Drogba's Ivory Coast had been earmarked by many as Africa's best hope
Africa's hopes of getting of all of its six representatives through to the knockout phase of next year's World Cup looks a tough ask after the draw.
The first World Cup in Africa is a real chance to better its previous best of two quarter-final appearances.
But Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and hosts South Africa are all in danger of early elimination.
Cameroon and Ivory Coast are seen as the best bets for an African side to make it into the second round.
But both countries must get through opening groups with two established sides up against them as they were draw to play Holland, Denmark and Japan on Friday.
"I suppose Denmark and Japan are clearly not as competitive as the Dutch but they all have potential and worth," said Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen after being drawn in Group E.
The Ivorians must negotiate a group including five-time World Cup winners Brazil and Portugal, who stormed back from a poor start in the qualifiers to book a place at the finals.
Ghana, who were the only African side to get past the first stage in Germany in 2006, were placed in another difficult group, with the Germans, Serbia and Australia.
I know it's not going to be an easy group. The key for us will be to have proper preparation
Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu
Nigeria, who only qualified on a dramatic last day of the African qualifiers in November, face Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B.
"I know it's not going to be an easy group," said their beleaguered coach Shaibu Amodu, whose continued tenure is in doubt after a far from convincing qualifying campaign.
"The key for us will be to have proper preparation."
Algeria and South Africa are in even more difficult sections.
The hosts drew former winners France and Uruguay plus Mexico, who they play in the opening game at Johannesburg's Soccer City on 11 June.
Algeria are in England's group, which raised a fan-like smile on coach Rabah Saadane's face.
"It is a great honour to play against a country like that," he said.
"It's our first match against them in a competitive match and to come up against a great coach like Fabio Capello is another honour."
2010 World Cup draw
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria, Greece
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia
Group E: Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon, Denmark
Group F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Cost, Portugal
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