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100 DAYS TO 2019 AFCON, EGYPT PROMISES MEMORABLE TOURNAMENT

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With 100 days to the opening match, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Total Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 Hany Abo Rida, has expressed optimistic about hosting an event that will last in the minds of all.

Hany Abo Rida doubles as the Egyptian FA boss as well as being executive member of CAF. He is also a member of FIFA Council.

He said preparations are far advanced especially for the official draw for the final tournament scheduled for 12 April 2019 in Cairo, whilst fine-tuning for competition itself has also reached top gear.

Egypt 2019 will be the first AFCON under the revised 24-format will take place from 21 June to 19 July 2019.

According to Hany Abo Rida, the  preparations cover many aspects, including getting the six designated venues in the perfect conditions with respect to the pitches, changing rooms, tribunes and supporters’ areas.

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“Another aspect covers the various training pitches and hotels that will welcome the qualified teams as well as transportation and reception for visiting fans. 

“We are also giving premium to media facilities at the various stadia to accommodate the expected huge media turn both local and international. Regarding ticketing, the process will be online to avoid congestion at sale points. Despite the limited time, we are working round the clock to be ready for the opening match on 21 June.

 The Egyptian football chieftain also commended the cordial relationship between Egypt 2019 LOC and CAF, the owners of the tournament.

“Great thus far as there has been full cooperation between the LOC and CAF. We signed the Organising Association Agreement (OAA) few days ago and both parties are working towards making the event a memorable one.

“On his recent visit to Egypt, the CAF President also visited Cairo International Stadium, and expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation works at the site’, said Rida.

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He said there are surprise packages during next month’s draw ceremony. “We are putting together a concept that will express Egypt’s past and future, and based on great history and civilization. The ceremony will be a mixture of Egyptian folklore and modern culture.

“We have decided on a venue next to the globally acclaimed Giza Pyramids, as it gives a clear picture of Egypt’s role in history and human civilization, especially that millions of people will watch the draw ceremony which is a great chance to promote Egyptian tourism.”

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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