The country won the first edition of the competition in the Ivory Coast in 2009, overcoming Ghana 2-0 in the final.

Having been knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the 2011 tournament in Sudan and 2014 competition in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s return to the final has been long awaited.

After finishing second behind Cameroon in Group B with six points from three matches, they went on to beat hosts Rwanda in the last eight thanks to an extra-time winner from defender Padou Bompunga.

Bompunga will miss the final through suspension after picking up a second yellow card of the knock-out stage in the first-half of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s semi-final encounter with Guinea, which they won 5-4 on penalties.

Goalkeeper Ley Matampi was the star of that particular match, saving two penalties, including one in sudden death from Mohamed Youla, to earn the victory.

"DR Congo are not the favourites yet," said Matampi in looking ahead to the final.

"We shall only be favourites after taking the trophy when the final game ends against Mali."

Mali go into the final as the only team not to lose a game in the 16-team competition.

After taking five points from their three Group D matches to finish second behind Zambia, the Eagles upset favourites Tunisia in the quarter-finals, and then the African champions Ivory Coast in the last four.

They will be without Sekou Diarra for the final, however.

The influential midfielder is suspended for the match.

Prior to the final, Guinea face Ivory Coast in the third place playoff, also at the Amahoro Stadium.

The tournament, now in its fourth edition, differs from the more elite Africa Cup of Nations, as only players who represent clubs on the continent are allowed to take part.