At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the four groups carry particular intrigue and the first round should be packed with engrossing matches.
This is not least because of the lopsided nature of the draw, which ensures a number of genuinely blockbuster contests in the opening week of action.
By the same token, however, a number of less-heralded sides, receiving succour from avoiding the big dogs, may approach the competition with less fear and more attacking abandon.
In this feature, we look ahead to the group stage of the AFCON and pick out the five most exciting opening-round matches.
Burkina Faso vs. Gabon
Indeed, the nature of the draw means the knockout stages open up somewhat for the winners of Group A and either of these sides could cement their status as AFCON dark horses with a victory here.
Added to the spice is the fact that both sides met during qualification. Gabon enjoyed the upper hand in those two contests, but 2013 finalists Burkina Faso will be confident they can reassert themselves in Saturday’s clash.
Cameroon vs. Ivory Coast
Not only is this contest a heavyweight clash between two would-be finalists, it’s also a battle with some tasty recent history.
Drawn together in qualification, both the Indomitable Lions and the Elephants attempted to recover from disappointing World Cup displays.Volker Finke made some bold changes to his side following their disgraceful showing in Brazil, while incoming Ivory Coast chief Herve Renard largely stuck with the team that had fallen short (once again) during the summer.
The first match between the two sides ended with a 4-1 victory for Cameroon. Needless to say, Renard lost faith with a few established internationals and the Elephants were much improved for the return leg, a 0-0 draw in Abidjan.
Now, they face each other again in their final Group D match in Malabo. Even if qualification is already secured for these two, they may still be playing to avoid likely Group C winners Algeria.
If one of the pair slip up in their first two matches against Guinea and Mali, then this one might become a premature knockout fixture.
Algeria vs. South Africa
The Group of Death kicks off with Senegal vs. Ghana on Monday, with Algeria vs. South Africa coming later in the day.
This match will be the first opportunity to see potential champions Algeria at the Cup of Nations. The Desert Foxes were far and away Africa’s best side in 2014, with their World Cup run being the highlight of a terrific 12 months.
The African title would be fitting reward for their endeavours over the last year, but they begin with a potential banana skin. How will the continent’s best team start their AFCON assault? Can they show, from the off, that they are ready to claim the crown that many believe is rightfully theirs?
In their way stand South Africa.
Bafana Bafana head to Equatorial Guinea with renewed vigour having impressed during qualification and contributed to the elimination of reigning champions Nigeria. However, the real test for Ephraim Mashaba’s young charges will come at the tournament proper.
South Africa travel to Equatorial Guinea having axed a trio of talented midfielders—Thulani Serero, May Mahlangu and Kamohelo Mokotjo. Can they still trouble Algeria with what’s left?
DR Congo vs. Zambia
Group B is arguably the most open of the tournament. It is certainly the hardest one for me to predict.
Tunisia and Cape Verde qualified convincingly and the Democratic Republic of Congo hit four past the Ivory Coast as recently as October, while Zambia won the African title as recently as 2012.
None of the quartet will fear their first-round opponents, and all will be aware that an encouraging run to the semi-final awaits them if they can top the group.
The match between the Leopards and Chipolopolo carries added intrigue, however, due to the number of team-mates set to compete against each other at the African high table.
Three of the DR Congo side and two Zambians play for TP Mazembe, the Lubumbashi giants. The battle between Chipolopolo’s Mazembe attackers—Given Singuluma and Rainford Kalaba—and Congo’s Mazembe defenders—Robert Kidiaba and Jean Kasusula (I expect Joel Kimwaki will have to settle for a spot on the bench)—should be an engrossing subplot.
Ghana vs. Senegal
Pre-tournament injuries mean that these two potential heavyweights will head to Equatorial Guinea seeking new ways of troubling their opponents.
Without Kwadwo Asamoah, injured since the end of 2014, Ghana will need to find new inspiration.
The Juventus man is a versatile operator who can bring an undoubted sparkle to the centre of the park. Without him, who will be Ghana’s chief creator?
Senegal, similarly, will contest the Cup of Nations without three high-profile players, with a fourth facing a fitness battle ahead of the tournament.
Demba Ba was overlooked having fallen out with Alain Giresse, while Diafra Sakho and Mohamed Diame are injured and have missed out. On song, Sadio Mane could compensate for all three, but without him, Senegal may be a classic broken team.
Considering the pressures that come with being pooled in the Group of Death, neither of these two can contemplate a slip up.
There is further intrigue as this match represents Avram Grant’s first competitive fixture as Ghana boss. The former Chelsea chief is an unknown quantity in African football, but this opening clash should give us a clue as to which way this one’s going to go for the Black Stars.