African legends set to grace AFCON 2027 qualification draw in Cairo on Tuesday
Four celebrated figures in African football—Max-Alain Gradel, William Troost-Ekong, Essam El Hadary and Trésor Mputu—have been invited to take part in the qualification draw for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027, scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May in Cairo, Egypt.
The draw will be held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association and is set for 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT), with live coverage on CAF TV.
The 2027 edition of AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July, marking the first time three countries will co-host Africa’s premier football tournament. It also signals a historic return of the competition to East Africa for the first time in 51 years.
A total of 48 teams remain in the qualification race and will be divided into 12 groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the finals. Although the three host nations will also participate in the qualifiers, their places at the tournament are already guaranteed, meaning one team from their group will qualify alongside them.
The quartet of African stars invited to assist with the draw each bring distinguished résumés shaped by success at club and international level.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Max-Alain Gradel enjoyed a long and influential career across Europe and represented his country at multiple AFCON and FIFA World Cup tournaments, playing a key role in continental success.
Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong established himself as a defensive leader for the Super Eagles, captaining the side in major tournaments and earning individual recognition at AFCON 2023.
Egyptian great Essam El Hadary stands as one of the most decorated goalkeepers in African history, winning four AFCON titles and making history as the oldest player to feature at a FIFA World Cup at 45.
DR Congo’s Trésor Mputu, a midfield maestro at TP Mazembe, earned continental admiration for his creativity and success in both club and international competitions, including leading his country to CHAN glory in 2009.