The reigning champions will start their title defense against African powerhouse Cameroon, in a Group C including Zambia and Sudan.

"We believe the group is reasonable, it’s a fair draw," Sedki told reporters on Saturday.

"We will be ready to defend our title, the team will play a number of friendlies, mainly away from home, during the upcoming few weeks."

Egypt grabbed the African title on home soil in 2006, but the five-time African champions failed to win a single away game in three years.