The AFCON 2027 qualifiers have exploded into life with drama, upsets and early pressure on the continent’s traditional powers. Ghana’s Black Stars sit bottom of Group C with zero points after two matches. Nigeria’s Super Eagles also suffered a heavy blow. The race to the finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is already producing talking points that will dominate discussions for weeks.
Group C has become the early focal point. Ivory Coast opened with a controlled 2-0 win over Ghana in Bouaké. Then came the Accra Sports Stadium result that left many Ghanaians stunned. The Black Stars led 2-0 through Ernest Nuamah’s penalty and Felix Afena-Gyan’s free-kick. Gambia fought back to win 4-2. Muhammed Badamosi scored from the spot, Omar Colley equalised before half-time, and Ebrima Colley struck twice in the second half, including a late goal that sealed the result. Gambia now sit on six points alongside Ivory Coast. Ghana have none.
This is not a minor setback. Ghana have not won an AFCON qualifier since September 2023. After missing the 2025 tournament, the current campaign under Carlos Queiroz has begun with consecutive defeats. The home loss to Gambia, a side with a much smaller population and fewer resources, has intensified questions about organisation, defensive structure and mental strength. Commentators and supporters are already asking whether the Black Stars can recover in time for the November window, when they face Somalia twice.
Nigeria face their own difficulties in Group L. The Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opener but then lost 3-0 in Guinea-Bissau. Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scored for the hosts. Because Tanzania are co-hosts and already qualified, only one other team from Group L will advance. Guinea-Bissau’s two wins put them in a strong position. Nigeria must now win consistently to overtake them.
Elsewhere the picture is mixed for the bigger nations. Morocco remain perfect in Group A with victories over Gabon and Lesotho. Egypt recovered from a 0-0 draw with Angola to thrash South Sudan 5-0, with Omar Marmoush among the scorers. Senegal, still waiting for the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision on the disputed 2025 title against Morocco, beat Ethiopia 1-0 after drawing with Mozambique. Algeria dropped points in a 2-2 draw in Burundi after leading. South Africa look strong in Group D.
The format itself adds tension. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania qualify automatically as co-hosts. In their groups only the best non-host advances. This changes the calculation for every other team. Twenty-one spots remain for the 24-team finals scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
The early results have already shifted conversations. In Ghana the focus is on how a two-goal lead disappeared so quickly against Gambia. Defensive lapses, particularly around set pieces and transitions, cost the Black Stars. Queiroz has faced pressure before, and the opening results will increase it. Supporters want clearer identity and better game management. The return of key players from injury could help, but time is limited. The November matches against Somalia offer a chance to collect points, yet the head-to-head with Ivory Coast later will be decisive.
Nigeria’s situation is different but equally serious. Losing 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau, a side many expected them to handle, raises questions about preparation and concentration. With only one qualifying place available in the group, every remaining match carries extra weight. The Super Eagles cannot afford further slips.
Across the continent the underdogs have made statements. Gambia’s comeback in Accra and Guinea-Bissau’s result against Nigeria show that ranking and reputation mean little on the day. Smaller nations are organised, clinical on the break and motivated. The big teams that treat any opponent lightly will pay.
The title dispute between Senegal and Morocco still hangs over the competition. Senegal originally won the 2025 final but were stripped of the trophy after a protest walk-off. The CAS hearing is set for 8 October. Whatever the outcome, both sides must still navigate the qualifiers.
For Ghana the path is clear and difficult. They need results, discipline and improvement in the defensive third. The Black Stars have talent in attack, but without balance they will continue to drop points. Queiroz and the technical team must address the collapse against Gambia quickly. Fans will not accept another campaign that ends in disappointment.
The November international window will provide the next major tests. By then the groups will have clearer shape. Early leaders will try to maintain momentum. Teams with zero or three points will fight for survival. The AFCON 2027 qualifiers have already delivered shocks and stories. More are coming. The conversation has only just begun.
