By Chrysanthus Ikeh
Three days after Morocco was stripped of hosting rights and disqualified, Confederation of African Football has announced Equatorial Guinea as host of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco were initially awarded the rights to host the tournament, but they pulled out because of fears over the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the country.
A CAF statement released on Friday, November 14, 2014, reads:
‘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,’
‘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’
According to reports, the draw for the tournament will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
