Burkina Faso and Benin headline a competitive Group F draw as the race for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gathers momentum.

Burkina Faso host Benin on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Mauritania face Central African Republic in the group’s second fixture.

The Stallions of Burkina Faso are expected to lead the qualification battle, but Benin and Mauritania are both capable of mounting serious challenges.

Matchday Two sees Benin host Mauritania while Central African Republic take on Burkina Faso. The group then moves into potentially decisive double-headers involving Burkina Faso and Mauritania, as well as Benin and Central African Republic.

The return clash between Benin and Burkina Faso on March 22, 2027 could prove crucial in deciding qualification places.

Group F Fixtures (Chronological Order)

Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026

• Burkina Faso vs Benin
• Mauritania vs Central African Republic

Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026

• Benin vs Mauritania
• Central African Republic vs Burkina Faso

Matchday 3 — October 2026

• Burkina Faso vs Mauritania
• Benin vs Central African Republic

Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026

• Mauritania vs Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic vs Benin

Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027

• Benin vs Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic vs Mauritania

Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027

• Mauritania vs Benin
• Burkina Faso vs the Central African Republic

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The clocks have been installed in Rabat, Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir — the venues that will welcome tens of thousands of fans this December.

They will tick down to the much-anticipated opening game between hosts Morocco and Comoros, scheduled for 21 December at 20h00 local time in Rabat.

The 35th edition of the tournament will mark Morocco’s first time hosting the AFCON since 1988, and the Kingdom has pledged a world-class fan experience in some of Africa’s most iconic stadiums.

Each city is expected to come alive with football fever, blending Morocco’s renowned hospitality with the vibrant atmosphere of the African game.

The month-long competition will climax in Rabat on 18 January 2026, when a new champion will be crowned.

Beyond the tournament itself, the symbolic clocks also highlight Morocco’s rising role on the global football stage, with the Kingdom set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

With the final stretch to kick-off now underway, the clocks stand as a striking reminder of the history, drama and unforgettable memories that await at AFCON Morocco 2025.

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This year’s event honoured two outstanding law students with scholarship prizes of ₦100,000 each.

The recipients were Favour Obaseki, a 300-level Law student at Ambrose Alli University, and Itohan Osemwegie, a 400-level Law student at the University of Benin.

Both were recognized for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to personal growth.

The ceremony attracted members of the Foundation’s Governing Board, respected figures from the academic and legal sectors, and other invited dignitaries.

 Delivering his remarks, Mr. Gerard Ibhawoh, Chair of the Foundation, congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to maintain their pursuit of excellence and integrity.

“Keep the flag flying,” he said. “Let this recognition be a steppingstone in your journey toward becoming change-makers in your professions and communities.”

Ibhawoh also highlighted the Foundation’s recent collaboration with the Community Sport and Development (CSED) Initiative.

The partnership has led to the successful delivery of netball and badminton workshops aimed at training teachers and students in several Edo State schools—a step toward holistic youth development through both academics and sports.

However, the Foundation Chair noted a reduced number of awardees this year, citing a decline in the quality of essay submissions. He expressed concern about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools by some applicants.

“While technology is a valuable aid, an overreliance on AI in academic work undermines original thinking and poses a real threat to authentic scholarship,” he warned.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. (Mrs.) Uyilawa Edosomwan, a member of the Foundation’s Governing Board, encouraged the recipients to see the award as a launchpad for future achievements.

“Let this moment inspire you toward even greater milestones in your academic and professional journey,” she said.

Since its inception in 2015, the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation has impacted over 321 students through scholarships and educational grants, while also empowering 185 individuals through mentorship, vocational training, international exchanges, and professional development programs.

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