AFCON 2019: Seven (7) Interesting Facts About The Tournament
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 is only a day away from launching off as all eyes turn to Cairo, Egypt for the 32 edition of the continental football tournament.
Harambee Stars already held their first training session in Egypt on Wednesday, June 19, ahead of their opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations against Algeria.
The winners’ trophy is carried on to the pitch after the AFCON Final match between Cameroon and Egypt at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, Ghana.
1. Egypt hits fabulous fiveEgypt will be the hosts of the tournament for a record fifth time having staged the tournament in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006.
They have won three out of four of the tournaments hosted at home and hope to add their fourth.
2. Expansion
This year’s 32nd edition of AFCON will be the first to have 24 teams following the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to expand the tournament to allow more competition.
3. Most successfulEgypt is the most successful country with a total of seven titles followed by Cameroon (five), Ghana (four) and Nigeria (three).
4. AFCON was switched to odd yearsAFCON was switched to odd number years to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup and will for the first time be held midyear, as opposed to the former January-February window.
5. Eto’o still reigns supreme
Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o remains the Cup of Nations overall top scorer with 18 goals in six tournaments.
6. Three newbies
Burundi, Madagascar and Mauritania will be making their maiden appearances in the tournament in 2019.
7. AFCON began with 3
The first edition of the tournament had only three participants; Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia.
Share your thoughts