Ghana to face Ivory Coast in Afcon 2027 qualifying

LUSAKA – The footballing landscape of Africa is abuzz following the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which has pitted West African titans Ghana and Ivory Coast against each other in what promises to be a captivating group stage encounter. This high-profile pairing immediately signals a challenging road ahead for both nations, as they vie for a coveted spot in the tournament co-hosted by East African neighbours Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Black Stars of Ghana, a perennial powerhouse in African football, found themselves outside the top pot of seeds for this draw, a reflection of their recent inconsistent performances on the continental stage. This position meant they were susceptible to drawing a formidable opponent, and indeed, the football gods delivered by placing them alongside the Elephants of Ivory Coast, the reigning AFCON champions. This fixture will undoubtedly be a highlight of the qualifying campaign, drawing significant attention from across the continent, including from Zambian football enthusiasts eager to gauge the strength of potential future opponents for the Chipolopolo. For Zambia, this draw, while not directly involving them, provides crucial context for their own aspirations. The expansion of AFCON to 24 teams has theoretically opened more pathways for nations like Zambia to qualify, but the increasing competitiveness, as evidenced by such high-profile group stage matchups, means that every qualifier will be a stern test. The Chipolopolo, under the guidance of their technical bench, will be meticulously studying these early draws, understanding that the regional dynamics and the form of other strong teams will ultimately influence their own journey to the East African-hosted tournament. The 2027 edition marks a significant moment for East African football, with the joint hosting responsibilities underscoring a growing trend of regional collaboration in sports. This arrangement also presents logistical and infras