/ 8 January 2019

South Africa loses out on right to host 2019 Afcon spectacle

South Africa Loses Out On Right To Host 2019 Afcon Spectacle
South Africa loses out on right to host 2019 Afcon spectacle (Photo Archive)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given Egypt the green light to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.

The continental showpiece was due to be hosted by Cameroon, but the north African country was stripped of the rights in November last year due to delays in preparation.

Egypt and South Africa had emerged as the two front-runners to inherit hosting rights.

South Africa last hosted the tournament in 2013.

This year’s tournament will run from June 15 to July 13.

South Africa sit in second spot in Group E of their 2019 Afcon qualifying campaign after a recent 1-1 draw against Nigeria in their penultimate game, that saw the Super Eagles secure qualification.

To book their place to Egypt, Stuart Baxter’s men need to avoid defeat against Libya — who are two points behind in Group E — with the match set to take place on March 22 2019 at a neutral venue. — Sport 24