African Lights: How our RSL stars illuminated 2027 AFCON qualifiers
The Africa Cup of Nations is one of international football’s great tournaments.
The entree to that, of course, are the qualifiers themselves, which often throw up storylines and action as gripping as the tournament itself.
The road to the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania began last week and, as there typically is these days, a host of Roshn Saudi League stars were in action across the continent.
We look at some of those who shone in the spotlight.
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Ilenikhena scores on debut
Such was George Ilenikhena’s hot start to the season for Al Ittihad that he earned a first call-up to the Nigeria national team. He then went one better by scoring on debut in a 2-1 win at home to Madagascar in Uyo.
The Super Eagles came unstuck in their second game, however, losing heavily to a Guinea-Bissau side featuring Al Fayha Alfa Semedo, although Ilenikhena made an appearance only as a late substitute.
The defeat leaves Nigeria on the back foot in qualifying, with only one team to qualify from Group L featuring 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts Tanzania.
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Bono delivers again
Defending AFCON champions Morocco got their campaign off to the perfect start, with Al Hilal’s star man, Yassine Bono, again impenetrable between the sticks.
The 35-year-old Al Hilal custodian kept two clean sheets in back-to-back 2-0 wins against Gabon and Lesotho, proving once again to be the anchor for his side, be it at club level or international.
Remember, reigning CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Bono returns to an Al Hilal side riding high at the top of the 2026-27 RSL.
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Colley guides Gambia perfectly
After failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament, Gambia have taken a giant leap towards just their third-ever qualification with six points from a possible six, thanks to victories against Somalia and Ghana.
Leading from the front was captain Omar Colley, Al Fayha’s recent signing who recently Diriyah Club after playing an integral role in their historic promotion to the RSL.
Gambia’s success came at the expense of Ghana, where Al Qadsiah’s Christopher Bonsu Baah featured in both his team's games, albeit as a late substitute in the latter. Carlos Queiroz’s side walked away with twin defeats.
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Taking their ‘Chancel’
Ok, sorry for the pun. But Chancel Mbemba has been a mainstay for Diriyah Club this season, forming a pivotal part of a defensive unit that has the best record in the league at present, with five goals conceded.
Mbemba carried that form into the international break, not only captaining DR Congo to two wins from two, but also opening the scoring in their 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea and then putting in another stellar display in a 2-1 win away to Zimbabwe.
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Boulbina magic rescues Algeria
After the relative comfort of their opening 3-1 win against Zambia and Al Fayha’s Fashion Sakala, Algeria, ranked 29th in the world, found themselves 2-0 down against a No. 142-ranked Burundi inside the opening 15 minutes in their second game of this window.
As it was, Algeria managed to escape with a point from the trip to Bujumbura, one that was earned after Diriyah Club’s recent signing, Adil Boulbina, smashed home a stunning free-kick from all of 30 yards just after the hour mark. Crisis averted.
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Dream alive in Rwanda
Rwanda have qualified for a solitary AFCON tournament this century, back in 2004, but two wins from two have them on track for their first appearance at the continental showpiece in more than two decades.
Key to their success this campaign will be Al Hazem’s new signing Bonheur Mugisha, who started both of their victories, including a memorable come-from-behind 2-1 victory against 2026 FIFA World Cup darlings Cape Verde.
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Oh yes, Youssouf!
Zaydou Youssouf featured in only one of Comoros’ two qualifiers during this window - their narrow 1-0 win against Namibia that has them second in Group G after the opening two matchdays.
Put straight into the starting XI, the Al Fateh star produced a fine performance in an attacking midfield role, creating two chances and supplying the assist early in the second half for Benjaloud Youssouf to score the only goal of the game. Job very much done.
