The qualification matches for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations will be held from 28 September 2026 until 30 March 2027. Forty-two teams will compete in three rounds of home-and-away matches to determine the seven nations joining Egypt for the final tournament.
Teams Of the 53 members of CAF who were eligible to enter qualifying – Egypt qualified automatically as hosts – 42 entered the draw. The 14 entrants with the best overall performances at the 2015, 2019, and 2023 tournaments received a bye to the second round.
Bye to second round14 teams First round entrants28 teams
Format Teams will play three rounds of two-legged ties: First round: Twenty-eight teams played in September and October 2026. Second round: The 14 first round winners will join the 14 teams who received a bye to play in November 2026. Third round: The 14 second round winners will play in March 2027.
Match schedule
Round Dates First round 28 September – 6 October 2026 Second round 9–17 November 2026 Third round 22–30 March 2027
Draw The draw to set the matchups for all three rounds was held 25 August in Cairo.
First round First round matches were held between 28 September and 6 October 2026. Results
Matches
DR Congo won 2–1 on aggregate.
Libya won 4–2 on aggregate.
Tunisia won 2–1 on aggregate.
Kenya won 5–4 on aggregate.
South Sudan won 4–2 on aggregate.
Rwanda won 4–1 on aggregate.
Angola won 6–1 on aggregate.
Botswana won 4–2 on aggregate.
Eswatini won 2–1 on aggregate.
Zimbabwe won 6–1 on aggregate.
Second round Second round matches will be held between 9 and 17 November 2026.
Results
Matches
Third round Third round matches will be held between 22 and 30 March 2027.
Results
Matches
Qualified teams
The following teams qualified for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, including Egypt who qualified automatically as hosts: Team Date qualified Previous appearances 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 Notes
References