CAF Announces Equatorial Guinea As New Host Of AFCON 2015

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced Equatorial Guinea as the new host of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following the withdrawal of hitherto designated hosts, Morocco. The African football governing body said in a statement that Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang had accepted a request from CAF President Issa Hayatou to stage the tournament from 17 January to 8 February as originally scheduled.

Morocco had asked for a shift in date if they are to stay on as hosts but the request was turned down by CAF. New host Equatorial Guniea are not new to hosting CAF tournaments having successfully hosted the Women’s Nations Cup and jointly hosted the 2012 edition of the AFCON.

Nigeria are the reigning African champions but interestingly failed to qualify for the edition held in Equatorial Guniea last term. Many will pray the same situation doesn't repeat itself this term yet again.