2006 Africa Cup of Nations
The 2006 Africa Cup of Nations was the 25th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the association football championship of Africa. It was hosted by Egypt. Just like in 2004, the field of sixteen teams was split into four groups of four. Egypt won its fifth championship, beating Ivory Coast in the final 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Host selection. Bids : The organization of the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations was awarded to Egypt on 24 October 2002 by the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt. Voters had a  choice between four countries : Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Libya. This marks the fourth time that Egypt has hosted the African Cup after 1959, 1974 and 1986. It also coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of CAF. Qualification. For the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, qualification was done through the CAF's qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Whereas only the winner of each group qualified for the World Cup, the top 3 finishers in each of the five qualification groups gained entry into the Africa Cup of Nations. The exception was qualification  group 3, which contained hosts Egypt. Since Egypt qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations automatically as the hosts, the final berth was instead awarded to the fourth-place finishers, Libya. 2006 also marked the first time that the defending champion did not automatically qualify for the finals. Tunisia, 2004's champion, qualified for the Cup of Nations by winning their group in the qualification process. Group stage. Teams highlighted in green progress to the quarter-finals. "All times local: EET (UTC+2)" CAF Team of the Tournament. Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Forwards