Sunday, 20 January, 2002, 13:05 GMT

Lions begin their defence

Many of the victorious team from 2000 are back in Mali

Group D: Egypt v Senegal, 1530GMT
Group C: Cameroon v DR Congo, 1730GMT
Group B: S. Africa v Burkina Faso, 1930GMT

Follow all the games live on BBC Sport Online.

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions get the campaign to retain their African title under way on Sunday with a match against the unpredictable DR Congo in Sikasso.

The Lions have done little wrong since lifting the trophy in Lagos two years ago, and are one of the big favourites to get to the final of Mali 2002.

But Cameroon's coach Winfried Schafer is taking nothing for granted.

Live coverage

Web commentary: Egypt v Senegal

Text commentary: Egypt v Senegal, Cameroon v DR Congo, South Africa v Burkina Faso

"The fact that DR Congo qualified for the Nations Cup means they have as much chance as us of lifting the trophy. We are the team to beat in Mali. Everyone loves to floor a champion," he warned.

The DR Congo are a shadow of the team that won the Nations Cup in 1974.

Striker injured

But they are still capable of surprises and beat Cameroon in the quarter-finals at Burkina Faso '98.

Earlier in the day World Cup newcomers Senegal take on Egypt.

The Pharaohs are still smarting from being beaten to Korea and Japan by the West Africans, who narrowly won their qualifying group ahead of the Egyptians.

But they are without their talismanic striker Hossam Hassan, who is suffering a hamstring injury and has failed to join the team in Mali while he undergoes treatment.

Saturday's final game is between Burkina Faso and South Africa's Bafana Bafana, who have to prove to their critics that they are a team to be feared.

They qualified for Mali 2002 and the World Cup without being stretched, but have shown no sign that they are real contenders in either competition.