AFCON 2027 Journey Begins for Africa’s Minnows
The preliminary round of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is set to deliver intriguing matchups, with several nations looking to take a crucial step toward continental football’s biggest stage.
Ethiopia: Former Champions Seeking Revival
Ethiopia national football team head into their clash against Sao Tome and Principe national football team carrying a rich but distant legacy. Winners of AFCON in 1962 on home soil, Ethiopia have also recorded five top-four finishes historically.
However, consistency has eluded them in recent decades, with only two tournament appearances since 1984. Their most recent campaigns in 2013 and 2021 both ended at the group stage. Still, recent victories over DR Congo and Guinea-Bissau prove they remain capable of troubling any opponent on their day.
Lesotho: COSAFA Side on the Rise
Lesotho national football team come into the qualifiers as the highest-ranked side in the preliminary round and face Seychelles national football team.
Lesotho have shown significant improvement, highlighted by a 1-1 draw away to Nigeria in World Cup qualifying, along with a win over Zimbabwe and a draw in Rwanda. Despite never qualifying for AFCON, their current form suggests a breakthrough could be within reach.
Mauritius vs Somalia: Unknown Territory
Mauritius national football team take on Somalia national football team in a fixture with no previous meetings, adding an element of unpredictability.
Mauritius have struggled for consistency but showed resilience with a goalless draw against Libya in recent qualifiers. Their only AFCON appearance came in 1974, where they exited in the group stage.
Somalia, meanwhile, are chasing history. Having returned to the qualifiers after a long absence, they are aiming to reach the group stages for the first time after falling short in the last two editions.
Sao Tome e Principe: Building Momentum
Sao Tome e Principe continue their search for a maiden AFCON appearance. Regular participants in qualifiers since 2013, progress has been slow, but signs of improvement are evident.
A recent 1-0 victory over Malawi in World Cup qualifying has boosted confidence, while their last AFCON qualifying win came against Mauritius in 2022.
Seychelles: Facing the Odds
Seychelles enter the qualifiers as one of the lowest-ranked teams and face a tough challenge against Lesotho.
Historically, wins have been rare, with just five victories in 42 qualifying matches. Their last success came against Lesotho in the 2017 preliminaries, and they will be hoping to defy the odds once again.
Somalia: Aiming for a Breakthrough
Somalia’s football journey has been marked by long absences and rebuilding phases. After returning to the qualifiers in recent editions, they are now targeting progression beyond the preliminary round for the first time.
South Sudan: Africa’s Young Guns
South Sudan national football team continue to grow as one of the continent’s youngest footballing nations. Since debuting in 2015, they have reached the group stages in each of the last five qualifying campaigns.
Notable wins, including victories over Congo and Uganda, underline their growing competitiveness as they prepare to face Djibouti.
Final Word
With history, ambition, and rising form all in play, the preliminary round promises high-stakes action. For some, it’s about reclaiming past glory — for others, it’s about making history for the very first time.
