Gabon to host 2017 AFCON

Gabon have been chosen to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The West African country won a vote by the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee in Cairo on Wednesday ahead of Algeria and Ghana.

It will be the second time that Gabon will stage the tournament after they co-hosted the 2012 edition with Equatorial Guinea.

Gabon will step in as hosts following Libya’s withdrawal last year due to civil war in the country.

Four venues have been earmarked for the 16-team tournament, which will be played in January and February.

They are Libreville and Franceville – which were used in 2012 – plus Port Gentil and Oyem where the stadiums will be ready in 14 months, Gabon Football Federation officials said.