The Taifa Stars were drawn in the same group as their neighbours Kenya, Senegal and Algeria in Group C of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations East African neighbours Tanzania and Kenya will square off at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after they were drawn together in Group C at the draw held in Cairo, Egypt on Friday evening. North African side Algeria and West African's Senegal complete Group C. The tournament, which begins on 23 June, will be the first one of this format - expanded from 16 to 24 teams - and also the first tournament not to be played in January. The biannual spectacle is finally set to get underway despite been dominated by doubts over whether or not Egypt will be ready to host it. This is after Cameroon were stripped of hosting rights. FINALLY! #TotalAFCON2019 groups are here! Which is the most exciting group? pic.twitter.com/LNeByDBlsn — CAF (@CAF_Online) April 12, 2019 Emmanuel Amuneke's men will be making their first appearance in 38 years at the Afcon and will be looking to go beyond the Group Stages for the first time in their history. Kenya, on the other hand, will be making their sixth appearance at the finals and are making their first return since 2004. Article continues below Senegal’s hopes of winning their maiden title will rest of coming through a group that contains also contains an Algerian side who are looking to outdo a dismal showing in Gabon-2017 and also continue their hunt for their first title since 1990. The Desert Foxes also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia but Djamel Belmadi sealed qualification for Afcon a few months after taking over and is now tasked with picking a team that will take the Algerians to the promised land. The Taifa Stars will kick-off their campaign against Senegal on June 23 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo before facing Kenya (June 27) and Algeria (July 01) respectively at the same venue.<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 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>
It is hard not to picture Gernot Rohr, an impish smile lurking beneath his serious visage, doing all he can to restrain himself from rubbing his hands in Grinch-like glee as he contemplated the kind draw for his side at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Rohr could not have asked for a more favourable group if he had stood on the podium and dipped his hands into the bowl himself. Guinea, Madagascar, and Burundi are as good as he, or any other Nigerian, could have hoped for going into the ceremony on Friday night, under the shadow of the legendary Sphinx. Hours before the ceremony, CAF revised its decades-long draw protocols, moving away from previous Afcon performance to FIFA rankings. Nigeria and Morocco were the two profiteers, suddenly moving from Pot 2 to Pot 1, and opening up the possibility for a favourable draw. And so it turned to be. Straightforward as the group may look, it likely won't be the case. The last time Nigeria were at the Nations Cup, they also had an easy draw. With Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Ethiopia to face, and they barely managed to scrape through on 5 points out of an available 9. To be fair, they did go on to win the tournament. The German was practically preening as he attempted to keep his eye on the details on Friday. "It would be a great showpiece of football but it is important for our players to avoid injuries as the season heads towards the end," he told ESPN. But as is always form with the Nigeria coach, he was quick to advise caution: "It is a tough group and we have to be at our best and our fittest. "Guinea has a young, tough team and we will have to be at our best against them. Burundi eliminated Gabon even with their Pierre Aubameyang. Madagascar was the first team to qualify." Skipper Ahmed Musa is not celebrating quite yet, given his memories of these opponents. Alex Morton/Getty Images Skipper Ahmed Musa also toed the same line: "I think it is a tough group for the Super Eagles. It is important for us to stay fit and avoid injuries so that everyone would be in great shape in Egypt. "We have a young team who have played at the World Cup but have not played at the Afcon. For me, we are ready for any country in Egypt. It would be an interesting experience." Both men are wise to advise caution. Both Guinea and Madagascar will throw up bad memories for the Super Eagles. All three were in the same group for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. - When is the Africa Cup of Nations? - Full Africa Cup of Nations fixtures schedule During that series, which was the last time the Super Eagles met either side, interim coach Austin Eguavoen's side lost 1-0 in the first leg of the qualifiers in Conakry. Musa, the only player left from the squad still playing internationally, will not remember that day fondly. It was his international debut and he missed a chance to earn Nigeria a penalty when his inexperience saw him carry on despite an obvious clip in the box. By the time the second leg rolled around, Samson Siasia had been installed as permanent coach and needed a win to qualify as one of two best second placed teams. All looked on course after goals from Obinna Nsofor and Ike Uche had erased Ismael Bangoura's strike. But a lightening quick counter attack from a corner kick saw Ibrahima Traore strike a dagger in Nigerian hearts with a 90th minute equalizer, and the Super Eagles were out. Florentin Pogba, brother of France and Manchester United's Paul, will be tasked with leading Guinea past the Super Eagles. ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images With Madagascar, the story was better but with an unfortunate twist. Nigeria won both legs 2-0 for a 4-0 aggregate. But an injury to striker Victor Anichebe on a bad pitch in Antananarivo meant that game was the last the former Everton man would ever play for Nigeria. And if those are not worrying enough backstops, Guinea went the entire qualifying series unbeaten, same as Burundi. Madagascar may not have an unbeaten record to boast of, but they beat Sudan and Equatorial Guinea away from home, and drew one game against Senegal. So debutants they may be, but if ever there were banana peels to be wary of, they would be them.