By Brian Mboh
The road to East Africa 2027 officially began under the bright lights of Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as the draw for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers brought together 48 nations divided into 12 groups of four teams each.
For Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, the journey toward another continental rendezvous will pass through familiar rivalries and unpredictable battles after being drawn in Group G alongside Namibia, Comoros and Congo Brazzaville. The pairing sets the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested qualifying campaign for the five-time champions.
According to the qualification format, the top two teams from each group will automatically secure tickets for the continental showpiece. However, groups containing one of the co-host nations will see an additional team progress to the finals. The 2027 AFCON tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June 2027.
Cameroon was drawn in Group G alongside Namibia, Comoros and Congo Brazzaville, setting up what promises to be a competitive qualifying campaign for Bryan Mbeumo and mates.
Reacting to the draw, Brave warriors head coach, Colllin Benjamin told The Namibian he is optimistic about Namibia’s chances, while acknowledging the quality and experience of their opponents.
“It’s a good draw and we are drawn against good teams. Cameroon is a powerhouse in African football, but our statistics against them look good on paper. Comoros recently participated in the 2025 Afcon held in Morocco and they have been doing well, with most of their players playing in Europe. Congo Brazzaville has athletic players and we are looking forward to playing them in September,” said Benjamin.
For football observers, the Indomitable Lions hold a better chance of emerging top in the group, depending on the team’s organisation spirit and squad in-depth.
“I think the Indomitable Lions stand as favourites in this group. Nevertheless, we cannot undermine our opponents, some of whom we know very well,” said sports analyst, Lawrence Nkede.
“The Comoros has become an regular of the final phase of the AFCON and should not be dealt with lightly.They play fast football and have the fighting spirit to resist pressure. They proved it at the last AFCON. Namibia is another defensive side which proceeds by counter offensives,” he explained.
The last time Cameroon met Namibia, was during the AFCON qualifiers in 2024, where the Indomitable Lions edged them by 1-0 at home and “managed” a draw in the return-leg.
“Congo will seem to be the underdogs and will be double motivated in what, will be a regional derby. All the same, Cameroon can have a perfect path through these qualifiers, as we did in the last AFCON qualifiers without losing a game,” averred Nkede, adding that “this will depend on team organization and a serene atmosphere around the team. Coach David Pagou has what it takes, in terms of squad depth and quality to sail through the qualifiers in calm waters,” he ended.
According to Congolese Journalist, Jean Rufin Leomba, it is an easy group for Coach David Pagou and Congo Brazzaville to sail through has leaders, without neglecting Comoros and Namibia.
“A group is never easy, after the draw of a competition has been conducted.It’s always a matter of organisation from every nation based on its objectives.”
He added that “the Congo Brazzaville -Cameroon encounter, is considered be to a Central African derby. The game will be very interesting to watching… I think for Congo, facing Cameroon or Namibia, won’t be just be a challenge for the mere reason. We will have to prepare adequately for these encounters.”
Leomba said despite the absence of their head trainer, he believes it will be a good competition for the Congolese senior men’s national football team: “We could have Cameroon and Congo as qualifiers. Not forgetting, Comoros coming up strongly and not to be estimated. My fear for the Congolese side, is their absence from FIFA friendly games.There are alot of happenings surrounding the team that needs to be looked.”
Cameroon has faced Comoros twice, with the Indomitable Lions winning all their games. They have also recorded three encounters against the Brave Warriors, recording one win, one loss and one draw.
Against Congo Brazzaville, both sides have faced each other five times, with the Indomitable Lions recording two wins, two draws and one defeat.