While Egypt won't relish the prospect of having to square off with Nigeria's Super Eagles - particularly with an ageing defence - the Pharaohs should fancy their chances of escaping the group.
Assuming Mohamed Salah is present and at his best, the Sudan and Guinea-Bissau defences shouldn't be able to contain the North African heavyweights.
However, having said that, they were stunned by South Africa two years ago...!
Drawn in Pot Two ahead of the draw, the Ivory Coast knew they would be up against one genuine heavyweight in the opening round.
Algeria was probably the worst possible option they could have got from Pot One, but perhaps facing off against the reigning champions early on - in a rematch of their dramatic knockout game in 2019 - the Elephants will be able to gague their own title credentials.
The defences of Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau are unlikely to be able to contain the 2015 champions.
Of all the teams in Pot One, Morocco have arguably the most reason to be disappointed with the draw they received on Tuesday.
Ghana are a Pot Two side with genuine pedigree, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabon were a lurking threat in Pot Three that they will have been hoping to avoid.
Could tiny Comoros - making their debut - also upset the odds, as they did in qualification?
Senegal can reasonably be delighted with their group-stage draw, and their fortunes on Tuesday has done nothing to dim the sense they they are among the favourites for the title.
Malawi and Zimbabwe both carry a threat, but can also be brittle, and shouldn't pose too much trouble for the Teranga Lions.
Naby Keita's Guinea should be a tougher assignment, but the 24-team format takes a major element of jeopardy out of the equation.
Despite not being entirely convincing during qualifying under Gernot Rohr, the performances of several high-profile Nigerian players in Europe during the course of 2021 has seen enthusiasm swell for the Eagles' Afcon campaign.
Certainly, they have a balanced squad, plenty of options across the board, and a cutting edge in Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Egypt are unwanted foe in the opening round, but the West African giants should have too much for Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.
Algeria are still the favourites to win the Nations Cup and retain the title they won in 2019 - the draw was never going to change this.
They will be unfazed by a group stage draw that's trickier than it might have been.
Ivory Coast were arguably the team to avoid in Pot Two - and they'll certainly put the Elephants' undefeated streak to the test - although expect Les Fennecs to make light work of Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea.