Egypt to host first 24-team Africa Cup of Nations 2019

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Egypt will host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Egypt beat South Africa, the only other country to bid for the tournament. The land of the pharaohs reportedly beat the Rainbow nation 16 votes to one to clinch the nod. Cameroon were stripped of its hosting rights in November because of slow preparations. CAF had earlier said he decision would be made on Wednesday 9th January just a day after the CAF Award but made a U-turn last minute to announce the hosts before the award

Egypt will thus be making history as the first African Nation to host the expanded 24 team edition which will take place between June 15 to July 13 tournament.

The usual presentations by bidding countries was deemed unnecessary as both Egypt and South Africa, have representation on the executive committee.

The North African nation will be hosting the competition for the fourth time, having hosted the continent in 1974, 1986 and 2006.

The final round of qualifiers for the tournament will be held in March, with 14 nations, including Egypt, having already sealed their place at the finals.

In terms of winning the championship Egypt remain the highest winners of the event haven won a record seven times including a triple in 2006, 2008 and 2010.