By David Gold
March 19 – The 2011 CAF African Youth Championship will be hosted by South Africa after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the switch from war-torn Libya.
The competition was originally due to be held from March 18 until April 1, but due to the political situation and ongoing military action in Libya at present, the Confederation decided to postpone the tournament until a new host could be found.
Issa Hayatou, the President of the CAF, said: “We decided to move the African Youth Championship to South Africa and it will be played from April 17 to May 2.”
South African Football Association President Kirsten Nematandani added: “It again confirms the confidence the continent has in South Africa after hosting the World Cup last year.
“I have no doubt we will be ready – we have proven beyond reasonable doubt in the past that we are capable of hosting such a major event.”
The four semi-finalists of the competition will qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, to be staged in Colombia this summer.
South Africa also take Libya’s place in Group A, alongside Mali, Lesotho and Egypt.
Group B consists of Cameroon, Nigeria, Gambia and reigning champions and tournament favourites Ghana.
Tournament venues and fixtures are yet to be announced.
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