Cranes to face Ivory Coast in AFCON buildup?

AFCON 2017 Group D fixtures

Jan 17: Ghana v Uganda

Jan 17: Mali v Egypt

Jan 21: Ghana v Mali

Jan 21: Egypt v Uganda

Jan 25: Egypt v Ghana

Jan 25: Uganda v Mali

Uganda Cranes are likely to face reigning champions Ivory Coast in a friendly tie ahead of the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon.

Sources within Uganda's football governing body FUFA said that the two sides are expected to face off in January in Dubai where Cranes are likely to camp from.

Another side Coach Micho's men could face in the buildup is Nigeria.

Earlier this week, the Cranes technical team released a provisional 25-man squad that was scheduled to kick off the preparations for the Nations Cup finals with a training session on Wednesday.

But the final squad that will represent the country in Gabon will be released on November 30.

Cranes, who defeated Comoros 1-0 in September to qualify after a 39-year wait, are grouped with Egypt, Ghana and Mali.

The January 14 - February 5  finals will be hosted in the towns of Libreville, Franceville, Oyem and Port Gentil.