Nigeria won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and will hope to defend their title in Equatorial Guinea come 2015
Equatorial Guinea, one of Africa’s smallest countries, will replace Morocco as hosts of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) confirmed on Friday.
CAF refused Morocco permission to postpone the tournament over fears of a spread of the deadly Ebola virus and on Tuesday stripped the north African country of the hosting rights.
The Spanish-speaking and oil-rich Equatorial Guinea hosted the 2012 finals with their neighbours Gabon
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.
It will be recalled that the Central African country was disqualified from the 2015 AFCON preliminary qualifier in July for fielding an ineligible player against Mauritania on May 17. It is not clear whether the new hosts will be able to play in the tournament
“The head of state of Equatorial Guinea agreed to host the competition. As a result, the Caf executive committee confirm that the tournament will go ahead and Equatorial Guinea will compete as the host nation,” a statement from African soccer’s governing body said.
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.
