Senegal, Mali and Nigeria Open AFCON 2027 Qualifiers as Groups J‑L Kick Off

The 2025‑2026 African Cup of Nations qualifiers entered a decisive phase this week, with the opening matches of Groups J, L and K set for 25 September. Host nations Senegal, Sudan and Tanzania begin on home soil, while defending champions Algeria await the outcome of the next round. The fixtures highlight several storylines: Patrick Vieira’s first competitive game in charge of Senegal without talisman Sadio Mané, a potentially pivotal early clash between Mali and Cape Verde, and Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau while star striker Victor Osimhen recovers from a muscle injury.

Introduction: What’s at Stake in the Opening Round

All six opening matches in Groups J–L will be played on 25 September, followed by the second round four days later. In Group L, Tanzania already holds a automatic berth as one of three co‑hosts (together with Kenya and Uganda), meaning only the highest‑placed non‑host nation will advance. This raises the stakes for Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau, who effectively contest a three‑way battle for the single qualifying spot from the section.

Groups J and K have no automatic qualifiers, so the top two teams in each will secure direct passage to the PAMOJA 2027 finals. The opening day therefore presents early opportunities for teams to gain momentum and for coaches to assess squad depth ahead of the congested international calendar.

Patrick Vieira Begins Senegal Reign Without Mané

Patrick Vieira’s first competitive match as Senegal coach comes against Mozambique in Group J on 25 September. The former France international named a 29‑player squad for the double‑header versus Mozambique and Ethiopia, ahead of a friendly with Comoros in Marseille on 4 October.

Sadio Mané is omitted due to what Vieira described as a “physical issue,” but the coach confirmed the Liverpool forward remains in his plans and could return for the next international window. Mané’s absence opens the door for other attacking options, with Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Assane Diao and Ibrahim Mbaye likely to feature. Vieira has also integrated newcomers such as Malang Sarr, Lamine Sy and Sadibou Sané, while retaining experienced stalwarts Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr.

Senegal host Mozambique at 19:00 GMT on 25 September, with the return fixture in Ethiopia scheduled for 29 September. Sudan face Ethiopia in the group’s other opener on the same day, completing the initial round of Group J.

Mali and Cape Verde Meet in a Crucial Group K Opener

Group K gets underway with a potentially telling encounter between Mali and Cape Verde on 25 September at 19:00 GMT. The match takes place in Bamako, while Rwanda host Liberia in the group’s other opening fixture at 16:00 GMT.

Cape Verde enter a new cycle under Humberto Bettencourt, who was promoted from assistant coach following Bubista’s departure to Moroccan club RS Berkane. Bettencourt spent six years alongside Bubista and was part of the technical staff that guided the Blue Sharks to their historic first World Cup appearance in 2026. That continuity could prove valuable against a Mali side boasting considerable experience and depth, especially given the limited six‑match window to secure a top‑two finish.

Matchday Two will see Mali travel to Liberia on 29 September, while Cape Verde host Rwanda on the same day. With no automatic qualifier in Group K, the first‑ and second‑placed teams will both advance to the PAMOJA 2027 finals.

Nigeria Opens Qualifiers Without Injured Victor Osimhen

Nigeria’s preparations for Group L suffered a setback when Victor Osimhen was ruled out of the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that the Galatasaray striker continues to recover from a muscle injury sustained during a Turkish Super League clash with Başakşehir, where he was forced off in the 33rd minute.

Despite Osimhen’s absence, head coach Eric Chelle retains a wealth of attacking options. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and newcomer George Ilenikhena are all included in the 24‑man squad. Additionally, Arthur Okonkwo and Isaac James earn their first senior call‑ups, while Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina return to the fold.

Nigeria host Madagascar at 16:00 GMT on 25 September, with the Malagasy side arriving buoyed by a recent CHAN final appearance. Four days later, the Super Eagles travel to Guinea‑Bissau for the return leg. Because Tanzania has already qualified as a co‑host, the outcome of these matches will determine which of Nigeria, Madagascar or Guinea‑Bissau advances as the highest‑ranked non‑host nation from Group L.

Matchdays 1 & 2 – Groups J‑L Schedule

Group J: 25 September – Senegal v Mozambique (19:00 GMT); Sudan v Ethiopia (16:00 GMT). 29 September – Mozambique v Sudan (13:00 GMT); Ethiopia v Senegal (13:00 GMT).

Group K: 25 September – Mali v Cape Verde (19:00 GMT); Rwanda v Liberia (16:00 GMT). 29 September – Cape Verde v Rwanda (16:00 GMT); Liberia v Mali (19:00 GMT).

Group L: 25 September – Nigeria v Madagascar (16:00 GMT); Tanzania v Guinea‑Bissau (13:00 GMT). 29 September – Madagascar v Tanzania (13:00 GMT); Guinea‑Bissau v Nigeria (16:00 GMT).

Conclusion: Early Matches Set Tone for the Qualifying Campaign

The opening round of Groups J‑L delivers a mixture of high‑profile debuts, tactical experiments and crucial must‑win encounters. Patrick Vieira’s first test as Senegal coach will be watched closely for signs of how the team adapts without Sadio Mané, while Mali’s clash with Cape Verde could hint at which side gains early ascendancy in a tightly contested Group K. For Nigeria, the early absence of Victor Osimhen places added pressure on the supporting cast to deliver results against Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau, with the knowledge that only one of the three non‑host nations can progress from Group L.

As the qualifiers progress, the outcomes of these opening fixtures will shape perceptions, influence selection decisions and potentially determine which nations advance to the PAMOJA 2027 finals. Fans across the continent will be eager to see how the emerging narratives unfold over the coming weeks.

Sports, Football, Africa, Soccer, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Patrick Vieira, Victor Osimhen, AFCON 2027, CAF Qualifiers, Group J, Group K, Group L