By: Clinton Inene
Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya have announced their interest in hosting the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following Libya’s withdrawal as the host nation.
Libya was forced to pull out of hosting the competition as a result of the ongoing turmoil in the country that has forestalled government plans to build new stadia for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana has hosted the tournament four times, in 1963, 1978, 2000 (co-hosted with Nigeria), and 2008. Ethiopia has also hosted the tournament in 1962, 1968 and 1976. Kenya on the other hand has never hosted the African Cup of Nations.
Ethiopia Football Federation president, Junedin Basha said, “We already have two ready venues, the Addis Ababa and the Bahir Dar stadiums, and the construction of the other venues has also reached a good level. Our government is ready and interested to do everything it can to bring the tournament back to Ethiopia.”
Kenya said in a statement on Tuesday, August 26 that they are also considering a joint bid with Tanzania or Uganda or Rwanda.
The Confederation of African Football has set a deadline of September 30 for countries to express their interest in hosting the tournament as a replacement for Libya.
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