The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Equatorial Guinea as host of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This follows the withdrawal of Morocco who hinged her decision on the outbreak of Ebola Virus in some parts of the continent.
CAF rejected that request and subsequently stripped Morocco of the tournament's hosting
right. It also exiled the Atlas Lions of Morocco from the 2015 showpiece.
The CAF in a statement on Friday said: "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."
Meanwhile, the draw for the tournament will hold on Wednesday, December 3 in Malabo with other venues for the 2015 AFCON as Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin.
Equatorial Guinea, it will be recalled, co-hosted the 2012 AFCON with Gabon, while the country was disqualified by CAF from the ongoing AFCON qualifying series for fielding an ineligible player, Thierry Tazemeta (of Cameroonian origin) during the play-off against Mauritania.
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