The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) takes place in Egypt this summer with 24 teams vying to be crowned kings of the continent.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward who recently fired Liverpool to Uefa Champions League glory, spearheads home hopes, while his clubmate Sadio Mane leads the attack for Senegal.
We take a look at the teams taking part, where the matches will be played and when the final takes place.
Who is hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations?
Egypt were chosen to replace original hosts Cameroon in January after the Confederation of African Football, the continent's ruling body, deemed that the country's infrastructure was not up to the required standard to host its flagship tournament.
This will be the fifth time Egypt has hosted the tournament. They are also its record winners with seven titles, there last coming in 2010.
This year's Afcon takes place from June 21 with the final on July 19.
Who are the Africa Cup of Nations holders?
Cameroon won the tournament in Gabon two years ago, beating Egypt 2-1 in the final to claim the Afcon trophy for a fifth time.
As hosts, Cameroon were not required to take part in qualifying but did so regardless, perhaps sensing that they may be stripped of hosting rights further down the line. A wise decision, as it turned out. They finished second in qualifying Group B level on 11 points with Morocco.
When does Afcon 2019 take place?
The tournament will be held from June 21 to July 19, with six venues to be used. This year's tournament has been moved to summer so as not to clash with European domestic leagues. Afcon is usually held in the winter.
Who are the teams taking part in Afcon 2019?
Twenty-four teams will play in the 32nd edition of Afcon, a biennial tournament that this year has been expanded from 16 teams to 24.
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Burundi
Cameroon
DR Congo
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Ivory Coast
Madagascar
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Namibia
Nigeria
Senegal
South Africa
Tunisia
Tanzania
Uganda
Zimbabwe
What are the host cities and venues?
Alexandria: Alexandria Stadium
Cairo: Cairo International Stadium, 30 June Stadium, Al Salam Stadium
Ismailia: Ismailia Stadium
Suez: Suez Stadium
_________________
Premier League players at Afcon 2019
-
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt): Another excellent season for the Egyptian king at club level. The forward notched 22 Premier League goals to share the Premier League Golden Boot while his successful penalty in the first minute of the Uefa Champions League final set Liverpool on their way to a 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Madrid final. As hosts of this year's Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt will be strong favourites to win a record extending eighth Afcon title. Getty Images -
Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal, Egypt): Made only 17 appearances for Arsenal in 2018/19, eight in the league. Underused by Unai Emery, Elneny, 26, will hope to end the campaign on a high by lifting the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. Reuters -
Ahmed Elmohamad (Aston Villa, Egypt): Marauding right-back with more than 80 Egypt caps will be back in the Premier League next season after helping Aston Villa win promotion via the Championship play-off final. Getty Images -
Arthur Masuaku (West Ham United, DR Congo): Masuaku, 25, made 23 Premier League appearances as West Ham secured a top-half finish. Represented France at Under 18 and 19 level before switching allegiance to DR Congo in June 2017. Made his debut in the 2-1 home defeat to Zimbabwe in 2019 Afcon qualifying. Reuters -
Yannick Bolasie (Everton, DR Congo): A move to Everton in August 2016 was wrecked by a serious knee injury that December. Has spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Anderlecht over the past two seasons. The winger has scored nine goals in 33 international appearances. Reuters -
Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, Ivory Coast): Another excellent season for the 26-year-old forward in the Premier League, where he reached double figures for goals for the first time in n his career. Ivory Coast hopes of winning Afcon for a third time rest largely on Zaha's shoulders. Getty Images -
Jean Michael Seri (Fulham, Ivory Coast): Supposedly coveted by Barcelona last summer, the midfielder, 27, was a huge disappointment in the Premier League as Fulham were relegated. Reuters -
Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur, Ivory Coast): Failed to establish himself at right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier since moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Searing pace is an asset going forward but is too often caught out defensively. Reuters -
Jonathan Kodjia (Aston Villa, Ivory Coast): The striker, 29, scored nine goals in 39 appearances as Aston Villa clinched a route back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Has scored an impressive eight goals in 17 appearances for Ivory Coast. Getty Images -
Steve Mounie (Huddersfield Town, Benin): Goals proved a problem in the Premier Legaue for the French-born frontman, but goals against Gambia and Togo in Afcon qualifying helped Benin reach the finals in Egypt. AP Photo -
Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, Ghana): More pragmatic than prolific, Ayew, 27, will have a job securing a place in Kwasi Appiah's line up with brother Andre and Asamoah Gyan also vying for places. Reuters -
Christian Atsu (Newcastle United, Ghana): Twenty-seven Premier League appearances for Atsu, who can operate on either wing, as Newcastle secured another season of Premier League football. Astu's last goal for Ghana came in June 2016. Reuters -
