- Title: Gabon in final preparations to host 2017 Cup of Nations
- Date: 9th January 2017
- Summary: LIBREVILLE, GABON (RECENT - OCTOBER 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF LIBREVILLE STADIUM UNDER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ON SCAFFOLD LIBREVILLE STADIUM CONSTRUCTION TRUCKS AT STADIUM SITE VARIOUS OF WORKERS AT SITE AND STADIUM UNDER CONSTRUCTION GENERAL VIEW OF THE STADIUM VARIOUS OF LOW QUALITY HOUSING WITH PEOPLE WASHING CLOTHES (SOUNDBITE) (French) LIBREVILLE RESIDENT, FANNY SAYING: "For me, Gabon doesn't need this African Nations Cup with all the financial problems that we have and seeing that the last elections took place in chaos, Gabon doesn't need this tournament. It didn't bring us anything in 2012, so I can't understand why they are organising a new one. Meanwhile, they could put this money to good use and improve public housing in order to help a lot of people, but the decision is already taken and we can't go back." BULLDOZER WORKING OUTSIDE STADIUM (SOUNDBITE) (French) STADIUM WORKER, TRESOR ELBAZ SAYING: "This means a lot to us, because we will get a chance to be known internationally. We will be able to also show the world other parts of the country, because the matches will not only take place in the capital city. This event makes us proud." STREET SCENES AERIAL VIEW OF LIBREVILLE/ VIEW OF EXTERIOR OF RADISSON HOTEL VARIOUS OF PEOPLE PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THE BEACH. (SOUNDBITE) (French) LIBREVILLE RESIDENT, PAUL MARIE, SAYING: "We hope that all goes well with the event, the stadiums are almost ready and we hope that our team will have a good performance this year." MORE OF PEOPLE PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THE BEACH
- Embargoed: 24th January 2017 12:58
- Keywords: African Cup of Nations Gabon Infrastructure Poltics Sports Soccer
- Location: LIBREVILLE, GABON
- City: LIBREVILLE, GABON
- Country: Gabon
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA0015YCZFB3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Final preparations are under way in Gabon's capital Libreville, as the country prepares to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
With only a week to go before the tournament kicks off on Saturday (January 14), authorities are putting the finishing touches to the four stadiums due to host the tournament.
This is the second time that Gabon has hosted the tournament, having co-hosted in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea. Libya were originally scheduled to host this year's tournament until African soccer's governing body CAF decided in August 2014 that the situation in Libya had made it impossible for it to go ahead there.
However, this year's tournament has been overshadowed by the aftermath of Gabon's disputed elections held last August that saw Ali Bongo retain power. The vote divided the political class and the country leading to a wave of riots.
Despite the government's reassurance that the tournament will take place without incidents, there have been ongoing calls in recent months for action by the opposition.
Faced with the lingering political and social crisis, opinions amongst residents in Libreville are mixed.
"For me, Gabon doesn't need this African Nations Cup with all the financial problems that we have and seeing that the last elections took place in chaos, Gabon doesn't need this tournament. It didn't bring us anything in 2012, so I can't understand why they are organising a new one. Meanwhile, they could put this money to good use and improve public housing in order to help a lot of people, but the decision is already taken and we can't go back," said one local resident, Fanny.
"This means a lot to us, because we will get a chance to be known internationally. We will be able to also show the world other parts of the country, because the matches will not only take place in the capital city. This event makes us proud," said stadium construction worker, Tresor Elbaz.
Defending champions from 2015, Ivory Coast, are favourites for the event ahead of Senegal and Algeria, who boast 2016 African Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez in their squad. Egypt, who won the tournament three successive times between 2006 and 2010, are also expected to do well.
Gabon have never won the tournament, but fans in the country hope the tournament being held on home soil will boost the Panthers' chances of success.
"We hope that all goes well with the event, the stadiums are almost ready and we hope that our team will have a good performance this year," said football fan, Paul Marie.
Gabon open the tournament against Guinea-Bissau in Libreville on January 14 with the final on February 5. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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