Draw pits champions Senegal against 'really difficult' Cameroon - Sadio Mane
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Defending champions Senegal face a stern test against Cameroon in the group stage of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d'Ivoire 2023, after being placed together at Thursday's draw.
The two continental heavyweights will meet in Group C along with Guinea and an exciting Gambia team in what looks set to be a fiercely competitive pool.
Ironically, Senegal and Cameroon clash in a friendly in France on Monday as part of preparations for their latest AFCON showdown.
"It's a really difficult group," said Senegal forward Sadio Mane, who helped conduct the draw.
"Cameroon is going to be really tough but we will give our best to go through from the first round."
Mane led Senegal to a first ever AFCON title in Cameroon last year, triumphing on penalties against Egypt.
They will attempt to defend their crown at the 24-team finals in Cote d'Ivoire
The draw took place in Abidjan on Thursday, three months before the continent's showpiece event gets underway on 13 January until 11 February 2024.
Six venues across Ivory Coast will host matches, including two stadia in Abidjan along with newly constructed venues in Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.
The top two in each of the six groups will progress along with the best four third-placed teams.
The final will take place at Abidjan's 65,000 capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium on 11 February as the new African champions are crowned.