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Fulham, Cameroon): Could well be regarded as one of the worst signings in Premier League history. Anguissa, was hardly seen as Fulham were relegated from the Premier League with several games to spare. Has two goals in 15 appearances for the Indomitable Lions. Getty Images -
Gaetan Bong, left (Brighton & Hove Albion, Cameroon): Dependable left-back who missed out on Cameroon's Afcon title success two years ago. AFP -
Wilfred Ndidi, right (Leicester City, Nigeria): One of Leicester's standout players as the Foxes finished ninth in the Premier League under Brendan Rodgers. Ndidi's energy sees him cover plenty of ground and gets his team further up the pitch. Reuters -
Alex Iwobi (Arsenal, Nigeria): A losing Europa League finalist with Arsenal as Chelsea humiliated their London rivals in Baku last month. Iwobi has the skill to unlock tight defences but lacks end product. EPA -
Leon Balogun, left (Brighton & Hove Albion, Nigeria): Was always going to struggle to break up the tried-and-tested centre-back partnership of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy. Has 27 international caps for Nigeria, who are seeking a first Afcon title since 2013. Getty Images -
Naby Keita (Liverpool, Guinea): Showed glimpses of his power and energy from midfield duirng an indifferent first season at Liverpool. No doubt the 24-year-old midfielder is a world-class operator on his day. AFP -
Ibrahima Cisse, left (Fulham, Guinea): Failed to establish himself under three different managers at Fulham during 2018/19. Scored in the 2019 Afcon qualifying win over Rwanda as Guinea finished ahead of Ivory Coast at the top of Group H. Getty Images -
Sadio Mane (Liverpool, Senegal): A sensational season for Liverpool, Mane carried the team to the brink of the Premier League crown and was their best player in Europe as Jugen Klopp's side won the Uefa Champions League title. Mane terrorises defences with his searing pace and notched 26 goals in another prolific campaign. Will need to transfer that form to international level if Senegal are to lift a first Afcon title, where Mane has a modest return of only two goals in his last 11 appearances for his country. EPA -
Idrissa Gueye (Everton, Senegal): A destroyer of opposition attacks, Everton reportedly rebuffed Paris Saint-Germain's overtures to lure the Senegalese midfielder to the French capital in January. Reuters -
Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace, Senegal): A rangy and athletic player who covers plenty of ground. The 29-year-old midfielder has 46 caps for his country and will be one of Senegal manager Aliou Cisse's generals on the pitch. Reuters -
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City, Algeria): Winger Mahrez has tarted only 14 league matches since a £60 million (Dh278.7m) summer move to English champions Manchester City. Made his international debut in 2014, featuring in his country’s opening group match at the 2014 Fifa World Cup. To date, Mahrez has 43 caps, scoring 10 goals. Getty Images -
Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur, Kenya): Since suffering a serious knee injury in 2017, the burly midfielder has struggled to recapture the sort of form that made him one of the Premier League's most formidable defensive screens. On his day is one of the toughest competitors around. AFP -
Romain Saiss, centre (Wolves, Morocco): Able to operate in defence or midfield, Saiss' versatility will be a welcome addition to Herve Renard's squad, who are looking to build on a strong showing at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia. Reuters -
Yves Bissouma (Brighton & Hove Albion, Mali): Was at the forefront as Brighton battled for their Premier League lives in the final third of the season. Bissouma's combative approach will add bite to Mali's midfield. Reuters -
Marcelo Djalo, left (Fulham, Guinea-Bissau): Centre-back, 25, was on Real Madrid's books for three years as a youth team player before a series of moves across Europe. Spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Extremadura in Spain's second division, making 12 appearances. Getty Images
_________________
The groups
Afcon 2019 is made up of four teams in six groups:
Group A
Egypt
DR Congo
Uganda
Zimbabwe
Fixtures (all kick-off times are UAE)
June 22
Egypt 1-0 Zimbabwe - report
DR Congo 0-2 Uganda
June 26
Egypt 2-0 DR Congo - report
Uganda 1-1 Zimbabwe
June 30
Uganda 0-2 Egypt - report
Zimbabwe 0-4 DR Congo
_________________
Group B
Nigeria
Guinea
Madagascar
Burundi
Fixtures
June 22
Nigeria 1-0 Burundi - report
Guinea 2-2 Madagascar - report
June 26
Nigeria 1-0 Guinea
June 27
Madagascar 1-0 Burundi
June 30
Madagascar 2-0 Nigeria
Burundi 0-2 Guinea
_________________
Group C
Senegal
Algeria
Kenya
Tanzania
Fixtures
June 23
Senegal 2-0 Tanzania
Algeria 2-0 Kenya
June 27
Senegal 0-1 Algeria
Kenya 3-2 Tanzania
July 1
Kenya 0-3 Senegal - report
Tanzania 0-3 Algeria - report
_________________
Group D
Morocco
Ivory Coast
South Africa
Namibia
Fixtures
June 23
Morocco 1-0 Namibia
June 24
Ivory Coast 1-0 South Africa - report
June 28
Morocco 1-0 Ivory Coast
South Africa 1-0 Namibia
July 1
South Africa 0-1 Morocco
Namibia 1-4 Ivory Coast
_________________
Group E
Tunisia
Mali
Mauritania
Angola
Fixtures
June 24
Tunisia 1-1 Angola - report
Mali 4-1 Mauritania - report
June 28
Tunisia 1-1 Mali
June 29
Mauritania 0-0 Angola
July 2
Mauritania 0-0 Tunisia
Angola 0-1 Mali
_________________
Group F
Cameroon
Ghana
Benin
Guinea-Bissau
Fixtures
June 25
Cameroon 2-0 Guinea-Bissau - report
Ghana 2-2 Benin - report
June 29
Cameroon 0-0 Ghana
Benin 0-0 Guinea-Bissau
July 2
Benin 0-0 Cameroon
Guinea-Bissau 0-2 Ghana
_________________
The format
The teams in each group will play in a single round-robin format, and after the group stage, the top two teams and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the last 16.
