Dean Furman and Avram Grant will pit their wits against one another at the African Cup of Nations early next year.

South Africa captain Furman will lead his team into battle against a Ghana team for whom Grant recently took charge of in what has been described as the tournament’s group of death. Algeria and Senegal complete the line-up.

Grant said: “It is not an easy draw. They say it is the group of death, but we aim to stay alive. It won’t be easy but I think we can progress.”

Furman has been one of his country’s most consistent players over the last year and he helped Bafana Bafana complete their qualifying programme unbeaten.

He is relishing the start of the competition in Equatorial Guinea. “It is a great draw,” said Furman. “It is without doubt very tough, but also exciting at the same time.

"We are really looking forward to the tournament and feel our unbeaten run has enhanced our character.

"Now we have to double our efforts because there are three good teams we are taking on and they have different styles of play. But we are confident that we can do well."