New Host For AFCON 2015 Named

The AFCON Trophy

Equatorial Guinea have been named as the hosts for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, replacing Morocco. The Confederation of African Football selected a new host for the 17 January to 8 February finals after rejecting Morocco's request to delay the event.

Morocco were concerned over the spread of the outbreak of the Ebola virus. Caf subsequently expelled the country from the relocated tournament, which will now be held in the country who co-hosted with Gabon in 2012. 

Super Eaglesof Nigeria is the defending champions of AFCON, won in South Africa in 2013

The Equatorial Guinea  team was disqualified in July for fielding an ineligible player 

Equatorial Guinea will now take on sole responsibility for holding the 16-team event, despite having only two major stadiums in the capital Malabo and Bata.

It is not clear whether the new hosts will be able to play in the tournament because the team was disqualified in July for fielding an ineligible player in a preliminary qualifier against Mauritania on 17 May. The organising committee of the competition ruled that Thierry Fidieu Tazemeta, who was born in Cameroon, should not have played in the first round first leg victory over Mauritania on 17 May.

It said no evidence was provided by the Equatorial Guinea Football Association or by Fifa that the player had successfully changed associations.

Mauritania had raised reservations concerning the player after the match which they won 1-0. Equatorial Guinea won the second leg 3-0 to win the tie 3-1 on aggregate.

 

CAF President, Issa Hayatou

The #AFCON 2015 host cities are Malabo, Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin. The final tournament draw takes place on Wednesday 3rd December in Malabo.

FULL STATEMENT FROM CAF: EQUATORIAL GUINEA DESIGNATED HOST COUNTRY OF ORANGE AFCON 2015

Cairo, 14 November 2014 - 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.