Ghana to face Ivory Coast in Afcon 2027 qualifying

Lusaka – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey to the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. For Zambia's beloved Chipolopolo, the road to East Africa promises to be a demanding one, as they find themselves pitted against formidable regional rivals in Group E. The Chipolopolo, under the guidance of coach Avram Grant, will compete against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, and Eswatini. This grouping immediately rekindles intense Central African rivalries, particularly against the DRC, a team with a rich AFCON history and a strong squad. The matches against Congo Brazzaville will also be keenly contested, while Eswatini presents a less-fancied but potentially tricky opponent, especially when playing at home. Zambian fans will be eager to see their team navigate this group successfully and secure a spot in the continent's premier football showpiece. Across the continent, other notable draws include a highly anticipated clash in Group C, where West African giants Ivory Coast and Ghana are set to renew their long-standing rivalry. They will be joined by The Gambia and Somalia, ensuring a competitive group. Group A features Morocco, Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho, while Group B sees Egypt, Angola, Malawi, and South Sudan vying for qualification. Southern African neighbours South Africa will contend with Guinea, Kenya, and Eritrea in Group D. The 2027 tournament's co-hosting by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is a landmark decision, reflecting CAF's commitment to spreading the hosting responsibilities and showcasing football across different regions of Africa. This East African collaboration is expected to bring a unique flavour to the tournament, leveraging the passion and infrastructure of three nations. For Zambia, qualifying for this edition would not only be a testament to the team's progress but also an