President of the Algerian Football Federation Mohamed Raouraoua confirmed on Saturday that his country has made an official bid to host the 2013 African Cup of Nations instead of neighbouring Libya.

Libya is divided by an ongoing four-month revolt against leader Muammar Gaddafi, who is defiantly refusing to cede power.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is highly likely to choose a new location for the tournament at its next meeting in September.

South Africa, which hosted the African Youth Championship instead of Libya a few months ago, declared their interest in staging the Nations Cup, while Algeria have formally made a bid.

“We made an official request to CAF to host the 2013 Nations Cup if it is moved from Libya,” Raouraoua was quoted as saying by Algerian media on Saturday.

“I believe Algeria has the necessary facilities to host the tournament. The football stadiums we have in the country match international standards.

“The final decision will be made by CAF during its executive committee meeting in September.”

Algeria, nicknamed the Desert Foxes, have hosted and won the tournament once, in 1990.