13 June 2019 – For the first time in history, 24 nations will compete for the Africa title at the 2019 Total Cup of Nations in Egypt from the original 16. Here is a look at the six hosting venues:
Cairo International Stadium
It is located in Nasr, Giza in the city of Cairo and has the capacity of 75,000 making it the largest stadium in the capital and the 69th largest stadium in the world.
It’s the historic home ground of the Egyptian national team, as well as domestic giants Zamalek and Al Ahly FC. The stadium was opened in 1960 and renovated in 2005 before being renovated again this year ahead of the finals.
It has hosted several major tournaments and among them are the 1986 and 2006 AFCON finals, 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 1991 All-Africa Games and the derbies between Al-Ahly and Zamalek.
Cairo International Stadium is set to host six Group A matches including the opening game between Egypt and Zimbabwe on June 21st and Uganda’s opener against DR Congo on June 22nd. A Round of 16 match, a quarter-final, a semi-final and the tournament’s final.
30 June Stadium
This one is also located in the City of Cairo with the capacity of 30,000. It was built by the Egyptian Air Defense Forces in 2012 and is the main venue of the Air Defense Sport Village.
It was the only stadium that needed no renovations ahead of the 2019 AFCON, it was opened on 2 July 2012.
The stadium is the home of Egyptian Premier League side Pyramid FC and is used for athletics events when it is not hosting football matches. The 30 June Stadium will host all Group C matches, a Round of 16 match, a quarter-final and one semi-final.
Al Salam Stadium
This one is located in Al Salam in the city of Cairo with an all-seated capacity of 30,000. It is the third stadium in Cairo to host AFCON fixtures.
It was originally built in 2009 and hosted Group B games during the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. It will host seven group matches, one Round of 16 match and a quarterfinal in this year’s Afcon 2019 finals.
Alexandria Stadium
The first football game ever played in Egypt was played here reason it is branded locally as the ‘home of football.’
Built it 1929 the 20,000-seater stadium is located in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and is regarded as one of the oldest football Stadiums in Egypt and Africa at large. It is home to Egyptian Premier League sides Al Ittihad, Smouha and Olympic Club, five Group B matches and one Round of 16 match are scheduled to take place here.
Suez Stadium
Located in the city of Suez, the 27,000 seater stadium will host an International tournament for the first time ever since it’s opening in 1990.
The home ground of the city’s local teams in Asmant El-Suweis, Petrojet and Montakhab el-Suez will host five Group E matches, a round of 16 match and a quarter-final clash. The 18,525-seater stadium is located in the city of Ismailia which is arguably Egypt’s most beautiful city located in the North East of the country.
The stadium is the home of Ismaily SC in the domestic league and will host three Group D matches and one Group E match. It was also one of the six stadiums used at the 2006 African Cup of Nations.
AFCON groups and their respective venues:
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe – Cairo International Stadium.
Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi – Alexandria Stadium.
Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania – 30 June Stadium.
Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia –Al Salam Stadium.
Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola – Suez Stadium.
Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau – Ismailia Stadium.
Source: Football 365