Egypt to Host 2019 African Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that Egypt has been granted the hosting rights of the 2019 African Cup of Nations after winning the majority of votes.

16 votes for Egypt. 1 vote for South Africa. #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/STEk5DOAlg

— AFCON 2023 (@DiskiAfrika) January 8, 2019

Egypt won 16 votes. One vote went to South Africa and another vote was abstained.

The African football governing body had decided to move the announcement of the decision one day earlier before the initial date on Wednesday.

After Cameroon was stripped of the right to host in December due to delay in the preparations, the remaining spot was given to Egypt and South Africa.

In an effort to convince the Executive Committee members to vote for Egypt, the Egyptian delegation created a promotional video that highlighted Egypt’s ability to host as well as its various stadiums such as the Port said, the Ismailia, Al Salam, Alexandria, Suez and Cairo stadiums.

Egypt will have six months to prepare for the kick-off of the African Cup of Nations. The African Cup of Nations is scheduled to start on 15 June and end on 13 July 2019.

Egypt previously hosted the African Cup of Nations in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006, and claimed seven AFCON victories.

In July 2018, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy announced that the Ministry of Sports aims to organize the 2030 World Cup, as well as the 2032 Olympic Games.