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Shocked all and sundry by qualifying as group winners ahead of much-fancied Nigeria,
level on points but with a better head-to-head record against the Super Eagles in the qualifiers.
It is the Palancas Negras' third appearance at the tournament.
Coach: Luis Oliveira Goncalves
Winners of two of the last three tournaments, it is a fool who writes off the Indomitable Lions, despite their excruciating, some would even say embarrassing, failure to qualify for Germany 2006.
Coach: Artur Jorge.
Previous double winners of the tournament, still chagrined by the nature of their elimination from Tunisia 2004. At best could be the tournament's surprise package. The 'Simbas' have an impressive qualifying record having secured a spot at successive tournaments since 1992.
Coach: Claude Leroy.
One of two countries looking to win it for the fifth time. Egged on by the home fans, the 'Pharaohs' have a decent chance, although results in recent years have been nothing to enthuse about.
Coach: Hassan Shehata.
Ghana: Among the pre-tournament favourites until ankle injuries robbed the 'Black Stars' of star midfielders Michael Essien and Sully Ali Muntari. The most improved country on the continent and should be among the favourites to reach the semi-finals.
Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic.
Only Guinea fans will have qualms with the assessment that their team will be in Egypt to make up the numbers. Because they will be motivated by the desire to confound the doubters, the 'surprise package' tag should be affixed to the 'Syli Nationale'.
Coach: Patrice Neveu.
Perennial underachievers, but looking solid in all departments at the moment - tight defence epitomised by Kolo Toure, solid midfield by Didier Zokora, and potent attack by Didier Drogba. And buoyed by their qualification for next summer's World Cup finals for the first time in their history, this could the year the 'Elephants' end their 14-year drought.
Coach: Henri Michel.
Their first appearance at AFCON since hosting the 1982 edition, qualifying for the tournament will be regarded by many as an achievement in itself. Only those with illusions of grandeur expect 'the Greens' to even threaten to win it.
Coach: Ilija Loncarevic.
Naturally, they will be hoping to go one better after losing to Tunisia in the final in 2004. However, the 'Atlas Lions'' prospects would have been dented significantly by administrative and coaching turmoil on the eve of the tournament:
Coach: Mohammed Fakhir.
The 'Super Eagles' will always be among the favourites on reputation alone and because of the embarrassment of talent in a squad boasting the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Obafemi Martins, Celestine Babayaro, Joseph Yobo and Nwankwo Kanu.
Coach: Austin Eguavoen.
Failure to reach the semi-finals will be regarded as a failure for a Senegal side that on paper is as good as any on the continent. The 'Teranga Lions' are a wounded pride after their failure to qualify for Germany 2006, so expect a serious riposte.
Coach: Abdoulaye Sarr.
Veteran Pierre Issa is a surprise inclusion in the 'Bafana Bafana' squad. Otherwise an experimental side with seven uncapped players, while there is some consternation about defensive frailties after the withdrawal of deposed skipper and Blackburn defender Aaron Mokoena.
Coach: Ted Dumitru.
The 'Hawks' will be looking to prove that qualifying for next summer's World Cup finals from a group involving Egypt and Cameroon was not a fluke.
Coach: Stephen Keshi.
Defending champions under the astute guidance of a seasoned coach, arguably the most balanced squad at the tournament. The 'Carthage Eagles' will not give up their title without a fight.
Coach: Roger Lemerre.
Another of the countries at the tournament playing for pride. 'Chipolopolo' flattered to deceive during the qualifiers before having to settle for a place in Egypt when Germany looked a dead certainty. They could surprise many in an open group.
Coach: Kalusha Bwalya.
Second successive appearance for the 'Warriors' who could have done with a kinder draw than a group involving Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. The Southern Africans, together with Angola and Libya are the tournament's novices.
Coach: Charles Mhlauri.
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