EFA management board member Hazem El-Hawary has suggested that Egypt offer to host the 2013 African Cup of Nations (ACN). The tournament was set to be held in Libya, but this is doubtful now due to the current unrest.

“Our proposal to host the 2013 African Cub of Nations will be sent within a few days,” El-Hawary told a television programme on Thursday.

El-Hawary insisted that the bid is not just a reaction to Egypt’s stunning last-gasp 0-1 defeat in the ACN qualifier against South Africa last weekend, which weakened the chances of the seven-time champions qualifying.

“This bid has nothing to do with being beaten by South Africa,” he added.

Libya had been selected to host the ACN championship, but the ongoing rebellion against the Muammar Gaddafi-led regime makes this look uncertain.

CAF recently moved the 2011 African Youth Championship, which was scheduled to be played in Libya from 18 March to 1 April, to South Africa because of the current events in the host country.

The 2013 African Cup of Nations had been arranged to take place in Libya, but there are now serious concerns that Libya will be unable to organise it, as NATO is currently enforcing a no-fly zone over the North African country.

Libya tops Group C with seven points, while Egypt suffered a major blow against their chances of qualifying for the 2013 ACN after losing 0-1 to South Africa last week, and are now at the bottom of Group G with a single point.

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