Essam El Hadary has described Group C of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the toughest group in the competition because it features both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
“Group C is the toughest AFCON qualifiers group because it features both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire,” the Egyptian legend said following the draw.
El Hadary is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers after enjoying a remarkable career with Egypt. He won the Africa Cup of Nations four times in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010, the most AFCON titles won by any player in history.
The former shot-stopper also won the AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament award three consecutive times in 2006, 2008 and 2010, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever feature in the competition.
El Hadary further made history at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after becoming the oldest player ever to appear at the tournament.
Ghana were drawn alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia in Group C, with the qualifiers scheduled to begin in September 2026.