Egypt to host 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon was stripped of the right to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations last year, and Egypt will be the country to benefit.

08 January, 2019 18:52 IST

The Africa Cup of Nations trophy | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Egypt has been chosen as the new host country for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after Cameroon was stripped of the right to host in November last year, CAF has announced.

CAF deemed Cameroon unfit to host the tournament due to delays over its preparations, with the Africa Cup of Nations expanded from 16 teams to 24 this time around.

READ | Cameroon stripped of hosting 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Africa's football governing body announced the expansion in July 2017 after Cameroon – which is the defending champion – had been named as host.

South Africa had also been in the running to take over from Cameroon but reports have suggested a lack of backing from the government swiftly saw it become an unlikely choice.

Egypt will be the country to benefit from the change, as the tournament returns to the nation that hosted the 2006 edition – the Pharaohs lifting the trophy on that occasion.

South Africa lost out 16-1 on votes to Egypt, CAF announced at Tuesday's news conference.