Eurosport brings you comprehensive African Cup of Nations coverage - make sure you are ready for the big kick-off with our team profiles.

Click the links on the right for squad lists, players to watch and much more!

The tournament started on Sunday, and you can follow it all LIVE on Eurosport TV and uk.eurosport.yahoo.com, which is providing text commentary on every game.

The likes of Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien make it the most competitive tournament in African history.

The trio head a list of internationally-recognised players who will add real lustre to the 16-team finals in Ghana.

Their presence should make for a tense, absorbing tournament, whose first edition was played in 1957 and which now enjoys television coverage in more than 100 territories worldwide.

Ghana, who have built four new stadiums for the event, have high hopes of winning the title. However, they face determined challenges from defending champions Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Chelsea midfielder Essien's broad shoulders carry the hopes of the four-time champions, who have lost their captain Stephen Appiah to injury.

A tide of expectation threatens to engulf the squad, who arrived in Accra from a 10-day training camp in Abu Dhabi to an enthusiastic airport reception from supporters on Tuesday.

Drogba leads an attacking Ivorian line-up, who will profit from significant support expected to cross the border to back their team.

Eto'o, back in form after an injury lay-off, leads the challenge of perennial contenders Cameroon and also chases the all-time Nations Cup goal scoring record.

Eto'o, who scored five times at the last edition in Egypt two years ago, has scored 11 times since his first finals appearance in 2000 and is three goals shy of Laurent Pokou's 38-year-old mark.

Nigeria and Senegal, with strong squads, also have hopes of lifting the trophy after the final on February 10.

Mixed in among the contenders are several teams who defied the odds to qualify for the finals.

Sudan, who hosted that first Nations Cup in 1957, return after an absence of 32 years while Benin and Namibia make only their second ever appearances.

The teams are divided into four groups, each based in its own venue. Ghana play in Group A in Accra while the Ivorians, Nigeria and Mali could ensure a tight finish to Group B in Sekondi.

Cameroon and Egypt are favourites to emerge from Group C in Kumasi while Senegal are tipped in Group D in Tamale. South Africa, also in Group D, are using the tournament to build a team for their hosting of the 2010 World Cup finals.

Despite a late scramble to complete facilities, the hosts are promising a successful event.

"We are ready, we hope it will be a unique African experience," said local organisers' chairman Kofi Amoah.

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