They earned a 40-16 win in their opening Group B match against Kenya, making its first appearance in this event, having held a 21-8 lead at the break at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex.

Earlier in the evening the Democratic Republic of the Congo earned a 35-16 win over Nigeria, having led 18-3 at half-time.

Angola is set to defend its 2018 title.

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

This time, Angola starts 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.

Nigeria return to the tournament for the first time since 1994.

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.