The Biggest Stars Set to Play in the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Serhou Guirassy are among the biggest names called up for the start of the qualifiers, although some stars are dealing with suspensions and fitness concerns.

The AFCON 2027 Qualifiers will begin their group stage with many of African soccer’s biggest stars in action. The opening two matchdays are scheduled between September 24 and October 6, and the squads already announced provide a clear picture of some of the leading players attempting to reach the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush lead Egypt

Egypt opens its campaign against Angola on September 25 before travelling to face South Sudan four days later. Head coach Hossam Hassan has included both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in his squad, once again making them two of the Pharaohs’ main attacking references.

Salah remains one of African soccer’s most recognizable players and enters another qualifying campaign with the continent’s record seven-time AFCON champions. Marmoush, meanwhile, is part of an Egypt generation that reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

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Hakimi and Brahim Díaz headline Morocco

Morocco will also retain much of its established core. New coach Mohamed Ouahbi selected captain Achraf Hakimi alongside Brahim Díaz, Noussair Mazraoui, Yassine Bounou, Bilal El Khannouss, Azzedine Ounahi and Ismaël Saibari.

The Atlas Lions begin against Gabon on September 25 before facing Lesotho four days later. Ouahbi’s first senior squad combines those established internationals with several young players receiving opportunities at senior level.

Hakimi, however, will miss Morocco’s opening match against Gabon due to a pending CAF suspension stemming from the incidents during the AFCON 2025 final. The full-back was included in the squad despite the ban.

Osimhen and Lookman give Nigeria firepower

Few squads possess as many recognizable attacking options as Nigeria. Eric Chelle has selected Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon for the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen remains the focal point of the Super Eagles’ attack, while Lookman adds another established threat to one of the strongest forward groups involved in qualification.

Guirassy and Kessié are also ones to watch

Guinea will have Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy available against South Africa and Kenya. Ilaix Moriba has also returned to the squad, although several established internationals are missing from the opening window.

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, begins a new cycle under returning coach Hervé Renard while retaining experienced players including Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Evan Ndicka and Nicolas Pépé. The Elephants start with a major West African clash against Ghana before meeting Somalia.

There are notable absences too. Sadio Mané was left out of Senegal’s opening squad because of a physical issue, while Riyad Mahrez will not feature for Algeria after retiring from international soccer during 2026.

Even without those two major names, the opening qualifiers will feature enough elite talent to make the race for AFCON 2027 one of the key stories of the international window.