Africa Cup of Nations: The favorites
Most pundits at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon are picking Ivory Coast to defend the title. But there are plenty of other contenders, with some of the world's best players on show. Here's a look at the favorites.
Underachievers search for maiden title
Still ranked as Africa's top team, despite failing to qualify for a World Cup since 2002, Senegal will be looking to win their first major trophy. In Liverpool winger Sadio Mane (left), they have one of the continent's best players, while the squad is sprinkled with players from Europe's major leagues. Their game against Algeria on January 23 is one of the standout ties of the group stage.
Elephants can't be ignored
The 2015 winners are the favorites to repeat the trick. The "golden generation" built around Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure may have gone but coach Michel Dussuyer can call on a number of talented youngsters. Ivory Coast's youthful element will be complemented by experienced Premier League trio Wilfried Bony, Wilfried Zaha and Eric Bailly.
Hosts are a wildcard
Despite having never progressed past the last eight of the competition, the hosts have high hopes this time around. Those hopes are pinned mainly on Borussia Dortmund hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Bundesliga's top scorer has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, averaging more than a goal a game. Any side with him in it stands a chance.
Mahrez aiming for winning end to stellar year
One of the continent's quiet achievers, Algeria have qualified for the last two World Cups, taking Germany to extra time in 2014. Despite global success, the Desert Foxes haven't won AFCON since 1990. But in newly crowned African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez (left) they have a trump card. The winger helped Leicester to a shock title and will hope to do the same with Algeria.
Black Stars want more than second place
Traditionally one of Africa's strongest sides, the Black Stars don't have the big name players they once did. But West Ham's Andre Ayew (right) is a danger and their tournament pedigree also helps. Ghana have already won this competition four times, though the last of those was 35 years ago. They were unfortunate not to win last time out, losing on penalties to Ivory Coast in the 2015 final.
The Return of the Pharaohs
After failing to qualify for the three previous continental tournaments, the seven-time Africa Cup winners are back on the grid and hungry to win AFCON 2017. Mohamed Salah (center) is his side's greatest attacking threat, while Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny should provide a solid base.
Hungry to make up for lost time
Morocco were initially slated to host the 2015 tournament but pulled out after demanding a postponement following the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Equatorial Guinea stepped in to the breach. Now Aziz Bouhaddouz (left) and his teammates want to finally show what they can do. Coach Herve Renard knows his way around the tournament: The Frenchman won the trophy with the Ivory Coast in 2015.