The opening match of the 25th African Cup of Nations has been scheduled for Friday 20th January 2006.

The final match has also been scheduled on Friday February 10th 2006

Both opening and closing matches are expected to take place at Cairo stadium which is being renovated for the event.

The draw for the groups of the final tournament will take place in cairo on Thursday 20th October once the preliminary matches are over on October 9th, 2005.

These dates were finalised on 22nd December 2004 during the meeting between CAF President Issa Hayatou and Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Anas El Feky.

Hani Aboo Rida, Member of CAF Executive Committee as Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the African Cup of Nations 2006, was also present during the meeting.