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— The countries have met only once before in the Cup of Nations with Mali shocking Egypt 1-0 in a 1994 quarter-final through a Soumaila Traore goal.
— Egypt have been champions a record seven times with the 1959, 1986 and 2006 successes coming as hosts. The other titles were won in Sudan (1957), Burklna Faso (1998), Ghana (2008) and Angola (2010).
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— Mali came closest to glory in 1972 when they lost the final 3-2 against Congo Brazzaville after conceding three goals within seven minutes during the second half in Yaounde.
— Former France midfield star Alain Giresse is in a second spell as coach of Mali while ex-Valencia and Inter Milan manager Hector Cuper from Argentina guides Egypt.
— The Pharaohs of Egypt are ranked third in Africa and 35th in the world while the Eagles of Mali are 13th in the African listings and 64th in the world.
