The race for places at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) resumes this week, with several of the continent's top football nations facing crucial double-header fixtures in the November international break.
Ghana and Nigeria are among the teams under pressure to revive their qualification campaigns after disappointing starts, while South Africa, Senegal, Egypt and Mali will also be seeking important results.
For some countries, the fixtures present an opportunity to move closer to qualification, while others risk falling further behind if they fail to secure maximum points.
Here are some of the major talking points ahead of the latest round of qualifiers.
Nigeria face uphill battle to revive qualification hopes
Nigeria head into the November fixtures under pressure after a disappointing start left them three points behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Guinea-Bissau, leaving them with little room for further mistakes.
With co-hosts Tanzania already assured of qualification, only one automatic qualifying place remains available in the group.
Nigeria will face Tanzania twice, first in Uyo before travelling to Dar es Salaam, knowing that dropped points could make their qualification hopes even more difficult.
Head coach Eric Chelle will also be without striker Victor Osimhen, alongside midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
However, Ajax Amsterdam forward Tolu Arokodare could provide an attacking boost after an impressive goalscoring run at club level. His performances could prove crucial as Nigeria attempt to get their campaign back on track.
Egypt seek stability amid Salah tensions
Egypt will be looking to restore stability following the departure of head coach Hossam Hassan on November 7.
Hassan's relationship with Mohamed Salah had reportedly come under increasing scrutiny, particularly after the forward was substituted against Angola and subsequently left the national team camp before the trip to South Sudan.
Former Egyptian international Ali Maher has taken charge and faces the immediate challenge of rebuilding harmony within the squad while maximising its attacking potential.
His first assignment will be a double-header against Malawi.
The new coach has included domestic forward Mahmoud Mamdouh for his first international call-up, while experienced midfielder Trézéguet has also returned to the squad.
Kudus return offers Ghana hope
Ghana are also facing pressure to revive their qualification campaign after suffering defeats against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening two matches.
The departure of Carlos Queiroz has further complicated preparations, with women's national team coach Kim Bjorkegren taking temporary charge for the double-header against Somalia.
The return of Mohammed Kudus, who missed the previous international break through injury, offers some encouragement for the Black Stars.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has shown signs of recovering his form following an extended spell on the sidelines and is expected to strengthen Ghana's attacking options.
Ghana will need maximum points from the two matches to improve their position and avoid the possibility of another disappointing AFCON qualification campaign.
Vieira faces early test with Senegal
Senegal's new head coach Patrick Vieira faces an important test as he begins reshaping the national team following his appointment to replace Pape Thiaw.
Several experienced players will be missing from the squad for the upcoming fixtures against Sudan.
Former goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and defender Ismail Jakobs have retired from international football, while Sadio Mané and Idrissa Gana Gueye are also absent.
Vieira explained that Mané had requested to remain at home because he was expecting a child, while Gueye's absence did not necessarily mean the end of his international career.
Their absence has created opportunities for several emerging players, including Pathé Mboup, Pape Demba Diop, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy.
The matches against Sudan will provide Vieira with an opportunity to assess his options and begin establishing his preferred approach.
McCarthy and Mosimane set for South African showdown
One of the most anticipated contests of the international break will see Benni McCarthy's Kenya face Pitso Mosimane's South Africa in a Group D double-header.
Kenya, who are already assured of a place at the tournament as hosts, will be seeking to improve their preparations after a difficult previous international break.
Concerns have also emerged over reported disagreements involving unpaid player allowances, with McCarthy previously raising questions about conditions within the national team camp.
The former Orlando Pirates striker will return to the Orlando Stadium, where he enjoyed success during his playing career.
However, he faces a difficult challenge against a South African side under Mosimane, who began their qualification campaign with two victories.
Sinayoko offers Mali attacking threat
Mali will face Rwanda in what could be one of the most competitive double-headers of the round.
Both countries won their opening two qualifying matches, leaving them well positioned in the group.
Rwanda, coached by Stephen Constantine, have made an encouraging start and will be hoping to secure their first AFCON appearance since 2004.
However, they face a stern test against Mali, who will be encouraged by the impressive form of Paris FC striker Lassine Sinayoko.
The forward has scored nine goals in 10 Ligue 1 appearances, making him one of the players to watch during the international break.
His performances could prove decisive as Mali seek to strengthen their position in the group.
Cape Verde fight to keep qualification hopes alive
Cape Verde face an uphill task after losing their opening two qualifying matches, putting their hopes of reaching the tournament under pressure.
The island nation enjoyed a memorable run at the World Cup, reaching the knockout stages, but have struggled to carry that momentum into their AFCON qualification campaign.
Their preparations have also been affected by the departure of head coach Bubista, who moved to Moroccan club RS Berkane.
Cape Verde will face Liberia, who have also lost their opening two matches.
The double-header presents both sides with an important opportunity to revive their campaigns, but further dropped points could leave their qualification hopes in serious jeopardy.
Amad Diallo gets opportunity under Renard
Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo will be hoping to make an impression under new head coach Hervé Renard during the November international break.
Diallo's nomination for the African Footballer of the Year award recognises his growing influence in African football, following impressive performances at both the AFCON and FIFA World Cup.
However, his club form at Manchester United has been less convincing, with limited opportunities to make an impact during a difficult period for the English club.
Renard's appointment could offer the 24-year-old a fresh opportunity to establish himself as a key figure in the Ivorian team.
The French coach has previously highlighted the development of young players as one of his reasons for returning to the Ivory Coast national team.
Diallo, who missed the previous international break through injury, is expected to feature against The Gambia.
The winger will be eager to translate his recent individual recognition into influential performances as the Elephants continue their qualification campaign.
