The draw happened in an extremely glamorous location close to the Sphinx and pyramids in Giza. As hosts, Egypt will battle DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe in Group A at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Cameroon, the defending champions would be battling Ghana, Republic of Benin and Guinea-Bissau in Group F.
The interesting part of the tournament on the European clubs’ part is that the Europe-based players won’t be missing as the tournament as it would take place from 21 June to 19 July.
The African Cup of Nation is usually battled by 16 strong teams split into 4 groups, all for the trophy. But this year’s edition would be the biggest AFCON yet, with 24 teams in 6 groups.
Another interesting point to note is that rather than taking place in January or February, this will be the first AFCON to be held in Europe’s summer.
The draw was held next to the pyramids of Giza.
Herve Renard, the Morocco coach is looking to win a third Africa Cup of Nations with a totally different team with which he previously won it. In that same group – Groud D – South Africa and Namibia are also coming with full force as they battle their way out of the group stage.
The first game of the tournament will be Egypt – who are likely going to have Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah in their force – against Zimbabwe on 21 June at Cairo Stadium.
Nigeria is said to have been “luckily drawn” with two first-timers to the Africa Cup of Nations – Madagascar and Burundi – which are in Group D and Guinea. A lot of people are predicting easy wins for Nigeria in their fixtures.
The other new team, Mauritania, are in Group E with Tunisia, Mali and Angola.
In Group C, Senegal and Algeria would battle Kenya and Tanzania, who have only qualified once in 1980.
Two teams each from the 6 groups will advance into the last 16, with the four best third-placed teams also progressing.
Draw in full
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi
Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania
Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia
Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola
Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau