Gabon will this month become the third consecutive hosts of the biennial Africa Cup of Nations who were not originally awarded the tournament. Strife-torn Libya were replaced by South Africa in 2013 and Morocco withdrew as 2015 hosts over Ebola virus concerns with Equatorial Guinea stepping in at short notice. Continuing post Moamer Kadhafi-era violence forced 2017 hosts Libya to withdraw again, opening the way for 2012 co-hosts Gabon to stage the tournament on their own. The Cup of Nations runs from January 14 to February 5 at four venues in the capital Libreville, Port-Gentil, Franceville and Oyem. Stade de l’Amitie The 40,000-capacity stadium in coastal capital city Libreville hosts the opening game between Gabon and Guinea-Bissau and eight other fixtures, including the final. It also staged the 2012 Cup of Nations decider in which Zambia stunned the Ivory Coast. Stade de Port-Gentil World superstar Lionel Messi laid the foundation stone at one of two 20,000-seat stadiums built for the 2017 tournament. The Barcelona and Argentina icon was accompanied to the ceremony in the coastal oil hub by President Ali Bongo Ondimba, a keen football fan. Stade de Franceville Tucked away in the southeast corner, the 22,000-seater stadium was among four stadiums used for the 2012 Cup of Nations, which Gabon and Equatorial Guinea co-hosted. Guinea thrashed Botswana 6-1 in Franceville to match the record winning margin for a finals game. Stade d’Oyem The other new 20,000-capacity Cup of Nations stadium is situated in northwestern town Oyem and hosts a group that includes defending champions the Ivory Coast and serious title contenders Morocco, plus a quarter-final.
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