Algeria Eyes 2017 AFCON After Missing Out on 2019 and 2021 Bids
Algeria has renewed its ambitions to host the Africa Cup of Nations by submitting a bid for the 2017 tournament, following Libya’s withdrawal due to ongoing political instability.
The North African nation had initially bid to host the 2019 and 2021 editions, but both attempts proved unsuccessful, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarding the tournaments to Cameroon and Ivory Coast respectively. According to Algeria’s Minister of Sports, Mohamed Tahmi, the decision was heavily influenced by the tragic death of Cameroonian player Albert Ebossé.
Ebossé, who played for JS Kabylie, died in 2014 after being struck in the head by a projectile thrown from the stands during a match in Tizi Ouzou. The incident drew widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about stadium safety in Algeria.
“I think that what happened in Tizi Ouzou—the Ebossé affair—had a big impact on CAF’s decision regarding the host countries,” said Minister Tahmi, acknowledging the weight of the tragedy on Algeria’s failed bids.
However, Algeria is determined not to be sidelined in its quest to bring the prestigious tournament back to its soil. The national steering committee in charge of the bid has formally submitted Algeria’s candidacy to CAF to take over as host for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
With Libya stepping down, the field of potential hosts has significantly narrowed. Zambia, which had also failed in its bids for 2019 and 2021, has opted not to pursue the 2017 edition. Other countries initially considered—such as Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and most recently Egypt—have all officially withdrawn their interest, leaving Algeria in a strong position.
If successful, this would mark Algeria’s second time hosting the continental tournament, having last welcomed Africa’s top national teams in 1990, when the Fennecs lifted the trophy on home soil.
CAF is expected to announce its decision on the new 2017 host in the coming months.
