The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Egypt hosting rights for the 2019 African Cup of Nations. According to reports, Egypt received 16 votes to South Africa's 1 vote. Egypt and South Africa were the only countries that bid to host the continent's penultimate soccer competition after the CAF executive committee stripped down Cameroon as hosts last month.
CAF decided to grant Egypt hosting rights despite possible security concerns. There are currently attendance restrictions at Premier League games due to fear of violence. It seems CAF is positive that Egypt can overcome these concerns and stage a successful competition in June. The main selling point for Egypt over South Africa is the promise to generate more profits for CAF given their relatively cheaper organization.
Egypt has hosted the competition 4 times, with the last time coming in 2006 where they also lifted the trophy as champions. The 2019 edition will be played from Jun 15 to July 13, and it will be the first time the competition is revamped to 24 teams.
The Pharaohs have won the competition a record 7 times, their last win was in 2010 where they defeated Ghana 1-0 in Angola. Egypt was the runner up in the last edition, where they lost 2-1 to Cameroon.
Meanwhile, CAF decided to give Cameroon a second chance as hosts for the 2021 AFCON, contingent on completing preparations on time.