Host Atlas of Morocco will play the opening match of the 35th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals on December 21st this year against the Coelacanths of the Comoros in Group A.
This was revealed on Monday night when the final draw for the 24 qualified nations was conducted in Rabat, Morocco.
Other teams in Group A include the 2012 champions Chipolopolo of Zambia and the four-time semifinalists The Eagles from Mali.
Egyptian Pharaohs, the seven-time champions, will get their 28th AFCON appearance underway against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Group B.
In what seems like the COSAFA rivalry, the group also pits the 1996 AFCON Champions Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the Palancas Negras from Angola.
Three-time winners, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, are in Group C against the Uganda Cranes, Taifa Stars of Tanzania, and the 2004 champions Tunisia, AKA the Carthage Eagle.
2021 champions Teranga Lions of Senegal are in Group D with The Leopards of DR Congo, The Cheetahs of Benin, and the Zebras from Botswana.
While delivering his speech, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe exuded confidence with Morocco delivering the best-ever AFCON finals.
The month-long tournament will be staged in 9 venues spread across six cities in Morocco.
