AFCON 2017: A look at Uganda, Mali, Ghana and Egypt in Group D

Gabon

The Africa Cup of Nations 2017 promises to be very interesting as Gabon hosts sixteen teams clashing in 32 matches to determine the best of the best in the continent.

Group D is touted as the Group of Death by pundits as Uganda, Mali, Ghana and Egypt will clash at the Stade Port Gentil in the second-largest city of Gabon on January 17, 21 and 25 respectively during the group stages.

The final group match between Uganda and Mali will be played at Stade Oyem in northern Gabon.

Uganda

The Cranes of Uganda have appeared 5 times at the continental competition since 1962. They have never won the competition and their best performance was runners-up in 1978. Uganda is making its return to the AFCOn after 39 years of absence due to failure to qulaify. They are ranked 72 in the world by FIFA.

They are managed by Serbian coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic. The captain of the team is Geofrey Massa.

The player to look out for is Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango who has spent over a decade with the team.

Squad:

Mali

The Eagles of Mali have appeared 9 times at the competition since 1972. The West African team has never won the trophy but were runners-up in 1972. The Malians are ranked 64 in the world by FIFA. They are managed by Alain Giresse and their captain is Yacouba Sylla.

The player to look out for is Crystal Palace winger Bakary Sako, who has four goals in his last six international appearances.

Squad:

Ghana

The Black Stars of Ghana have participated in the Africa Cup of Nations 20 times. They won four times in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982. The West African team is ranked 54 in the world by FIFA and managed by 61-year-old Avram Grant.

The captain of the team is Asamoah Gyan and the player to look out for is West Ham United Forward Andre Ayew.

Squad:

Egypt

The Pharaohs of Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations competition 22 times in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. They are ranked 35 in the world by FIFA. The North African team is managed by Argentinian Hector Cuper and led by captain Essam El-Hadary.

The player to look out for in the team is Roma Forward, Mohamed Salah whose name is on the lips of every Egyptian fan.