Record holders Egypt alongside Uganda and Mali make up three teams Ghana will have to go through if they want to win the AFCON.

The Cranes of Uganda

The Uganda national football team, nicknamed ‘The Cranes’, is the national team of Uganda and is controlled by the Federation of Uganda Football Association.

Their best finish in the Africa Cup of Nations was second in 1978.

Serbian Milutin Sredojević is their manager and he is yet to taste defeat to Ghana in his time in charge of the team.

Best player: Tony Mawejje

The attacking midfielder was born on 15th December, 1987 and now plays in Iceland with Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur.

Mawejje has been instrumental for the Cranes and masterminded their return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in two decades.

Mawejje will be supported by the likes of Joseph Ochaya and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.

The Eagles of Mali:

The Mali national football team, nicknamed Les Aigles (The Eagles), is the national team of Mali and is controlled by the Fédération Malienne de Football. They are currently coached by Alain Giresse .

Their best finish at the Africa cup of Nations has come in recent times where they  came 3rd in 2012 edition and repeated the dose in the 2013 edition.

Best Player: Adama Traore 

Adama Traore in jersey numbered 23 (Image credit: Getty Images)

The attacking midfielder was born on the 28th June 1995 and  plays for French giants Monaco in the French Ligue 1.

Traore has been consistent for his country in the last twelve months and is highly rated by the people of Mali. He will be key if they are to progress to the next round.

The Pharoahs of Egypt

“The Pharaohs” represent Egypt in international association football and is governed by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

The team plays its home games at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, and their current head coach is Héctor Cúper.

Egypt is the most successful national team in Africa, having won the Africa Cup of Nations on a record seven occasions.

Best Player: Mohammed Salah

The winger cum forward was born on June 15th 1992 and plays for Italian side AS Roma. Despite his young age, he has been special for Egypt especially in their recent renaissance.

He scored four games to aid their qualification and will be key for them again in the competition.

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By: Rahman Osman

Follow on twitter @iamrahmanosman

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