In the final three years ago, Angola defeated Senegal 19-14 to win their second straight gold medal at the Championship and its 10th in 11 editions.

This time, Angola start in Group C - which is now a group of three following the withdrawal of Algeria.

They are set to face 2018 quarter-finalists the Republic of the Congo - who last made the podium in 2008 when they won bronze - as well as debutants Cape Verde.

Hosts Cameroon have been drawn in Group B with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in what will be a rematch of the bronze medal match in 2018.

On that occasion, DR Congo defeated them 33-22, but Cameroon will look for a better result on home soil.

Nigeria return to the tournament for the first time since 1994, while Kenya are set to debut at the Championship.

Reigning runners-up Senegal are in Group A with 2014 champions Tunisia and will be joined by debutants Madagascar and the returning Guinea, who have reached the quarter-finals in all three of their appearances.

The top two teams in the three groups will qualify automatically for the knockout stages, with the two third-placed teams with the best record joining them.

This competition was supposed to take place from December 2 to 12 last year, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Championship is scheduled to end on June 18, and will act as a qualifying tournament for the 2021 World Women's Handball Championship.

The top four teams will all qualify for the competition in Spain later this year.