Uganda has been handed a relatively tough group as the Cranes have been paired with Ghana, Egypt and Mali in Group D of the 2017 African Cup of Nations to be staged in Gabon.

Cranes will face some of the continents heavyweights including their World Cup qualifiers opponents Ghana and Egypt at the tournament which will be held early next year.

The Micho coached side drew goalless against Ghana earlier this month in their 2018 World Cup qualifying match played away in Tamale,Ghana and are expected to face the Pharaohs of Egypt in November.

The Malians last played Uganda at the 2016 CHAN where they drew 2-2 at the competition.

The Cranes will open the campaign on the 17th January 2017 against Ghana. On 21st, it will be against Egypt before winding up the group matches on 25th January aganist Mali in Oyem City.

Uganda Cranes qualified for the finals for the first time since 1978.

The Nations Cup finals will be played from Jan. 14 to Feb. 5 in Libreville, Franceville, Oyem and Port Gentil.

The draw:

Group A: Gabon (seeded), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau

Group B: Algeria (seeded), Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Group C: Ivory Coast (seeded), Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Togo

Group D: Ghana (seeded), Mali, Egypt, Uganda