New Coaches Step Up as AFCON Qualifiers Kick Off

The journey to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations starts this week. Several well-known coaches are taking on their first big challenges in their new roles.

From Hervé Renard returning to Côte d’Ivoire to Patrick Vieira starting with Senegal, top African teams are entering the qualifiers with new leaders and fresh ideas.

The first two rounds of qualifiers will run from September 24 to October 6. This period will show how fast the new coaches can make an impact. Forty-eight countries are divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group moving ahead, excluding co-hosts.

Renard has one of the most recognized jobs. The French coach is back for a second time with Côte d’Ivoire. He led the Elephants to the AFCON title in 2015.

His return has already brought changes, as eight new players are in his first 25-man squad. Côte d’Ivoire's first match is against Ghana in Bouaké on Thursday. They will then travel to face Somalia five days later.

The game against Ghana is also a chance for Renard to face Carlos Queiroz. Queiroz is still the coach of the Black Stars after guiding them to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. He was first hired temporarily but has now been given a longer contract ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

Vieira faces a different but equally important challenge. The former France player is now in charge of Senegal. He will begin with away matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia. His first squad shows some changes, as Sadio Mané is out due to a reported injury, and many new players are getting their chances.

Vieira’s hiring means another significant shift for the Senegal team, which has become one of Africa’s best. His first competitive matches will provide early insight into how the ex-Arsenal midfielder plans to develop the team.

In another development, Pitso Mosimane is back as South Africa's coach for a third time. He takes over from Hugo Broos and faces a tough qualifying challenge. Only one team, apart from automatic qualifiers Kenya, can move on from Group D. South Africa will start against Guinea and then play Eritrea.

Morocco is also starting fresh with Mohamed Ouahbi as their coach. He will lead the Atlas Lions against Gabon in their first Group A match.

With experienced coaches returning and others taking on their first competitive roles, the opening rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will focus on both the coaches and the players. For Renard, Vieira, Queiroz, Mosimane, and other new coaches, there is little time to adjust. The race for spots in the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda has already begun.