Egypt to host 2027 U-23 AFCON as Black Meteors target Olympic return

Eight nations will compete for the continental title after navigating a qualifying campaign that is set to begin in September 2026.

Ghana’s Black Meteors are preparing to begin their qualification campaign, although they are yet to discover their opponents, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) yet to announce the qualifying pairings.

The 2027 tournament will carry added significance as it will also serve as the African qualifier for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Under the new qualification allocation, Africa will have two places at the Olympic men’s football tournament, down from the previous three. The two finalists of the 2027 U-23 AFCON are therefore expected to secure qualification for the Los Angeles Games.

The development increases the importance of the competition for Ghana, who have not featured in the men’s Olympic football tournament since the 2004 Athens Games.

The Black Meteors will begin preparations for the qualifiers under coach Desmond Ofei, with Ghana hoping to navigate the qualifying campaign and earn a place at the tournament in Egypt.

A successful campaign would give Ghana the opportunity to end a 24-year wait for an Olympic appearance and return to a competition where the country has enjoyed considerable success in the past, including winning bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet