South Africa to host 2013 African Cup of Nations

South Africa will host the 2013 African Cup of Nations, as previous hosts Libya had to rescind the rights due to political instability.

The two countries’ football associations have signed an agreement with regards to the hosting of the 2013 and the 2017 editions of the continent’s prime football competition, with Libya to inherit the rights to the latter event.

“In terms of the agreement, Libya will host the 2017 Afcon, which had been awarded to South Africa, while Safa will take over the hosting of the 2013 Afcon tournament as well as the 2014 African Nations Championships (Chan), which was supposed to be played in Libya,” a South African Football Association statement read.

“The agreement comes following the political upheaval in Libya, but is subject to ratification by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) at its next Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, 28th September 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.”

South Africa last hosted the tournament in 1996, which Bafana Bafana won.

Libya are experiencing political problems after rebels dethroned long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi this week.