Egypt to host 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt have been granted hosting rights to this year's Africa Cup of Nations that holds in June/July. The Egyptians own the vote as host 16-1 at the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dakar, Senegal ahead of the CAF awards ceremony holding later on Tuesday.

They beat South Africa to the hosting rights and, become the new host for the tournament after Cameroon were stripped of the hosting rights last December, following delays in their preparations for the tournament. 

Egypt are expected to use eight stadiums in eight cities, the capital Cairo, Alexandria, Ismailia, Port Said and Suez.

They have a little under six months to prepare for the tournament that begins in June 12. The North Africans become the first host of the new 24 team format for the Cup of Nations.

Following the stripping of the hosting rights to Cameroon, the order of years for the hosting rights to other countries has been altered as a result. 

Cameroon is now expected to host the 2021 edition, while Ivory Coast that was expected to be the host for 2021 edition would now host the 2023 edition, while Guinea, the initial host for the 2023 edition, host the 2025 edition. 

Though, the Ivorians have since taken their challenge to CAF's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

The final rounds of qualifications for this year's Cup of Nations takes place in March, where as much as 10 places are still to be decided.