Champions South Africa have been drawn against powerhouse Ghana in Group C of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, with Mali and Tanzania rounding out the pool.
Hosts Morocco were drawn against Zambia, with Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, along with West African dark horses Senegal and tournament returnees Congo DR. The Atlas Lionesses were losing finalists at the previous tournament, also staged in Morocco, while the Copper Queens surprised the continent by defeating 11-time champions Nigeria 1-0 to finish third.
The Super Falcons, who had a tournament to forget last time out, will enjoy what appears to be relatively easy passage to the knockout rounds, having been grouped alongside Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana at the draw in the Moroccan city of Sale, just outside Rabat, on Friday night.
Nigeria hosted Algeria in two friendly games last month, winning 2-0 and 4-1 respectively, with a significantly weakened squad. Tunisia were quarterfinalists last time out.
The fireworks are expected to come in Group C, when South Africa and Ghana take to the field.
South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who was part of Banyana Banyana's championship-winning team in 2022, says the title-holders will not be taking any team for granted.
"As the defending champions, we are not going to be cocky at all," she said. "The only thing that we need to do is work extremely hard and prepare for this tournament, because it is a humongous tournament.
"The top three countries from here have actually finished in the last 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup, and so anyone is capable of winning this tournament. It depends on who actually excels on that specific day.
"But as defending champions, we are ready to work hard. South Africa has talented players that want to give their all because this is where it all begins."
The tournament takes place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2025
2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations draw
Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania.