The second-round qualifying fixtures for the CAN U23 2027 have been confirmed, with Algeria, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal and several other exempt nations now knowing their next opponents.
The teams that received a bye in the opening round will have home advantage in the second legs, scheduled for 17 November. The first legs will take place on 9 November.
Algeria will face Eswatini, who eliminated Malawi in the first round. The Young Sihlangu won the first leg 0-1 in Lilongwe before drawing 1-1 with the Flames in Lobamba.
The tie will be Algeria’s first involvement in the CAN U23 since 2015. Senegal, who have also not qualified for the tournament since that year, will meet South Sudan in the second round.
South Sudan progressed after beating Djibouti 0-3 and 1-2 over the two legs.
Holders Morocco face Ethiopia
Defending champions Morocco have been drawn against Ethiopia, who advanced after Uganda forfeited their first-round tie.
Cote d’Ivoire, who were absent from the most recent edition hosted by Morocco, will play Kenya. Kenya reached the second round after defeating Tanzania 4-1 and 1-3 across the two matches.
Mali and Guinea, who finished third and fourth respectively at the last CAN U23, also discovered their opponents. Mali will take on Zimbabwe, while Guinea will face Botswana.
Zimbabwe progressed against Mauritius by an aggregate score of 6-1, with Botswana advancing after winning 2-4 on aggregate against Seychelles.
Among the nations who came through the opening round, Tunisia will play Gabon after overcoming Benin 2-1 on aggregate.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo will meet Nigeria, while Burkina Faso have been paired with Zambia.
Egypt have already secured their place in the tournament automatically as hosts.
The second-round winners will continue the qualification process for the CAN U23 2027. The first legs are set for 9 November, with the return fixtures to be played on 17 November.