El Hadji Diouf: Egypt always win AFCON as hosts

Players of Egypt celebrate a goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 qualifying soccer match between Egypt and Tunisia in Alexandria, Egypt, 16 November 2018. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday May 21, 2019. 12:00

Legendary Senegal winger El Hadji Diouf has explained why Egypt are most likely to win the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Egypt are set to host the continental tournament between 21 June and 19 July.

Diouf, who helped Senegal finish second at the 2002 AFCON finals, discusses the teams which are most likely to win the coveted trophy.

“Talking about the AFCON in Egypt, there are so many good teams that will be at the Nations Cup,” Diouf told All Nigeria Soccer.

"Nigeria can win it just like any other country. It will be difficult with 24 teams playing time around.

“I cannot say this team or that team will win this tournament but we know that whenever Egypt hosts the AFCON, they win it," the two-time CAF African Footballer of the Year added.

“It’s just in the history of the tournament, they may win or not win but honestly the team that will win the AFCON must be mentally strong because there are so many good teams this year.

"It will be difficult."

Egypt are record seven-time AFCON champions and they are in Group A alongside Zimbabwe, Uganda, and DR Congo.