Khama Billiat of Zimbabwe shields ball from Tarek Hamed of Egypt during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: ©BackpagePix

Afcon 2019: Results, standings and upcoming fixtures – 21 June 2019

Catch up with the latest news and results from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and see what lies in store with upcoming fixtures.

by Alexis Haden

21-06-2019 23:52

in Soccer

Khama Billiat of Zimbabwe shields ball from Tarek Hamed of Egypt during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: ©BackpagePix

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations got underway in Cairo on Friday. A somewhat muted opening ceremony raised the curtain for a much more entertaining opening match between hosts Egypt and rank outsiders Zimbabwe.

The Pharaohs are looking for a record-extending eight title.

As expected, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt got off to a winning start. They beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in Cairo in the opening game of a tournament expanded to 24 teams and played in June and July for the first time.

It was thrill-a-minute stuff in the opening exchanges with Egypt dominating much of the attack. Zimbabwe, though, pushed just as hard, albeit with a little less accuracy. Amazingly, the score remained 0-0 until just before half-time.

Liverpool star Salah, on a redemption mission with Egypt after injury derailed a miserable World Cup campaign last year, looked sharp although the hosts needed a 41st-minute goal by Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan to get off to a winning start in Group A.

A powerful strike from Trézéguet put the hosts ahead in the 41st minute and that goal remained the only difference between the two sides.

On Saturday, the tournament kicks up a gear with three fixtures scheduled – including powerhouse Nigeria taking on Burundi.

Fixtures, teams and results for all groups