Egypt to host 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt will stage the June 15 to July 13 tournament after original host nation Cameroon was stripped of staging duties in late 2018 because of the worryingly slow pace of preparations.

It will be the first time there will be 24 teams at the tournament and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after several inspection visits over the last two years, said Cameroon would not be ready in time.

Egypt and South Africa were the only two countries to put forward their candidacies to replace Cameroon.

The North African nation will host the competition for the fourth time, and the first since 2006, after the announcement was made by CAF President Ahmad Ahmad at a media briefing in the Senegalese capital.

Egypt has extensive football facilities, although in recent years attendances at local matches have been restricted because of security concerns following the Arab Spring revolution and Tahrir Square demonstrations in 2011.

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.

(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)