The race for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies this week as African national teams prepare for Matchday Three of the qualifying campaign, with several exciting fixtures scheduled across the continent from Thursday, November 12, to Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The third round of matches promises compelling encounters involving some of Africa’s biggest football nations, including Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and South Africa, as teams seek crucial points in their quest to secure places at the continental showpiece.
Among the standout fixtures is Nigeria’s encounter with Tanzania, while defending African champions Ivory Coast will take on The Gambia in another potentially difficult assignment.
Super Eagles Target Important Victory Against Tanzania
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will headline Friday’s fixtures when they welcome Tanzania in one of the most anticipated matches of Matchday Three.
The encounter presents an important opportunity for head coach Éric Chelle and his players to strengthen Nigeria’s qualification ambitions and build momentum in their campaign.
The Super Eagles will be expected to make home advantage count against a Tanzanian side determined to cause an upset.
With Nigeria boasting considerable attacking quality and experience, expectations will be high for the three-time African champions to deliver a convincing performance.
However, Tanzania could prove a difficult opponent, particularly if Nigeria fails to convert its scoring opportunities.
The encounter is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at 16:00.
Ivory Coast Face Tricky Test Against The Gambia
Ivory Coast will face The Gambia in one of Thursday’s biggest encounters as the Elephants continue their pursuit of another AFCON appearance.
The Ivorians will enter the contest with expectations of securing maximum points, but The Gambia have demonstrated their ability to compete against stronger opponents in African football.
The Scorpions will be hoping to frustrate their hosts and take advantage of any defensive lapses.
The match kicks off at 19:00 on Thursday, November 12.
Senegal Take On Sudan
Senegal will also be in action on Thursday when they face Sudan in another interesting Group-stage encounter.
The Teranga Lions, regarded as one of Africa’s strongest national teams, will be keen to maintain their competitive standards and strengthen their qualification hopes.
Sudan, however, will be determined to produce a disciplined performance and challenge the Senegalese.
The encounter is scheduled for 19:00.
Cameroon Welcome Namibia
Cameroon will host Namibia on Thursday in a fixture that could have significant implications for their qualification campaign.
The Indomitable Lions will be looking to utilise their experience and home advantage to overcome the Namibians.
Namibia, meanwhile, will hope to frustrate the hosts and secure a positive result.
The match is scheduled for 19:00.
Egypt, Morocco and South Africa Also in Action
Friday will feature several other heavyweight encounters across the continent.
Seven-time African champions Egypt will welcome Malawi at 19:00, with the Pharaohs expected to pursue maximum points.
Morocco will host Niger at 20:00 in another notable fixture, as the Atlas Lions seek to maintain their strong position in African football.
South Africa will also be in action against Kenya at 16:00, with Bafana Bafana hoping to overcome a Kenyan side eager to make an impression.
Other Friday fixtures include Tunisia against Libya, Mali versus Rwanda, Burkina Faso against Mauritania and Gabon versus Lesotho.
Ghana, DR Congo and Other Thursday Fixtures
Thursday’s programme will begin with Ghana taking on Somalia at 15:00.
The Black Stars will be targeting a positive result as they continue their qualification campaign.
DR Congo will face Sierra Leone at 16:00, while Guinea takes on Eritrea at the same time.
Other fixtures include Equatorial Guinea against Zimbabwe and Madagascar versus Guinea-Bissau.
With the qualifying campaign gathering momentum, Matchday Three could prove decisive for several nations seeking early control of their respective groups.
For Nigeria, the meeting with Tanzania represents an opportunity to strengthen its position and move closer to securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
Other traditional powerhouses, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Egypt and Morocco, will equally be under pressure to deliver positive results.
With several potentially difficult encounters on the programme, African football fans can anticipate an exciting three days of international football.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking a historic East African hosting partnership.
Complete 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Matchday Three Fixtures
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026
15:00 – Ghana vs Somalia
16:00 – Guinea vs Eritrea
16:00 – DR Congo vs Sierra Leone
16:00 – Equatorial Guinea vs Zimbabwe
16:00 – Madagascar vs Guinea-Bissau
19:00 – Ivory Coast vs The Gambia
19:00 – Senegal vs Sudan
19:00 – Cameroon vs Namibia
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026
13:00 – Zambia vs Burundi
13:00 – Comoros vs Congo
13:00 – Mozambique vs Ethiopia
16:00 – Gabon vs Lesotho
16:00 – South Africa vs Kenya
16:00 – Burkina Faso vs Mauritania
16:00 – Tunisia vs Libya
16:00 – Cape Verde vs Liberia
16:00 – Nigeria vs Tanzania
19:00 – Egypt vs Malawi
19:00 – Benin Republic vs Central African Republic
19:00 – Mali vs Rwanda
20:00 – Morocco vs Niger
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026
16:00 – Uganda vs Botswana
19:00 – Angola vs South Sudan
19:00 – Algeria vs Togo
