GROUP C Having won the tournament a total of six times, twice more than any other nation,
Egypt are always the team to beat in the Nations Cup.
Champions in the last two tournaments, their consistency in this competition is overshadowed only by their repeated inability to qualify for the World Cup finals.
The Pharaohs again missed out, this time to Algeria, to extend their World Cup appearance drought to 20 years.
As far as dominating the continental scene, however, Hassan Shehata's side are without equal, but they face a true test of character this year with star midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika injured and a squad of ageing players facing what may be their swansong.
Twice winners and six-time finalists,
Nigeria are due another Nations Cup trophy and having scraped through to the World Cup, albeit in thrilling fashion, it is fair to say their ever-expectant fans demand success this year.
The Super Eagles' current squad features some of the best talent the country has produced in recent times, including Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Wolfsburg's Obafemi Martins, Osaze Odemwingie of Locomotiv Moscow and Victor Obinna Nsofor, currently on loan at Malaga from Inter Milan.
Mozambican fans are elated at their return to the continental scene
|
But whether under-pressure coach Shuaibu Amodu can shape them into a winning team may determine whether he will remain in his post for South Africa 2010, with critics constantly questioning his tactics and team selections.
Anything less than a top-four finish may not be acceptable for Nigerian supporters, whereas anything beyond a good showing in the group stage will be a bonus for a solid
Mozambique side, competing in their first pan-African tournament for 12 years.
Dutch coach Mart Nooij's squad of mainly home-based players enjoyed an unbeaten home record in the final qualification phase, including a creditable home draw against Nigeria, who they will meet once more in Lubango.
The Mambas have never progressed beyond the Nations Cup group stages, but their young, well-drilled side will be hoping to top that, as will
Benin, who go into their third finals having finished runners-up to Ghana in qualification.
The Squirrels also possess a young team, full of athletic, attacking players, including Nigeria-born striker Razak Omotoyossi and the talented Stephan Sessegnon of Paris Saint-Germain.
They will need all their attacking power in a tough group as they seek their first group win at the tournament.