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Hosts Angola will launch their campaign at the 27th edition of the Orange African Cup of Nations against the Eagles of Mali in the opening match of the tournament in Luanda. The Palancas Negras housed in Group A will also face South Africa 2010 World Cup finalists Algeria and Malawi at the group phase. The participating teams for the continental soccer event knew their opponents at the group phase of the tournament during the official draw held on Friday at the Talatona Convention Centre in Luanda, the Angolan capital. The much awaited ceremony witnessed by CAF President Issa Hayatou and Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos was attended by the cr�me dela cr�me of African football amidst colourful scenes of cultural display, gymnastic performance and fireworks. In his address CAF President, Hayatou particularly commended Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos for his support towards the organization of the competition which will last January 10 to January 31, 2010. He reiterated that Angola is on course to host the biggest soccer event on the continent coupled major improvement in organizational and infrastructural demands of the tournament. �I assure you of CAF neutrality for the draw and the main tournament as well,� he concluded. Angolan Minister of Youth and Sports Gon�alves Muandumba assured the African football family of one of the best tournaments in the history of the biennial championship which started in 1957. He assured visiting fans and teams of the best of Angolan hospitality and a memorable event as well. The draw was conducted by CAF General Secretary, Mustapha Fahmy and assisted by former Angola internationals; Rui Clington, Ndunguidi Daniel, Joaquin Diniz and Fabrice Akwa. From the draw, defending champions, Egypt was paired in Group C alongside two-time winners, Nigeria, Mozambique and Benin. The quartet will be based in Western Angolan city of Benguela. Cote d�Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo make up Group B whilst Cameroon, Gabon, Zambia and Tunisia complete Group D. Cabinda will be the base of Group B teams and Lubango as the venue for Group D teams. Group A Angola Mali Malawi Algeria Group B Cote d�Ivoire Burkina Faso Ghana Togo Group C Egypt Nigeria Mozambique Benin Group D Cameroon Gabon Zambia Tunisia