By Daniel Etchells

Teodoro Obiang, President of Equatorial Guinea, met with Issa Hayatou, President of CAF, today ©Getty ImagesEquatorial Guinea will replace Morocco as hosts of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed today.

Morocco was expelled from the finals, due to take place from January 17 to February 8, following its refusal to host the event on the scheduled dates because of fears over the spread of Ebola.

Equatorial Guinea, co-hosts with Gabon in 2012, will now take on sole responsibility for holding the 16-team event.

CAF reveealed the decision was made after a meeting in Malabo between Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang and CAF President Issa Hayatou today.

African football's governing body also announced that Equatorial Guinea will play in the tournament, despite the team being disqualified in July for fielding an ineligible player in a preliminary qualifier against Mauritania on May 17.

Issa Hayatou (centre), President of CAF, confirmed that Equatorial Guinea had agreed to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations ©Getty ImagesIssa Hayatou (centre), President of CAF, confirmed that Equatorial Guinea had agreed to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations ©Getty Images



"The head of state of Equatorial Guinea agreed to host the competition," said Hayatou in a statement.

"As a result, the CAF Executive Committee confirms that the tournament will go ahead and Equatorial Guinea will compete as the host nation.

"CAF wishes to express its sincere thanks to the Equatorial Guinean people, its Government and particularly President Obiang."

Matches will be held at four venues in Bata, Ebebiyin, Mongomo and the capital Malabo.

The draw for the finals is due to be made in Malabo on December 3.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
November 2014: 
Morocco expelled from 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after refusal to host