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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed that legends Max-Alain Gradel, William Troost-Ekong, Essam El Hadary, and Trésor Mputu will take part in the qualification draw for the monumental 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The draw is scheduled to take place in Cairo on Tuesday, 19 May.
This qualification draw ceremony will be held at the Egyptian Football Association’s headquarters, starting at 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT), and will be broadcast live on CAF TV.
The 2027 AFCON tournament is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, running from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
This event is historic as it represents the first time three nations have co-hosted the tournament, marking the return of the continental finals to East Africa after 51 years.
The qualifiers will see 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the top two from each group moving on to the finals.
While Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will participate in the qualifiers, they have already claimed automatic spots as co-hosts. Therefore, an additional team from each of their groups will also qualify for the tournament.
The ceremony will be attended by four distinguished figures in African football, each having significantly impacted the AFCON tournament.
Gradel enjoyed an illustrious club career in England, France, and Turkey, particularly with AS Saint-Étienne, where he became a beloved figure for his speed, directness, and goal-scoring prowess.
He has represented Ivory Coast in several AFCON tournaments and FIFA World Cups, securing the continental title in both 2015 and 2023.
Troost-Ekong has been a key figure for Nigeria in various AFCON tournaments and FIFA World Cups, often serving as captain and scoring vital goals despite his defensive position. He was recognized as Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles were runners-up.
El Hadary is hailed as one of the premier goalkeepers in African football history. His impressive career spanned over 20 years, establishing him as a symbol of achievement for both club and country.
His international legacy as a goalkeeper is unmatched on the continent, having won four AFCON titles with Egypt and playing a crucial role during their historic trio of consecutive victories from 2006 to 2010. In 2018, he became the oldest player to compete in a FIFA World Cup at the age of 45.
Trésor Mputu is recognized as the all-time top scorer in CAF club tournaments, boasting more than 40 goals.
