The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the schedule for the first two matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with several high-profile fixtures set to take place. Among the standout matches, Côte d'Ivoire will face Ghana, while Algeria will take on Zambia.
The qualifiers, which began in September 2025, will determine the 23 teams that will join hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda at the final tournament. The draw, held in January 2025 in Nairobi, placed the 48 participating nations into 12 groups of four.
According to CAF's official schedule, the first two matchdays are slated for the September 2025 international window. Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, both former champions, are drawn in Group G alongside Chad and Burundi. Algeria and Zambia are in Group H with Botswana and Uganda.
The match between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana is scheduled for September 5, 2025, in Abidjan, while Algeria will host Zambia on the same day in Algiers. These fixtures are expected to be crucial early tests for both teams as they aim to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.
CAF has emphasized that all match dates and venues are subject to change, and fans are advised to check official channels for updates. The qualifiers will continue through November 2025, with the final tournament scheduled to take place in East Africa from January to February 2027.
