LIVE UPDATES: Egypt vs Zimbabwe ( 2019 AFCON)

Hello good evening and welcome to our big coverage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which begins in Egypt tonight.

There is a colorful opening ceremony to usher in the 24-team tournament after which hosts Egypt will face a Zimbabwe side, which is picked with talent from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, in the opening game of the 2019 Afcon.

The 2019 tournament kicks off with a cracker, and many expect the Warriors to put up a good fight against the tournament hosts.

Egypt have won the competition thrice as hosts, lifting the coveted trophy in 1959, 1986 and 2006 at home. The only exception came in 1974, when they finished in third spot.

The contrasts between the Pharaohs and Zimbabwe could not be bigger as Egypt are also the record champions, having won Africa's biggest showpiece seven times overall.

Meanwhile, Sunday Chidzambwe's men have qualified for only their fourth Afcon, and have never made it out of the group stage thus far.

Zim's preparations were overshadowed by a reported bonus payment row, although the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has denied reports the squad threatened to boycott the opening match.

Egypt are unbeaten at home in 21 successive games, with their last defeat on home soil dating back to January 2016. They will hope the country's superstar Mohamed Salah shines once again – the Liverpool winger was Egypt's top goalscorer in the their qualification campaign with four strikes.

The two teams have met four times previously, with the Pharaohs winning all previous contests, including their only clash in Afcon history at the 2004 tournament.

Hopefully the opening game which kicks off at 8pm will not disappoint.

Stay with us for all the updates.