All eyes in recent months have been on South Africa, the country that will host the first ever World Cup to be staged on African soil during June and July, but the next three weeks will see all attention diverted towards Angola, where some of the best players on the planet will be on display.

The likes of Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, Michael Essien and Fredi Kanoute are just some of the big names that will be in attendance, with the competition itself set to be one of the tightest in recent years.

Ivory Coast are again the favourites, but Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Mali and hosts Angola are all potential challengers for the crown, which will be decided on January 31.

Two years ago, when the Elephants arrived in Ghana, they were widely expected to at least reach the final, but they fell just short and bowed out to eventual champions Egypt in the semis.

For the likes of Drogba and many of his ageing team-mates, this could be a last shot at glory - the current generation has never won the title with the Elephants' last and only triumph coming 18 years ago.

And coach Vahid Halilhodzic knows that time is running out.

"This generation has a responsibility," he said. "They do not have to fail like the previous teams because they have learnt from past mistakes.

"Today they have the arduous task of bringing glory to the land especially in the face of hope and expectancy."

The Bosnian, though, is not expecting an easy run, especially considering his side have been drawn in the 'Group of Death' - Pool B, which includes the Ghanaians, Togo and Burkina Faso.

He added: "A great team is known for its performances. We can then say that the best team is Egypt which has won several Nations Cups.

"It will not be easy because there is Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria and even Angola. But we will do everything to go and win something in Angola."

His comments with reference to the Pharaohs are almost certain to be echoed by most of his rival coaches as the north Africans are bidding for their seventh title and third in succession.

Hassan Shehata's team, who are in Group C alongside Nigeria, Mozambique and Benin, will be desperate to make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup - they were pipped by Algeria in a controversial play-off during November.

They are also missing some key players, most notably attackers Mohamed Aboutrika and Amr Zaki, but the coach has refused to be drawn on the absentees and instead opted to focus on the positives.

He said: "I don't want to set a certain target in Angola, but I promise that we will do our best to win every game."

There is no doubt his side face a tough opening game, though, against a rejuvenated Nigerian side.

Then there is Cameroon, who will be favourites to top Group D, made up of Tunisia, Gabon and Zambia.

But striker Eto'o is cautious, warning that the Indomitable Lions will have to dig deep if they want to add to their four titles.

He said: "All the teams at the tournament are strong because many teams have matured, but Cameroon also has a strong team and I believe we can go all the way and win a fifth title."

Whatever the outcome of their Nations Cup experience, Algeria will be in celebratory mood in Angola after ending a 24-year wait last November by qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986.

Rabah Saadane's side will be hoping to use the opportunity to test their competitive skills in a pool they could realistically top - Group A also includes the hosts, Mali and Malawi.

The tournament kicks-off with the home side facing the Malians on Sunday evening.