Seven-time champions Egypt and heavyweight outfits Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal begin their qualifying campaigns on Friday for next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco were awarded the 2025 title after Senegal were stripped of the crown for walking off the pitch without the referee's permission during the final in Rabat. They play host on Friday to Gabon, who will play their first game since the international retirement of skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.