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When is the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals draw?

The draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations is about to take place!

When is the Afcon draw?

The draw will take place on Friday, April 12, with the ceremony beginning at 7.30 p.m. local time in Cairo -- that's 5.30 p.m. GMT / 1.30 p.m. ET. The draw is being held facing the Sphinx and the Pyramids.

Who is hosting?

The finals were due to he held in Cameroon, but in January the country was stripped of hosting rights over concerns at the slow pace of preparations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) moved the tournament to Egypt.

The tournament was eventually pushed back by six days to cater for Ramadan and allow Muslim players time to rest and recover after a month of fasting.

What are the host cities?

There are three stadiums in Cairo: International Stadium, 30 June Stadium and Al Salam Stadium.

Games will also be played in Alexandria, Ismailia and Suez.

How does the draw work?

The 24 qualified nations are placed into four pots, based on seeding with the strongest nations in Pot 1. 

There will be six groups of four teams. Each group will have one team from each seeding pot. 

Pot 1: Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Morocco

Pot 2: DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Algeria

Pot 3: South Africa, Uganda, Benin, Mauritania, Madagascar, Kenya 

Pot 4: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Tanzania, Burundi

The top two teams, and the four best third-placed sides, advance to the round of 16.

When does Afcon start?

The opening match will feature Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on June 21.

The final will be held at the same stadium on July 19.

MORE:

Africa Cup of Nations index

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