LUANDA, Angola (AP) — Having failed to qualify for the first World Cup on African soil, Egypt will have to settle for a chance to win an unprecedented third straight title at the African Cup of Nations.

Egypt, who haven’t played in a World Cup since 1990 and will miss this year’s showcase in South Africa, won the continental title at home in 2006 and then again in Ghana two years ago.

At this year’s tournament, which starts tomorrow and runs until January 31, the six-time champions will face strong competition from Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Egypt have several experienced players, including Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan. They will be without injured playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika and Mido, who was omitted from Shehata’s squad.

Egypt open against Nigeria next Tuesday in Group C. With John Obi Mikel and Taye Taiwo in the squad, Nigeria qualified for the World Cup at the expense of Tunisia and will be hoping to add a third continental title to victories in 1980 and 1994.

Of the six African teams that have qualified for the World Cup, only South Africa will be missing from the tournament in Angola. The other five — Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria — will all be among the favourites this month.

Ivory Coast are in Group B with Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana. The Ivorians, who have not won the title since 1992, were also considered favourites two years ago, but lost to Egypt in the semi-finals.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is confident his team can avoid the problems it faced last time in Ghana.

Chelsea’s Ghana midfielder Michael Essien, out with a hamstring injury since December, is still doubtful, but the Black Stars will count on Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew — a member of the Under-20 team that won last year’s World Cup — to overcome their injury crisis.

Cameroon, who lost to Egypt in the 2008 final, will be looking for a fifth continental title and will face Gabon, Tunisia and Zambia in Group D. The Indomitable Lions were last in their qualifying group when former Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers and Lyon coach Paul Le Guen took over, stripping defender Rigobert Song of the captaincy and giving it to Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o.

Song will play in the African tournament for a record eighth time in a row.

Angola will be trying to become the 12th host country to lift the trophy since 1957. The Black Antelopes won’t have an easy task after being drawn in a difficult Group A with Algeria, Mali and Malawi.

Angola will take on Mali in tomorrow’s tournament opener with striker Flavio and midfielder Stelvio doubtful after picking up injuries during friendly games.