AFCON 2017: Uganda grouped with Ghana, Mali, Egypt

The Uganda Cranes will face familiar - but tough - opponents in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals following Wednesday night's final group stage draw in Libreville, Gabon.

The only nation representing East Africa, Uganda will battle it out in Group D with seven-time African champions Egypt, four-time winners Ghana and 1972 runners-up Mali.

Uganda's best result in the competition has been, just like Mali, as runners-up way back in 1978.

Cranes coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic may have been handed a tough group, but he will have been delighted that it's a pack his side have played often before.

They are grouped with both Ghana and Egypt in the World Cup 2018 African qualifiers, with The Cranes having only recently picked up an away point against Avram Grant's Black Stars in their first game.

Meanwhile, hosts Gabon will play Burkina Faso, four-time champions Cameroon and Guinea Bissau in Group A.

Group B will feature Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

And in Group C, defending champions Ivory Coast will face DR Congo, Morocco and Togo.

The Nations Cup finals will take place starting January 14 until February 5 in the Gabonese cities of Libreville, Franceville, Oyem-Bitam and Port-Gentil.