AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Who will test Bafana Bafana in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers?

The stage is set in Egypt on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at 14h00 for the highly anticipated 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers draw, where 48 teams will learn their group destiny. The tournament, branded as PAMOJA 2027, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a historic East African collaboration.

The draw will split the 48 nations into 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two finishers in every group qualifying for AFCON. In groups containing one of the co-hosts, an additional team will progress, ensuring the hosts have representation while still keeping the competition fierce.

For Bafana Bafana, the suspense is palpable. South Africa are placed in Pot 2, which means they could be drawn against heavyweights like Ghana, Zambia, or even Zimbabwe, who have been familiar foes in past qualifiers. The outcome will determine whether Bafana’s path to PAMOJA 2027 is smooth sailing or a treacherous journey through a so-called “Group of Death.”

The qualifiers will unfold across three FIFA windows: Matchdays 1 & 2 between 21 September and 6 October 2026, Matchdays 3 & 4 from 9-17 November 2026, and the decisive Matchdays 5 & 6 from 22-30 March 2027. Each fixture will carry enormous weight, with teams battling not only for points but for continental pride.

Fans across Africa are already speculating: Who will land in the Group of Death? Who will cruise through with ease? And which underdog will shock the continent? These questions will dominate discussions as the draw unfolds, with every nation hoping for fortune to favor them.

For South Africa, tomorrow’s draw is more than just names on paper—it is the beginning of a journey that could reignite national pride. With the right mix of determination and tactical brilliance, Bafana Bafana will aim to secure their place among Africa’s elite at PAMOJA 2027.