Nigeria vs. Eq Guinea (Sunday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
Nigeria's bid for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title starts with Sunday's encounter against Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
The Super Eagles hope to remain competitive despite being forced into making several changes before their first game because of injuries, and the Nzalang Nacional aim to continue the record of always qualifying from their group.
We say: Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
Unbeaten in 11 competitive and non-competitive games, Equatorial Guinea should make that 12 against a Super Eagles side heavily reliant on Osimhen to deliver the goods.
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Egypt vs. Mozambique (Sunday, 5.00pm)
© Reuters
Egypt begin their hunt for an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Mozambique at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Sunday.
The Pharaohs, beaten finalists at AFCONs 2017 and 2021, aim to end their drought at the finals, while Os Mambas are featuring at the continental showpiece for the first time since 2010.
We say: Egypt 3-0 Mozambique
While Mozambique may back themselves to secure a shock result, Egypt's superior quality should lead to a comfortable win for the Pharaohs on Sunday.
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Ghana vs. Cape Verde (Sunday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
Ghana's bid for a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title begins on Sunday, when they take on Cape Verde in the second game of Group B at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
The Black Stars were humbled at AFCON 2021, exiting at the group stage, and are keen to outdo that ignominious exit this time, while their opponents hope to surpass expectations again.
We say: Ghana 1-1 Cape Verde
Ghana played out a goalless game against Namibia in their pre-AFCON friendly, and they may struggle to break down a stubborn Cape Verde defence on Sunday.
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Barney Corkhill
