The race for places at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will resume in November, with several African countries preparing for crucial qualifying fixtures without some of their most influential players.
The third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers, scheduled for the November international window, could prove decisive for several nations looking to strengthen their positions in the race for qualification.
However, injuries and personal circumstances have disrupted the preparations of some national teams.
Their absence will leave important gaps in their respective national teams, although the impact will vary depending on each country’s current position in the qualifying standings.
IsmaΓ«l Saibari β Morocco
Morocco are another major nation that will be missing an important player during the November qualifying window, with IsmaΓ«l Saibari ruled out through injury.
The PSV Eindhoven midfielder suffered a serious right ankle injury after rupturing his syndesmotic ligament during the Bundesliga encounter between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
The injury required surgery, with the Moroccan international expected to spend several months recovering before returning to competitive action.
Saibari’s absence is a considerable setback for coach Mohamed Ouahbi, considering the midfielder’s versatility and ability to contribute in advanced positions.
The 25-year-old offers physical strength, intelligent movement, attacking runs and an eye for goal. He can operate as an attacking midfielder or further forward, giving the Atlas Lions additional tactical flexibility.
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Morocco will therefore have to find alternatives for their two encounters against Niger. Despite the setback, the Atlas Lions are in a comfortable position in Group A. They currently lead the standings with six points from two matches, having recorded victories over Gabon and Lesotho.
They are three points ahead of Gabon and Niger, who have three points apiece, while Lesotho remain bottom without a point. Morocco will be looking to maintain their perfect start and strengthen their grip on the group despite Saibari’s absence.
Antoine Semenyo β Ghana
Ghana will be without one of their most dangerous attacking players, Antoine Semenyo, for their November qualifying double-header against Somalia. The Manchester City forward sustained a left knee collateral ligament injury during a Premier League match against Ipswich Town in October.
City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that the 26-year-old was expected to spend approximately eight weeks on the sidelines, ruling him out of Ghana’s November fixtures.
Semenyo’s absence is particularly significant given his importance to the Black Stars’ attacking setup. His pace, physical strength, direct running and ability to create goalscoring opportunities make him an important weapon in the final third.
The forward had already missed Ghana’s opening qualifying fixtures because of an ankle problem, meaning the Black Stars will again have to cope without his services.
Ghana are currently bottom of Group C with no points after losing their opening two matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The four-time African champions suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast before throwing away a two-goal advantage in a 4-2 loss to The Gambia.
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Their November double-header against Somalia is therefore extremely important. Two victories would take Ghana to six points and provide an opportunity to revive their qualification hopes.
However, doing so without one of their leading attacking threats will make the task more challenging for the interim technical team.
Franculino DjΓΊ β Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau have suffered an attacking setback with the absence of Franculino DjΓΊ, who has been ruled out of their November AFCON qualifying fixtures because of injury. The 22-year-old Trabzonspor forward was left out of coach Emiliano TΓ©’s 26-man squad for the double-header against Madagascar.
Franculino’s absence removes an important attacking option from the Djurtus’ squad as they look to maintain their impressive start to the qualifying campaign.
The forward’s attacking movement, ability to threaten opposition defences and contribution in the final third would have provided additional options for the coaching staff. He scored one of the goals as Guinea Bissau defeated Nigeria 3-0 in September.
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Nevertheless, Guinea-Bissau have made an excellent start to their campaign, winning their opening two matches to collect six points. They currently lead Group L, ahead of Nigeria, who have three points, while Tanzania and Madagascar have one point each.
With Madagascar standing between them and another potential six points, Guinea-Bissau will hope their available attacking options can compensate for Franculino’s absence and help them consolidate their position at the summit.
Jesus Owono β Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea will also be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, for their November fixtures against Zimbabwe.
However, unlike the other players on this list, Owono’s absence is not injury-related.
The FC Andorra goalkeeper was involved in a tragic incident during a Spanish second-division match against Tenerife on November 2. He collided with Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who subsequently died after being taken to hospital.
The incident has had a profound emotional impact on the Equatorial Guinea international. Owono described the period as the most difficult days of his life, while his national federation expressed its support for him.
The 25-year-old has been left out of the national team’s November squad as he deals with the emotional consequences of the tragedy. His absence represents a significant loss for Equatorial Guinea, considering his importance as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper since his teenage years. He also featured in their opening two AFCON qualifying matches.
Equatorial Guinea currently occupy third position in Group E with three points, behind leaders DR Congo, who have six points, and second-placed Zimbabwe, who have three. With a double-header against Zimbabwe approaching, the absence of their regular goalkeeper could complicate their efforts to move closer to the top two positions.
Samuel Chukwueze β Nigeria
Nigeria will be without Samuel Chukwueze for their November double-header against Tanzania after the winger underwent surgery to repair a hip injury. The AC Milan forward sustained a ruptured tendon of the tensor fasciae latae muscle in his left hip, with the injury requiring surgical intervention in London.
Chukwueze had been enjoying an encouraging spell before the setback, recording two assists in eight appearances for AC Milan across all competitions. His absence is another setback for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who will have to find alternative options on the right flank.
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The former Villarreal player offers pace, dribbling ability and creativity in one-on-one situations, qualities that could have been important against Tanzania.
Nigeria are currently second in Group L with three points from their opening two matches, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau.
Having suffered a 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture, the Super Eagles cannot afford another disappointing result. Securing maximum points against Tanzania would be important in keeping their qualification campaign on track.
