In light of Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations group-stage draw in Cairo, ESPN pick out five mouth-watering games to look forward in the first round.
The expanded 24-team format has meant more inclusion for the continent’s lesser lights, while the traditional heavyweights have been spread around the groups.
However, there’s absolutely no shortage of intrigue in the first round following a compelling first-round draw.
Tanzania vs. Kenya, June 27, 30 June Stadium, Cairo
East African derbies are…
It is hard not to picture Gernot Rohr, an impish smile lurking beneath his serious visage, doing all he can to restrain himself from rubbing his hands in Grinch-like glee as he contemplated the kind draw for his side at the 2019 Africa Cup of Na…
The six groups for the expanded Africa Cup of Nations were drawn in a glamorous ceremony in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo, on Friday, as the 24 teams learned their first-round opponents.
With the group stage mapped out, what should fans expect from the opening round of fixtures, where are the potential upsets, and who are the players to watch in African football’s biennial showpiece?
Group A
Teams: Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Overview:
Egypt had…
Hosts Egypt were handed a favourable draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals on Friday, but continental powerhouses Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa were placed together in a tough group.
The draw for the expanded 24-team tournament,…
Find out when the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place, where it is being held, and which 24 nations have qualified.
Who are the Afcon holders?
Cameroon. They beat Egypt 2-1 in the final in Libreville, Gabon, in February 2017. V…
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Friday, June 21, with hosts Egypt in action at the Cairo International Stadium. The final takes place at the same venue on Friday, July 19.
All other fixtures will be confirmed after the draw on Friday…
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Friday, June 21, with hosts Egypt in action at the Cairo International Stadium. The final takes place at the same venue on Friday, July 19.
All other fixtures will be confirmed after the draw on Friday…
The draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations is about to take place!
When is the Afcon draw?
The draw will take place on Friday, April 12, with the ceremony beginning at 7.30 p.m. local time in Cairo — that’s 5.30 p.m. GMT / 1.30 p.m. ET. The draw is being held facing the Sphinx and the Pyramids.
Who is hosting?
The finals were due to he held in Cameroon, but in January the country was stripped of hosting rights over concerns at the slow pace of preparations. The Confederation of…
Find out when the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup is scheduled to take place, where it is being held and all 16 qualified nations.
Who is hosting the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
The finals are being primarily hosted by the United States, with Costa Ric…
Sadio Mane has demonstrated over the past two years that he’s an elite big-game player, yet the Senegal striker’s consistent performances for Liverpool in the highest-profile fixtures somehow continue to go under the radar despite the accolades and praise that come his way.
The Reds’ UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first-leg tie against FC Porto at Anfield on Tuesday represents another opportunity for the forward, who turns 27 on Wednesday, to thrive in another high-profile fixture.
Mane…