How a last-minute scramble transformed the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
In short: When Cameroon was stripped of hosting duties just months before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt stepped in to save the tournament. This edition marked a historic expansion to 24 teams, a shift to summer scheduling, and the introduction of high-stakes technology to the continent's premier football championship.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the 32nd edition of the tournament, underwent significant structural changes. Originally slated for Cameroon, the event was relocated to Egypt on 8 January 2019 after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) cited infrastructure delays and security concerns. This transition required a rapid logistical pivot, including the selection of six final venues across Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and Ismailia. The tournament also debuted a new 24-team format, expanded from the previous 16-team structure to mirror the scale of the UEFA Euro 2016.
Beyond the logistical shift, the 2019 tournament introduced major calendar and technical adjustments. For the first time, the competition moved from its traditional January/February window to June/July. The tournament also saw the implementation of video assistant referees (VAR) starting from the quarter-finals. Off the pitch, the event was branded as the Total 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, reflecting an eight-year sponsorship deal, while the mascot 'Tut'—inspired by Pharaoh Tutankhamun—symbolized the host nation's deep historical connection to the event.
On the field, the competition was defined by high-level parity and tactical rigor. Algeria emerged victorious, defeating Senegal 1-0 in the final to claim their second title, their first since 1990. The tournament featured 52 matches with a total of 102 goals scored. While defending champions Cameroon were eliminated in the round of 16, the host nation Egypt faced a similar exit at the same stage. The tournament solidified Egypt's status as a frequent host, marking the fifth time the country has held the championship, more than any other nation on the continent.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
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