Hosts Gabon will stage the opening match in Libreville on January 14 against Group A opponents Guinea-Bissau who make their first appearance in the 16-nation tournament.

Cameroon and Burkina Faso are also in the group.

The other group favourites, Algeria and Ghana start against Zimbabwe and Uganda respectively.

Algeria have the toughest first round task in Group B where they must also take on Tunisia and Senegal for one of the two qualifying places for the quarterfinals.

Ghana are the team to beat in Group D. Apart from Uganda, they will take on Egypt, making their return to the contest after missing three finals, and Mali.

The final is in Libreville on February 5.

DRAW FOR AFCON 2017

Group A: Gabon (seeded), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau
Group B: Algeria (seeded), Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe
Group C: Ivory Coast (seeded), Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Togo
Group D: Ghana (seeded), Mali, Egypt, Uganda

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com