The much anticipated wait for Africa`s biggest sporting extravaganza slated for 14 January to 5 February drew a step closer with the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) draw that was held on 19 October in Gabon.
Group of DEATH: B
The group of death is surely group B which has Africa`s top sides pitched against each other. Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal are ranked in the top ten best African national teams whilst Zimbabwe is nowhere in sight and will face an uphill task if it is ever going to go anywhere past the group stage.
Tournament favorites: Algeria
Algeria will go into the tournament ranked as the number one African team and 33 on the FIFA world rankings. Currently it has the best attacking record after scoring 25 goals in their qualification campaign.
Player to watch: Pierre-Emerick Aubarmeyang
Gabon`s fast paced forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubarmeyang, is likely to cause a stir at the tournament. The prolific striker plies his trade in Germany for Borussia Dortmund. Aubarmeyang has got the 2015 African Footballer of the Year award under his belt and is the first player from the central African country to win the award.
Several of Africa`s soccer power houses managed to book a place at the 27 Africa Cup of Nations tournament after proving their worth. The likes of South Africa and Nigeria will not be taking part after crushing out in the race to book a place in the finals.
Uganda managed to end a 38 year drought by qualifying for the finals since 1978.
Guinea Bissau also made history in the sporting world by qualifying and will make their first ever appearance at the 2017 AFCON finals.