The Confederations of African Football, CAF has awarded the hosting rights of the 31st edition of the African Cup of Nations to Gabon.

This was announced by the governing body of the continental showpiece on Wednesday afternoon in Cairo after the Executive Committee of CAf had voted following the bids presentations made by interested countries.

Gabon beat the 2015 AFCON finalist, Ghana and the number country in Africa according to FIFA, Algeria to win the hosting rights for the championship.

Caf president, Issa Hayatou made this known just before the qualifying draws were made.

The tournament will come less than five years since Gabon co-hosted the 2012 tournament with neighbours Equatorial Guinea.

The oil rich central African country has been underlining its status as a veritable host nation with its hosting of the 2013 French Super Cup match between PSG and Bordeaux.