From shame to host
CAPE TOWN: Equatorial Guinea has agreed to step in as last-minute hosts of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals, replacing Morocco, who were stripped of the tour nament after asking that it be postponed amid fears about the spread of the Ebola virus.
Equatorial Guinea were expelled from the tournament’s p r e l i mi n a r i e s for using an ineligible player, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will bend its rules to allow the country to take part.
That leaves one of Africa’s smallest countries with just two months to prepare for the continent’s showpiece sporting event.
CAF took just three days to find an alternative host after refusing Morocco’s request for a postponement on Tuesday. Morocco feared fans from other countries could spread the deadly virus.
President Teodoro Obiang agreed to host the event in Equatorial Guinea after talks in the capital Malabo yesterday with CAF chief Issa Hayatou.
The tournament is to take place on the scheduled dates, January 17-February 8, and be played in Malabo, Ebebiyin, Mongomo, and Bata.
When Equatorial Guinea cohosted the finals with neighbours Gabon in 2012, the Africa’s only Spanish speaking country struggled with the logistics of providing for just eight teams. It now faces the daunting task of being ready for 16.
CAF’s options were limited after it decided to go ahead with the event in January rather than grant Morocco a postponement.
Angola and Gabon were cited as possible alternatives, but ruled themselves out. There was speculation that 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar could be chosen, raising the bizarre prospect of Africa’s championship being played in Asia.
Equatorial Guinea’s oil and natural gas wealth means it can foot the estimated $40 million (R448m) bill for hosting the tournament – a prerequisite that also narrowed the options.
CAF began searching for an alternative a month ago when Morocco first gave notice of their desire to postpone the event to June or next January.
The governing body said Morocco’s concer ns were alarmist.
It was steadfast in its refusal to change the dates and gambled on finding an alternative for the event that accounts for the vast majority of its income.
Equatorial Guinea has had no outbreaks of Ebola, the deadly hemorrhagic fever, since it erupted in March.
With limited facilities, it will probably attract just a handful of travelling fans, severely reducing any threat.
Equatorial Guinea reached the quarter-finals of the tournament they co-hosted in 2012. They finished second in their pool after victories over Senegal and Libya in their only previous finals appearance.
The qualifiers for the 2015 Cup of Nations conclude on Wednesday. The draw for the tournament will be held in Malabo on December 3, CAF said. – Reuters