The winners will advance to the quarter-finals stage, and from then on, progress to the semi-finals. The semi-final losers will contest a third-place match, while semi-final winners will advance to the final.
Last 16
Friday, July 5
Morocco 1-1 Benin (Benin win 4-1 on penalties) - report
Uganda 1-0 Senegal - report
Saturday, July 6
Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon - report
Egypt 0-1 South Africa - report
Sunday, July 7
Madagascar 2-2 DR Congo (Madagascar win 4-2 on penalties) - report
Algeria 3-0 Guinea
Monday, July 8
Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast
Ghana 1-1 Tunisia (Tunisia win 5-4 on penalties)
Quarter-finals
Wednesday, July 10
Senegal 1-0 Benin - report
Nigeria 2-1 South Africa - report
Thursday, July 11
Ivory Coast 1-1 Algeria (Algeria win 4-3 on penalties) - report
Madagascar 0-3 Tunisia - report
Semi-finals
Sunday, July 14
Senegal 1-0 Tunisia
Algeria 2-1 Nigeria - report
Third place play-off
Wednesday, July 17
Tunisia v Nigeria, 11pm
Final
Friday, July 19
Senegal v Algeria, 11pm
-
Mohamed Salah lifts the European Cup surrounded by his Liverpool teammates. AP Photo -
Salah nets his penalty after just 108 seconds of the final. Getty -
Salah keep his eye on the ball during the game. AP Photo -
Salah, right, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal. AP Photo -
Salah celebrates with his daughter Makka and wife Magi. Reuters -
Salah celebrates with Virgil van Dijk after the final whistle. AFP -
Salah with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Reuters -
Salah celebrates at the final whistle. AFP -
Salah's speed caused Tottenham problems throughout the final. AFP -
Salah celebrates with his medal for winning the Champions League. Reuters -
Salah kisses the trophy. Reuters -
Salah celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot. Reuters -
Salah acknowledges Liverpool's travelling fans post match. Reuters -
Salah steps up to score the second-minute penalty. Getty -
Salah rides a challenge from Tottenham's Harry Winks. Getty -
Salah celebrates with his teammates. Reuters -
Salah lifts the trophy as he celebrates being the first Egyptian to score in a Champions League final. Getty -
Salah embraces Jurgen Klopp. AFP -
Salah celebrates at the final whistle. AP Photo -
Salah is embraced by teammate Dejan Lovren. AFP Photo -
Salah carries the ball during the final. AP Photo -
Salah wheels away in delight after scoring his penalty. AFP Photo
Who to watch out for
Pretty much most of the world will be fixated on Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian king who has emerged as one of the world's finest players since joining Liverpool two summers ago.
Salah, 26, scored from the penalty spot to give Liverpool the lead against Tottenham in last week's Champions League final in Madrid. Liverpool went on to win the match 2-0 to win a sixth European Cup.
Liverpool missed out on winning a first Premier League trophy in 29 years by a single point to Manchester City, with Salah contributing 22 goals in another stellar season at Anfield.
Salah may feel he still has something left to prove on the international stage, though. The reigning African player of the year arrived at last year's World Cup in Russia nursing a dislocated shoulder and, despite scoring twice in the group stages, could not prevent Pharaohs from falling at the first hurdle.
There are three countries making their Afcon debuts at this year's tournament: Burundi, Madagascar and Mauritania will all grace Africa's biggest stage for the first time.
How can I watch the games on TV in the UAE?
You can watch all the matches on BeIN Sports.
