Troubled Gabon 'ready for Afcon'

TOPSHOTS Gabon's forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2015 African Cup of Nations group A football match between Burkina Faso and Gabon at Bata Stadium in Bata on January 17, 2015. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA

Gabon insists it is ready to host the African Cup of Nations despite concern about the state of preparations amid political instability just one month ahead of the opening ceremony.

The Afcon is due to run from January 14 to February 5 next year, but was thrown into doubt after violence broke out following President Ali Bongo’s controversial re-election in August. Call for Africa’s showcase football tournament to be moved to a different country were heard following rioting after the vote whose outcome is still contested.

Four cities will host the football tournament.