Egypt have beaten South Africa to earn the hosting rights for this year’s African Cup of Nations after a decision was reached through a vote at the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday.
The meeting had initially been scheduled for Wednesday, but CAF brought it forward, ending speculation as to who will host the tournament after Cameroon were stripped of the hosting rights.
Egypt and South Africa emerged as the only two candidates to replace original hosts Cameroon who dropped out of the running due to delays in preparation and concerns over security.
South African Football Association (SAFA) and their president Danny Jordaan were widely reported to be confident of being the preferred replacement.
Insiders say Egypt’s bid proved to be more profitable financially and hence the decision by a majority of the EXCO members to vote in their favor.
A CAF official confirmed that Egypt received 16 votes from the executive committee, South Africa one and there was one abstention.
Egypt have hosted the tournament thrice; in 1959, 1986 and in 2006 winning all the editions.
The tournament, which will have 24 teams competing, is set to be held from June 15 to July 13.
