The second qualifying round draw for the CAN U23 2027 has been completed, with Algeria, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire among the nations now knowing their opponents.
The teams that were exempt from the first qualifying round will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home.
Algeria will face Eswatini, who eliminated Malawi in the opening round. The Young Sihlangu won the first leg 1-0 in Lilongwe before drawing 1-1 with the Flames in Lobamba, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The tie will be Algeria’s first involvement in the qualification campaign, with the nation having not appeared at the CAN U23 since 2015.
Defending champions Morocco have been paired with Ethiopia, who advanced after Uganda forfeited their tie. Morocco were absent from the most recent edition, which was held on home soil.
Cote d’Ivoire, also missing from the previous tournament, will play Kenya. Kenya progressed against Tanzania despite losing the second leg 3-1, having won the opening match 4-1 to go through 7-4 on aggregate.
Senegal, like Algeria, have not qualified for the competition since 2015. They will meet South Sudan, who overcame Djibouti with victories in both matches. South Sudan won the first leg 3-0 before completing a 5-1 aggregate success with a 2-1 victory in the return fixture.
Mali and Guinea, who finished third and fourth respectively at the last CAN U23, have also learned their opponents. Mali will play Zimbabwe, who defeated Mauritius 6-1 on aggregate, while Guinea face Botswana, who progressed against Seychelles by a 2-4 aggregate score.
Remaining second-round ties
Among the teams who came through the first round, Tunisia will face Gabon after beating Benin 2-1 on aggregate.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo have been drawn against Nigeria, while Burkina Faso will take on Zambia.
Egypt have qualified automatically as hosts.
The first legs of the second-round ties will be played on 9 November, with the return matches scheduled for 17 November.