Palpable tension is sweeping across Africa as the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), kicks off today with a thrilling match between the host, Egypt and the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
This edition of the AFCON is very special as this is the first time that 24 teams will be participating in the AFCON.
Another reason why this AFCON is special is that it is holding in June and July for the first time instead of the usual early months of the year.
Here are all you need to know as you watch the AFCON:
PRIZE MONEY:
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the prize money to be shared between the 24 teams.
The champions will win 4.5 million US Dollars while the Runners-up will go home with 2.5 million US Dollars.
Each of the four semi-finalists will get two million US Dollars while the eight quarter finalists will be given eight hundred US Dollars each.
MATCH BALL:
The ball, which your darling players will be kicking in Egypt is called Neo Pro.
It was made by Umbro who replaced Mitre as the official ball manufacturer for CAF.
The ball design is inspired by the colors of the Egyptian flag. It has a texture Teijin Microfiber outer casing for durability, accurately and flight dependability.
CAF Referees Committee has chosen 28 referees and 30 Assistant Referees for the AFCON.
For the first time, Video Assistant Referees (VARs) will be used in this AFCON.
VENUES:
Six venues will be used in this AFCON
Ismaila Stadium: It was renovated in 2009; it is the home of Ismaily SC
LOCATION: Ismailia, Egypt.
CAPACITY: 18,525
PITCH SURFACE; Grass
Suez Stadium
This multipurpose Stadium is the home ground of Asmant El-Suweis and Petro jet. It was opened in 1990
LOCATION: Suez Egypt
CAPACITY: 27,000
PITCH SURFACE: Grass.
Alexandria Stadium
It was among the stadia that hosted the 2006 AFCON. It was built in 1929, the eldest stadium in the continent. It is the oldest stadium in the continent. It is home to Al Iltitiad.
LOCATION: Alexandria, Egypt.
CAPACITY: 20,000
PITCH SURFACE: Grass
30 June Stadium
This Stadium was built by the Egyptian Air Defense Forces. It is the home grounded of Pyramids FC, an Egyptian Premier League side.
LOCATION: Cairo, Egypt
CAPACITY: 30,000
PITCH SURFACE: Grass
Cairo International Stadium
It is an Olympic standard multi-purpose stadium. It was opened on July 23, 1960
LOCATION: Nasr City, Cairo
CAPACITY: 75,000
PITCH SURFACE: Artificial
Al-Salam Stadium
It was built in 2009 for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which was hosted by Egypt. It is home to Al Ahly, El Harby and El Entry
