The draw for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations takes place on Friday

Pop stars, politicians and a president are among those expected to attend the Africa Cup of Nations draw being staged by hosts Angola on Friday.

It will take place at a shiny new convention centre in the purpose-built southern suburb of Talatona.

The 16 teams will be seeded according to their performances at the last three Nations Cup tournaments.

Hosts Angola, defending champions Egypt, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast the top seeds for the four groups.

The other 12 teams in the draw are Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia and Zambia.

The draw itself promises to be colourful event featuring Congolese artist Papa Wemba and other Angolan singers.

Confederation of African Football president, Issa Hayatou, and members of his executive committee can also expect a rare public appearance from Angola President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, ruler of this oil-rich country for 30 years.

Representatives from the 16 qualifiers for the January tournament will also be present to witness a split into four groups from which the winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals.

Manuel Jose, the Portuguese coach of the host nation, said he did not mind who the Palancas Negras come up against in the first round.

"I don't have any preference," he said.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't want easier teams, but it's dangerous to think that way."

The charismatic former coach of Egyptian club giants Al Ahly took over Angola in June after they failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and suffered a string of friendly defeats.

"When we know the teams in our group, we will be analysing them as much as possible," said Jose.

Angola coach Manuel Jose is displeased with star player Manucho

"It's not going to be easy because they will play little now, but we will be sending our scouts to any games they do play and we will be watching videos and DVDs to know their strategies better."

The tournament will be played at four new Chinese-built stadiums in Luanda, Benguela, Cabinda and Lubango.

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