Gambia Malawi and Namibia coaches react to AFCON 2027 qualifying draw

The draw took place in Cairo on Tuesday giving the 48 sides their route to the finals in Kenya Uganda and Tanzania.

The event will occur in East Africa for the first time in 51 years with 24 teams set for the finals which run from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

Flashscore gathered comments from coaches of Gambia Malawi and Namibia following the draw. Gambia known as the Scorpions landed in Group C with Ivory Coast Ghana and Somalia.

Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry showed enthusiasm for the draw yet noted the strength of Ivory Coast and Ghana who will play for Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gambia will rise to the occasion

Group C creates many matches that will thrill football fans in Gambia and across Africa and we understand the challenge level ahead said the former Gor Mahia coach.

Ivory Coast and Ghana rank among Africas top sides and both will represent the continent at this summers FIFA World Cup in North America while Somalia will prove motivated and competitive in the qualifiers.

McKinstry added Yet as shown before when Gambia faces the leading sides on the continent our players perform at their best.

We faced Ivory Coast in Abidjan just 12 months ago and nearly secured a result with their goalkeeper named Man of the Match and recently in March we displayed our quality and progress in Senegal.

Recall also our win in Tunis against Tunisia during our prior AFCON campaign. These displays highlight the standard we can achieve when focused organised and brave.

Continuing the Scorpions coach noted respect for all group opponents yet holds firm belief in his players ability to compete with leading African nations.

Our goal remains clear to reach the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 stated McKinstry.

We feel thrilled at the prospect of hosting major competitive matches once more at Independence Stadium. Our fans play a huge part in this campaign he added.

When sides visit Banjul be it Somalia Ghana or Ivory Coast they must expect a tough setting. No African team should feel at ease when playing Gambia at home.

We must use our home advantage fully. The players will give their all on the pitch and we know our supporters will act as the 12th man.

McKinstry wrapped up United we can turn Independence Stadium into a formidable venue for Gambia. Preparations start right away. We aim to return Gambia to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fair draw for Malawi

Regarding Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa stayed confident of a strong qualification effort and called their group fair. The Flames were placed in Group B with Egypt Angola and South Sudan.

It seems a fair draw to me since we must face every side. True we met Egypt in the past and much has shifted since Pasuwa told the Malawi FA website.

Each match begins anew. To qualify we must play and as Malawi we need to unite in purpose and steer clear of discord. Success requires joint effort.

The Flames shared a group with Egypt in the 2010 AFCON qualifiers and again during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

They met South Sudan in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers and encountered Angola at the 2010 AFCON finals.

Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin voiced optimism about Namibias prospects while recognising the calibre and experience of their rivals.

The Brave Warriors were drawn in Group G with Cameroon Comoros and Congo Brazzaville creating an engaging qualification series.

It is a favourable draw and we face strong sides. Cameroon stands as a force in African football yet our record against them appears positive on paper said Benjamin.

Comoros featured in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and have performed well with many players based in Europe. Congo Brazzaville fields athletic players and we anticipate matches against them in September.

He continued For us the priority lies in preparation discipline and effort. Every side at this point merits respect yet we trust in our own quality and capacity to compete.

The players feel motivated and keen to represent the country well. Our aim is to push for qualification and honour the nation.

The sides finishing first and second in each group advance straight to the TotalEnergies AFCON 2027 finals.