Schafer sees Algeria game as crucial

Holders Cameroon will begin the defence of their title in Tunisia against Algeria knowing that any slip-up could prove costly in a tough-looking Group C.

Zimbabwe apart, the Indomitable Lions know they will be hard pressed to get maximum points from either the Desert Rats or their fellow-North Africans, Egypt.

Cameroon, Egypt and Algeria are all former champions and between them have won a total of nine African titles.

However, Cameroon will take heart from the fact that they defeated both Egypt and Algeria in the quarter-finals en route to their last two African titles.

GROUP C Cameroon Egypt Algeria Zimbabwe

Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer told BBC Sport website that the opening game against Algeria will be crucial.

He said: "That game will not be easy but we're the champions and we'll work very hard."

After qualifying from a relatively easy group, Algeria's intense rivalry with Egypt will be renewed at the tournament for the first time in 14 years.

"We are big rivals with Algeria and whenever we meet it's always something special," said Magdi Abdel Gani, a former international who played at the 1990 World Cup finals.

Egypt and Cameroon are the two sides in the competition with the chance of winning the Nations Cup for a record fifth time.

We're the champions and we'll work very hard Winfried Schafer Cameroon coach

Newcomers Zimbabwe have regularly played Cameroon and Egypt in World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers, but the Warriors will have their work cut out at Tunisia 2004.

They last met the reigning African champions in 1997, losing 2-1 in Harare in a World Cup qualifier.

The Warriors' last competitive match against Egypt was in 1993, when they drew 0-0 in a replayed World Cup qualifier played in France.

The only time Zimbabwe have met Algeria was in a qualifying round of the 1986 World Cup.

The Algerians won 2-0 at home and held Zimbabwe to a 2-2 draw in the second leg.

Schedule of Group C matches:

Sunday, 25 January
Cameroon vs Algeria (Sousse)
Zimbabwe vs Egypt (Sfax)

Thursday, 29 January
Algeria vs Egypt (Sousse)
Cameroon vs Zimbabwe (Sfax)

Tuesday, 3 February
Algeria vs Zimbabwe (Sousse)
Cameroon vs Egypt (Monastir)