Ghana were paired with Ivory Coast in Group C for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw. Ghana were not seeded in the top pot after dropping in world rankings following failure to reach the previous AFCON held in Morocco. Group C also includes Gambia, a quarter-finalist on debut in 2021, and Somalia. Ivory Coast former international Max-Alain Gradel described the group as difficult but expressed confidence in qualification. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the tournament from 19 June to 17 July 2027 and are assured of participation. With 48 teams in 12 groups, only the top two qualify after six rounds, but co-hosts reduce available spots in their groups. Kenya’s group includes Eritrea, Guinea, and South Africa, while Egypt face Angola, Malawi, and South Sudan. Qualifying runs from September to November, with final matches in March.
"Ghana have been paired with Ivory Coast in a potentially tricky qualifying group for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Black Stars were not included in the top pot of seeds for the draw, having slipped down the world rankings after their failure to reach the previous edition of the tournament which was held in Morocco in December and January. The two West African heavyweights will meet in Group C, where they will also face The Gambia, who made the quarter-finals of the 2021 Afcon on their debut, and Somalia."
""Why always us? This group is a difficult group," said former Ivory Coast international Max-Alain Gradel, who lifted the trophy with the Elephants on home soil in 2022 and was one of the assistants for the draw in Cairo. "But we will do everything that we can to qualify. I believe in the team so there is no problem.""
"Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will co-host the next Afcon, which will be held from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The 48 teams looking to reach the finals have been split into 12 groups of four, with the top two sides qualifying after six rounds of fixtures. However, things are complicated by the fact that the three co-hosts are all assured of a place at the tournament, so only one other team in their respective groups will book a ticket."
"The first four rounds of qualifying will be spread across September, October and November this year, with the final two fixtures to be held in March next year. The identity of the 2025 Afcon champions remains in dispute after Senegal beat tournament hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a final marre"
Read at www.bbc.com
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