The defending champions have a great chance of clinching back-to-back titles having been placed in arguably the weakest group.
Tunisia
Roger Lemerre took much of the blame for France's abject displays in the last World Cup, but the experienced coach has bounced backed superbly and will be hoping for better luck when he takes the Carthage Eagles to Germany. Radhi Jaidi (Bolton) and Hatem Trabelsi (Ajax) are dominant at the back, while Selim Benachour (Guimaraes) adds guile behind Brazilian-born forward Francileudo Santos.
Verdict: Runners-up
Player to watch. . .
Santos' goals were the key to Tunisia's success last time and the diminutive striker, now at Toulouse, is likely to be a considerable menace again.
Zambia
Runners-up in 1974 and 1994, the Chipolopolo are unlikely to reach a third final, but could pip South Africa and Guinea to a place in the quarters. The appointment of legendary Zambian striker Kalusha Bwalya as coach last year has worked wonders. Most of the squad play in the domestic league or in South Africa, though former Bayern Munich midfielder Andrew Sinkala, now at Cologne, is an exception. Portsmouth forward Collins Mbesuma should be partnered by Harry Milanzi, back after a six-month ban for cannabis.
Verdict: Third in the group
Player to watch. . .
Yet to shine with Portsmouth, 21-year-old Mbesuma was voted South Africa's Player of the Year in 2004/05 after scoring 34 goals for Kaizer Chiefs.
South Africa
Internal disputes are threatening to wreck Bafana Bafana's campaign once again. The 1996 winners were dealt a big blow last week when midfielder Aaron Mokoena pulled out of the squad. The Blackburn player withdrew after being voted off as captain by the players - who want Sibusiso Zuma to take the armband. With Steven Pienaar (Ajax) and Quinton Fortune (Manchester United) unavailable, South Africa will be praying for a return to form by FC Porto striker Benni McCarthy.
Verdict: Fourth in the group
Player to watch.. .
The pressure is on McCarthy to score following the retirement of Shaun Bartlett, but the 28-year-old has only hit the net once for Porto this season.
Guinea
Patrice Neveu's unpredictable side have plenty of fire-power and could create an upset or two. They showed they can rival the big guns by beating Tunisia in qualification and, in Saint-Etienne's Pascal Feindouno, they possess one of Africa's most complete attacking players. Three forwards are named Bangoura, but Stoke City's Sambegou Bangoura is likely to lead the line. Defensive frailty could be their downfall, particularly with Celtic's Bobo Balde low on confidence.
Verdict: Quarter-finals
Player to watch. . .
A consistent performer in the French top flight, Feindouno creates chances with his surging runs and is Guinea's key man, despite giving up the captaincy.
