Gabon is scheduled to host the event from January 14 to February 5, although the country is mired in political crisis.

In a statement the CAF said its president Issa Hayatou had stressed many times that "there has never been any question of finding a substitute host nation".

The host cities are Libreville, Franceville, Port-Gentil and Oyem for what will be a test of Gabon's ability to stage a major event as President Ali Bongo confronts major unrest sparked by his August re-election.