Stephan is taking nothing for granted

Senegal may be favourites to top Group B and qualify for the Nations Cup semi-finals next year but coach Guy Stephan is not counting any chickens.

The 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists are bound to face tough opposition in the form of neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, who they also met at the 2000 Nations Cup.

And Stephan told BBC Sport website that the Lions of Teranga cannot afford to take any of their opponents lightly.

"I can't say if I'm pleased or not with the draw because what comes out of the hat is behind my control," said Stephan.

GROUP B Senegal Mali Kenya Burkina Faso

"But we can't say it's an easy group. Mali and Burkina Faso have been to the semi-finals, while Kenya pose a serious threat," he reasoned.

"The opening game against Burkina Faso is important but not because they're better than the others.

Like Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso boast respectable Nations Cup pedigrees, having reached the semi-finals in 1998 and 2002 respectively.

Kenya, meanwhile, will be back for their first Nations Cup finals since 1992.

But the Harambee Stars' impressive qualifying campaign will force their opponents to approach them with caution.

The Kenyans will also be the only side in the group with a local coach, Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee , while their three opponents all have French managers.

Mulee told BBC Sport website that he was pleased with the draw and looking forward to the confrontation with the Senegalese.

"Senegal is the kind of opposition I was hoping for because I cried when the beat France at the World Cup.

"But it's not time for me to cry anymore. I have to prepare my team and make all Kenyans cry tears of joy by beating Senegal.

Kenya made their first appearance in 1972 in Cameroon and had to wait another eight years to return to Morocco in 1988, before successfully qualifying for the next two consecutive finals.

But in all four competitions, the Harambee Stars, who were trained by foreign coaches, failed to get past the first round.

Schedule of Group B matches:

Monday, 26 January
Senegal vs Burkina Faso (El Menzah)
Kenya vs Mali (Bizerte)

Friday, 30 January
Burkina Faso vs Mali (El Menzah)
Senegal vs Kenya (Bizerte)

Monday, 2 February
Senegal vs Mali (El Menzah)
Burkina Faso vs Kenya (Bizerte)