The six groups for the expanded Africa Cup of Nations were drawn in a glamorous ceremony in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo, on Friday, as the 24 teams learned their first-round opponents. With the group stage mapped out, what should fans expect from the opening round of fixtures, where are the potential upsets, and who are the players to watch in African football's biennial showpiece? Group A Teams: Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe Overview: Egypt had already qualified through their position in Group J before being named as hosts in January, while Uganda breezed through Group L, not conceding until a final-day 3-0 hammering by Tanzania. Zimbabwe and the DRC both advanced from Group G, with the Warriors topping the pile on 11 points, four of which were taken from the Leopards. Player to Watch: The Welsh Premier League doesn't typically provide too many players for the Africa Cup of Nations (or many international tournaments for that matter) but Alec Mudimu of Cefn Druids is primed to buck the trend. The 6'2 Zimbabwean has been used in various defensive roles for his country, latterly protecting a promising defensive duo of Teenage Hadebe and Marshall Munetsi, having previously been deployed in defence himself. It will be fascinating to see how the Wrexham-based left-footer fares against Africa's biggest names. Zimbabwe's Alec Mudimu, in yellow, was a key player for his side during the Afcon qualifiers, and should be so again at the tournament proper. JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images Scope for upset? Pretty high. Uganda are well organised under Sebastien Desabre, are hard-working and defensively stout, and, critically, defeated Egypt during the recent World Cup qualifying campaign. Both Zimbabwe and the DRC have talented attackers who could also trouble the hosts, and the Pharaohs can't take anything for granted after this draw. What we'll be talking about after the group stage: Whether Egypt have a Plan B. It's the age-old problem for a Pharaohs team dominated - understandably - by Mohamed Salah. In the 2017 final, they ran out of ideas when he faded and was squeezed out by Cameroon, while a half-fit Salah was unable to inspire Egypt during a miserable World Cup showing last year. If defences can keep him under wraps - or cut off his supply line - then do the hosts have a backup plan? - When is the Africa Cup of Nations? - Full Africa Cup of Nations fixtures schedule Group B Teams: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi Overview: Madagascar and Burundi are making their Afcon debuts; the former were the first team to book their ticket after taking 10 points from their opening four matches, while Les Hirondelles saw off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Gabon to advance. Nigeria and Guinea topped Group E and H respectively. Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the youngest Super Eagles squad member at the FIFA World Cup in 2018. IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images Player to Watch: Francis Uzoho was named as Nigeria's unlikely No. 1 ahead of the World Cup, where a lack of experience and his slender years - the keeper is still only 20 - didn't faze Gernot Rohr. A series of errors in recent matches - notably against the Seychelles in Nigeria's final qualifier - haven't yet eroded the coach's faith, but could Uzoho prove to be a liability for the Super Eagles in Egypt? Scope For Upset: Madagascar held Senegal at home during the qualifiers, while Burundi were undefeated in double-headers against both Mali and Gabon. Both 'minnows' have proved that they can get the job done against much more established sides, and both are capable of stymieing a Nigeria side who can run out of ideas in the final third. What we'll be talking about after the group stage: John Obi Mikel. One of the most experienced and successful African players in the game, Mikel has controversially opted not to join up with the Super Eagles in the nine months since the World Cup. If - as expected - he returns in time for the tournament, but doesn't hit the ground running, then he leaves himself and Rohr open for criticism. If, however, he retakes his place in the heart of the midfield, and ensures Nigeria tick over as he has done in the past, then expect rampant talk of the Super Eagles repeating their 2013 championship-winning heroics. John Obi Mikel moved to English Championship club Middlesbrough from Tianjin TEDA as a free agent in January 2019. Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images Group C Teams: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania Overview: Senegal qualified as Group A winners and were among the top seeds for the draw, while Algeria were less convincing, falling to Benin in October and taking just two points from The Gambia. Kenya and Tanzania both surpassed expectations, the former defeating Ghana en route to Egypt, and the latter smashing previously imperious Uganda 3-0 in Dar es Salaam in their final qualifier. Player to Watch: Belgium-based Mbwana Samatta is Tanzania's star man, but the energetic Simon Msuva is an ideal foil for the former Tout Puissant Mazembe attacker. Plying his trade in Morocco with Difaa El Jadida, the 25-year-old has scored eight in 17 in the Moroccan top flight this term - following on 10 goals last season - and is thriving under new Taifa Stars coach Emmanuel Amuneke. Scope for upset? High. Despite their wealth of creative, attacking resources, Algeria failed to beat tiny Gambia home or away in qualifying, and will have to improve significantly against a Kenya defence that conceded just one in four to reach Egypt. Senegal's Sadio Mane is almost certain to play for his country if chosen for Afcon 2021, a blow for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images What we'll be talking about after the group stage: Can Senegal win their first Afcon title? The Teranga Lions have a star-studded side, arguably boasting the best defence on the continent and - in Sadio Mane - Africa's in-form player today. However, they've had talented generations in the past and failed to win the big one, so must prove they can pull it all together when it matters most. A convincing showing in this group, and they may find themselves on course for a maiden continental crown. Group D Teams: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia Overview: Despite losing their opener to Cameroon in June 2017, Morocco bounced back to top Group A, while the Cote d'Ivoire progressed as Group H runners-up behind Guinea. South Africa needed a final-matchday victory over Libya to progress after being inexplicably held in the Seychelles, and Namibia's joy at their first qualification since 2008 was somewhat dampened by a 4-1 pummelling by Zambia on matchday six. They'll have their work cut out in the 'Group of Death'. Player to Watch: Jean Seri and Franck Kessie already ensure that the Ivory Coast have one of the best midfields in Africa, but replacing the ageing Serey Die with Toulouse's Ibrahim Sangare would take things up another notch. Ibrahim Sanagre will be expected to replicate his form for Toulouse with Ivory Coast. Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images The towering defensive midfielder has been a revelation in Ligue 1 this season, dominating opponents in the French top flight and averaging a league-high four retrievals per match. He'll protect the defence, offer an aerial threat, feed the Elephants' superb forward line, and tackle anything that moves. Most importantly, he has the quality to demonstrate why Barcelona are reportedly monitoring his progress. Scope for upset? It's hard to see Namibia troubling the other three teams, but South Africa's defensive solidity could make life difficult for either of the group's other big sides. If they can finish above Morocco or the Ivory Coast, then one of these giants could be forced to face Nigeria or Egypt in the Round of 16. What we'll be talking about after the group stage: Herve Renard. Since the Frenchman ended the Ivorians' wait for a Nations Cup crown in 2015, he's been the nemesis of those who once adored him.<doc-sep>The west Africans are apparently in favour of Friday's draw which was held behind the Giza Pyramids in Cairo Following the outcome of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigerians are delighted with the opponents the Super Eagles will lock horns against by tipping Group B to be a walk in the park. Gernot Rohr's men have been paired against Guinea and two debutants Madagascar and Burundi. They will begin their campaign in Alexandria against the east African nation on June 22 before taking on Paul Put's side and the Barea on June 26 and 30 respectively. Article continues below In reaction to the draw, football enthusiasts across the country are bullish on the team's chances to succeed in Egypt and lift their fourth Afcon title after missing the last two editions. AFCON Groups.. Good one for Nigeria. https://t.co/3k3CXdJTKv — KING SUGAR MANCHII (@SUGARCLYVE) April 12, 2019 As easy as this group seems to be for the Super Eagles, I won't be surprised if we end up needing "our calculators" so as to qualify from the group. #Afcon2019Draw — KUNLE SALAKO (@Bishop_kanny) April 12, 2019 For the first time in the AFCON history, Nigeria has been placed in the Group of Life! 🇳🇬⚽️🦅 #SoarSuperEagles 🦅 #Afcon2019Draw #TotalAFCON2019 #Egypt2019 — OMO IYA ALAMALA (@sama_on_point) April 12, 2019 If Nigeria should get less than 9points in the first round of AFCON... There's a good chance they won't make the semis.. That group is the easiest of all #AFCON2019Draw — ❤️The~Empress™❤️ (@MzMary_Cathryn) April 12, 2019 Group B - Nigeria - Guinea - Madagascar - Burundi Honestly, if the Super Eagles can't get all 9 points in this group, we've got no business winning the 2019 AFCON. #Afcon2019Draw — CHIDUBEM NJOKU (@ChidubemNJ) April 12, 2019 AFCON 2019 Group B 1. Nigeria 2. Guinea 4. Madagascar 4. Burundi 💃💃💃💃💃💃 We will TOP group B with 12 points. Take it to CBN #Afcon2019Draw pic.twitter.com/5TFmM0uv1n — CBN Gov Akinsola Ak🇳🇬 (@cbngov_akin1) April 12, 2019 Nigeria, Madagascar, Guinea and Burundi in Group B. Not a bad fixture for the Super Eagles in the AFCON draws. — Nneka Ikem (@nnekaikem1) April 12, 2019 Congratulations to super eagle of Nigeria for winning afcon #Afcon2019Draw — Nasty_CSA (@mevpromotions) April 12, 2019 Something tells me @NGSuperEagles will do just well at the @Caf_Online AFCON. I hope that thing is right. A decent group for #Nigeria though. — Tosho Bello. (@IamFastWalker) April 12, 2019<doc-sep>The Black Stars' three opponents for the upcoming continental fiesta have been decided Ghana have been pitted against defending champions Cameroon in the group stage of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The Black Stars - four time champions - made Group F alongside the Indomitable Lions, Benin and Guinea-Bissau in Friday's draw conducted at the Sphinx and the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. The tournament is scheduled to run between June 21 and July 19. Kwesi Appiah's outfit will open their campaign against Benin at the Ismailia Stadium on June 25, four days before taking on five-time champions Cameroon. The game is set to provide Ghana a prompt opportunity to make up for their semi-final elimination at the hands of the Indomitable Lions at the 2017 championship in Gabon. On July 2, the Black Stars have a final group date with Guinea-Bissau, who are set to play at the tournament for just the second time. Article continues below The top two teams from the group will automatically progress to the knockout stage, while the third-placed side will have to finish among the four best third-placed sides from all the groups to make the next round. Ghana are hoping to end their recent disappointments at the tournament in Egypt, their last title dating back to Libya in 1982. Impressively, they have made the semi-final of the last six Afcon tournaments. On all occasions, however, the Stars fell short of claiming the ultimate, losing in the finals to Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire in 2010 and 2015.<doc-sep>
Several of the Africa's biggest teams will be confident after receiving favourable group-stage draws in Friday's ceremony outside Cairo The draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals was officially conducted in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo on Friday, with the six groups throwing up some exciting. The expanded 24-team tournament will take place in Egypt in June and July 2019. South Africa have been drawn in the Group of Death, and Stuart Baxter's men will have to face off against fellow former Afcon winners Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire in Group D. Minnows Namibia complete the group, and will renew hostilities with Bafana Bafana after the duo were pitted against each other in the 1998 Nations Cup. The hosts, pitted in Group A before the draw, have been handed a tough assignment, and will open the tournament against Zimbabwe, before meetings with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The Cranes qualified for their first Afcon tournament in almost four decades two years ago, where they were defeated by Egypt in Gabon. Holders Cameroon will meet Ghana in a replay of the 2017 semi-final, with Benin and Guinea-Bissau completing Group F. Nigeria should be relatively happier with their opponents, with debutants Burundi and Madagascar joining them and Guinea in Group B. In Group C, Senegal and Algeria are strong favourites to progress after being drawn against East African rivals Tanzania and Kenya, neither of whom can be taken for granted after impressive qualifying campaigns. Angola and Mauritania have their work cut out after being drawn against Mali and Tunisia in Group E, although they will be buoyed by the fact that four of the six best placed third-placed teams will progress. Afcon 2019 group-stage draw: Group A: Egypt, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Uganda Group B: Burundi, Madagascar, Guinea, Nigeria Group C: Tanzania, Algeria, Kenya, Senegal Article continues below Group D: South Africa, Namibia, Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco Group E: Angola, Mauritania, Mali, Tunisia Group F: Guinea-Bissau, Benin, Ghana, Cameroon