The Pharaohs, who hold the record for the most ACN triumphs with five titles, take on four-time winners Cameroon in the group opener in Kumasi on January 22nd.

In the draw that was held in Ghana capital Accra, the hosts were placed in Group A where they will face Guinea, Namibia and Morocco.

2006 runners-up Ivory Coast were paired with two-time winners Nigeria, Benin and Mali in Group B.

North African giants Tunisia face a tough task against Senegal, Angola and South Africa in Group D.

Sigh of relief

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata will breathe a sigh of relief after learning his opponents in Africa's premier competition.

Despite having to face Indomitable Lions Cameroon in their ACN opener, Egypt won't probably face difficulties in their matches against Sudan and Zambia.

Sudan have gone from strength to strength lately but the fact that they will appear in the ACN for the first time in 32 years is likely to make their mission difficult.

Zambia failed to make it beyond the group stage since qualifying to the quarter-finals in 1996. They were handed a crushing 4-0 defeat to Egypt two years later.

Egypt will be looking to replicate the sort of form and spirit that saw them claim the 2006 competition on home soil after defeating Ivory Coast in penalty shootout.

Next year's tournament kicks off on 20th January in Accra and runs till 10 February.