Equatorial Guinea to Host 2015 AFCON Games

Equatorial Guinea to Host 2015 AFCON 

Equatorial Guinea  has emerged as the host of the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The power to host the games was stripped off Morocco due to the fear of Ebola.

They were stripped of the event having asked for it to be postponed over fears of the spread of the Ebola virus, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Friday.

Oil-rich Spanish-speaking Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa's smallest countries with a population of just over 600 000, hosted the 2012 finals with neighbours Gabon but will take on the 16-team tournament on its own from January 17 February 8.

Morocco was on Tuesday stripped of the right to host the finals with the north African country also disqualified from taking part in the tournament after its request for a postponement was rejected by CAF.

CAF made the announcement via a release, in The Cable reports:

The Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo this Friday 14 November met with the President of CAF Issa Hayatou concerning the possibility for Equatorial Guinea to host the Africa Cup of Nations Orange 2015. Following fraternal and fruitful discussions, the Head of State of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015.

Therefore, the Executive Committee of CAF confirms that the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2015 will be held in Equatorial Guinea on the dates agreed, and the national team of Equatorial Guinea is qualified for the final tournament as a representative of the country host. The four cities selected for the finals are Malabo, Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin. The draw for the finals will take place Wednesday, December 3, 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The Executive Committee of CAF and President Issa Hayatou seize this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of Equatorial Guinea, its government, and particularly to His Excellency the Head of State and President of the Republic Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

11/14/2014