Defending champions Nigeria have been drawn against Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia and South Africa in the first round of the 2019 U23 AFCON in Egypt.
This is a fairly balanced group with Zambia parading the top scorer in the qualifiers, Fashion Sakala, who netted four goals.
Hosts Egypt are drawn in the tougher looking Group A alongside Mali, Cameroon and Ghana.
The hosts will play the opening game against Mali at the Cairo International Stadium, while Nigeria will open their title defence against Cote d’Ivoire.
The tournament will be played between November 8-22 in Cairo, Egypt.
The top three teams will represent Africa at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
