By BBC Sport

Egypt’s sports minister Khaled Abdel-Aziz has confirmed his country has abandoned its bid to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“We have decided to withdraw our application and will support that of Algeria,” he explained.

Gabon and Ghana have also made bids, the Confederation of African Football will announce the hosts on 8 April. Libya had been due to host the AFCON but withdrew due to the ongoing political instability.

Abdel-Aziz did not expand on the reasons behind the decision but was talking after FIFA executive committee member Hany Abu Rida said it did not make sense for two Arab countries to compete against each other.

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