Mali coach Alain Giresse says that his side is ready for the challenges Egypt are set to throw at them in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group D encounter on Tuesday at Stade de Port Gentil.

The Malians had a comfortable journey to Gabon having qualified easily,winning five and drawing one of their matches.

Giresse insists the Eagles are here to show their qualities and says the mood in his camp is high.

“We came here to show our qualities. We respect all our opponents but we fear no one. Egypt has a big history in African football. They have won many Africa Cup of Nations titles and have huge experience. Mali has also played many times in the Africa Cup of Nations and on the field we will show that we are prepared,”said Giresse.

“We enter the tournament with the spirit of competitors, and we know well what the stakes are. I know my opponents well.

“We played two friendlies to adjust our match plan and we are ready now. We are focused on our strategies and I believe all the players know that well by now.

“As coach, I have participated in previous Africa Cup of Nations, but you have to know that the Mali team now has many young players. More than 50 per cent of the team are at their first AFCON. They are in the learning phase, but they will be up to the mission,” he added.

Mali will be without two of their dependable players Adama Traore and Sumeila Diakite who are undergoing rehabilitation but will be available for the next game.