The 24 teams have been split into six groups of four teams, with the hosts in Group A alongside three-time champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

Group B also contains a heavyweight match-up, with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, the most successful team in the competition’s history, drawn against Ghana, currently coached by former Newcastle and Brighton boss Chris Hughton.

Holders Senegal have drawn Cameroon in Group C in one of the most tantalising early fixtures.

Morocco, who became the first side from the continent to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022, are the highest African nation in the world rankings (13th) – but have not won a Nations Cup since 1976.

Walid Regragui’s side face former winners DR Congo and Zambia and East Africa’s sole representatives Tanzania in Group F.

Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau.

Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique.

Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia.

Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola.

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia.

Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania.