AFCON 2019: Facts you need to know about the six Stadia

Egypt will be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 which kickstarts on June 21 and runs through July to 19.

The North African side will be taking the honour to host the rest of the 23 teams in the 32nd edition of the African biggest tournament. 

Here PrimeNewsGhana takes a look at the six venues to stage AFCON 2019.

 

1. Cairo International Stadium 

The 75,000 seated Cairo International Stadium remains one of the most renowned football grounds in the world. Opened in 1960, it hosted Africa Cup of Nations final matches in 1974, 1986 and 2006, as it’s expected to be once again this year.

It also hosted the final matches in the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 1997, and the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2009.

It is the home ground for Al-Ahly, Zamalek and the national team. 

Matches: Six Group A matches, a Round of 16 match, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the tournament final.

 

2. Alexandria Stadium

The Mediterranean city of Alexandria is the second largest city of Egypt and has been a permanent co-host to sports events alongside Cairo. 

Hosted the AFCON tournament in 2006, both Alexandria Stadium and Haras El Hodoud Stadium are highly expected to host the games this year as well. 

Matches: Five group stage games and one Round of 16 matches.

 

3. 30 June Stadium

30 June Stadium, also known as Air Defense Stadium. Opened in 2011 in New Cairo suburb, the modern styled stadium has a capacity of 30,000 and has witnessed some domestic and international matches, including the UAE Super Cup being held there twice.

It is the venue for Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids F.C. 

Matches: All Group C group stages matches, a Round of 16 match, a quarter-final and one semi-final.

 

4. Al Salam Stadium 

Built in 2009 as one of the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup venues, Al Salam Stadium is home for Egyptian Premier League side El Entag El Harby.

With the capacity of 30,000, Al Salam Stadium had originally an artificial grass pitch, before being modified to natural grass in 2014.

Matches: Seven group matches, one Round of 16 matches and a quarterfinal.

 

5. Suez Stadium 

The 27,000 seated stadium will host an International tournament for the first time ever. 

The stadium was opened in 1990 and it is the home ground of the city's local teams like: Asmant El-Suweis, Petrojet and Montakhab el-Suez.

Matches: Five group stages matches, a round of 16 match and a quarter-final clash.

 

6. Ismailia Stadium 

Ismailia is one of the most beautiful cities in Egypt, and is located in the North East of the country. The fans will enjoy watching African Football again on their 18,000-seated ground. 

Egypt hosted four African Cup of nations tournaments in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006 and they failed to achieve the title only in 1974.

Matches: Three Group D matches and one Group E match.

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