2019 Africa Cup of Nations begins with spectacular opening ceremony - in pictures

Supporters of Egypt cheer before the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Supporters of Egypt cheer before the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. EPA

A supporter poses with the official Mascot Tut before the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) looks on as Confederation of African Football President Ahmed Ahmed makes an address before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium. EPA

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi waves to attendees before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium. EPA

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony before the the opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo. EPA

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) began in style on Friday night with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Cairo International Stadium.

Cheered on by a full capacity of 75,000 supporters, the opening ceremony comprised hundreds of dancers, giant pyramids and impressive pyrotechnics, culminating in a large fireworks display.

While the opening match struggled to deliver the same wow factor as the ceremony, home fans still went home satisfied following a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe.

For the best pictures from the opening ceremony, browse through the photo gallery above. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.