Excitement Builds for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers
The road to PAMOJA 2027 is officially heating up! This week marks a pivotal moment for African football as Groups J, K, and L launch their qualifying campaigns. With high stakes and new leadership, fans are eagerly anticipating the clash of titans and the rise of underdogs.
Mozambique vs Senegal: Patrick Vieira’s Debut
All eyes are on Group J, where the highly anticipated match of Mozambique vs Senegal will signal the start of a new chapter. This game marks the competitive debut of Patrick Vieira as the head coach of the Senegal national team. The former France international faces an immediate challenge: leading the Lions of Teranga without their talismanic striker, Sadio Mané.
Vieira has cited a “physical issue” for Mané’s absence, but he has assured fans that the forward remains a key part of his long-term vision. In the meantime, this opens the door for emerging talents and established stars like Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Ismaila Sarr to take center stage.
To bolster the squad, Vieira has introduced fresh faces such as Malang Sarr and Lamine Sy, while retaining the veteran leadership of Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Senegal will aim to secure a dominant victory at home on September 25 before traveling to face Ethiopia.
Group K: A Battle of Continuity and Experience
In Group K, the spotlight shines on the clash between Mali and Cape Verde. Cape Verde enters this cycle under the guidance of Humberto Bettencourt, who stepped up after Bubista’s departure. Having been part of the technical staff that led the Blue Sharks to their historic 2026 World Cup appearance, Bettencourt brings vital continuity to the team.
Mali, known for their depth and experience, will be fighting for one of the top two spots to secure their place in the finals. With only six matches to decide their fate, every single goal counts.
Group L: Nigeria’s Road to Recovery
Nigeria’s journey in Group L has hit a stumbling block. The Super Eagles will have to navigate their opening fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from a muscle injury sustained during his time with Galatasaray.
However, coach Eric Chelle still possesses a lethal attacking arsenal, including Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. Interestingly, Group L has a unique dynamic: since Tanzania is already qualified as a co-host, only the highest-placed team other than Tanzania will progress, making the competition between Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau a fierce three-way battle.
Complete Match Schedule (Groups J, K, L)
Stay updated with the official fixtures as the teams fight for a spot in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations:
- Group J:
- Sept 25: Senegal vs Mozambique (19:00 GMT)
- Sept 25: Sudan vs Ethiopia (16:00 GMT)
- Sept 29: Mozambique vs Sudan (13:00 GMT)
- Sept 29: Ethiopia vs Senegal (13:00 GMT)
- Group K:
- Sept 25: Mali vs Cape Verde (19:00 GMT)
- Sept 25: Rwanda vs Liberia (16:00 GMT)
- Sept 29: Cape Verde vs Rwanda (16:00 GMT)
- Sept 29: Liberia vs Mali (19:00 GMT)
- Group L:
- Sept 25: Nigeria vs Madagascar (16:00 GMT)
- Sept 25: Tanzania vs Guinea-Bissau (13:00 GMT)
- Sept 29: Madagascar vs Tanzania (13:00 GMT)
- Sept 29: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria (16:00 GMT)
