Equatorial Guinea is set to host the biggest event in African football for the year 2015 after Morocco pulled out of hosting the tournament due to Ebola fears. Caf rejected that request and subsequently stripped Morocco of the tournament, as well as ejecting their national team from the competition, and has now awarded the tournament to Equatorial Guinea.
The Central African country co-hosted the 2012 staging of the Afcon with Gabon, but has taken on sole duties this time around.
Talks with Caf chief Issa Hayatou were held on Friday and a decision was quickly made to take the tournament to Malabo, Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin.
"The Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, received the President of CAF Issa
Hayatou this Friday, November 14 concerning the possibility of Equatorial Guinea hosting the Africa
Cup of Nations 2015," a Caf statement reads.
"Following friendly and fruitful discussions, the Head of State of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to
host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015.
"The Executive Committee of CAF President Issa Hayatou would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of Equatorial Guinea, to their government, and particularly to the Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo."
A draw for the tournament will take place on Wednesday, December 3 in Malabo.
Equatorial Guinea have also been confirmed as Morocco's replacements to take part in the
competition, despite being earlier disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying.
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