger and Sudan.
Qualification format and Ghana’s World Cup focus
The 2027 edition will be historic, with AFCON 2027 set to be hosted across three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – in a joint East African project.
A total of 48 nations will compete in the qualifiers, split into 12 groups of four teams.
The top two sides in most groups will advance to the finals, while groups containing host nations will follow adjusted rules depending on final standings.
According to Africa Soccer, the qualifying matches will be staged across three FIFA international windows between September 2026 and March 2027, covering six matchdays in total.
Below is Ghana's qualifying schedule:
- Matchdays 1 & 2: September 21 – October 6, 2026
- Matchdays 3 & 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
- Matchdays 5 & 6: March 22 – 30, 2027
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Ghana turns attention to World Cup
Before then, attention shifts elsewhere for Ghana.
The focus is firmly on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where preparations include a friendly against Mexico on May 22, followed by a meeting with Wales and a possible third warm-up fixture ahead of their opener against Panama on June 17.
At present, uncertainty remains over the Black Stars’ technical leadership, as head coach Carlos Queiroz is on a short-term deal tied to performance at the World Cup.
For Ghana, the message is simple: rebuild momentum quickly, or risk another frustrating continental qualifying cycle.
Queiroz warns Semenyo, other Black Stars players
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Carlos Queiroz has made it clear that discipline and teamwork will be the main criteria for Black Stars selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Even in-form players like Antoine Semenyo and experienced figures such as Jordan Ayew will only earn call-ups if they fit into his strict tactical and collective philosophy.
Source: YEN.com.gh
