South African to host 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)

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Following spread of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa, 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) host nation, Morocco, is opting to withdraw themselves from hosting the 30th edition of the continental showpiece.

Morocco requested the Confederations of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament which was set for January next year, due to the Ebola epidemic, which CAF has turned a blind eye to.

Earlier reports revealed that South African Football Associations (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan is set to meet with the CAF boss Issa Hayatou to discuss a way forward as South Africa is set to replace the North African giants.

SAFA spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that a decision is not final regarding the matter.

Chimhavi also hinted that South Africa is just being considered as a possible replacement, should the royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) confirm their withdrawal.

“I can’t say we are going to host the tournament again next year,” Chimhavi said.

“This is what is happening, as we know that Morocco had requested to withdraw from hosting the tournament due to the widespread of a deadly Ebola virus.

“CAF just voiced South Africa as a possible destination to this challenge.

“But there are still lot of things to be considered before a final decision can be made.

“The president (Jordaan) and the NEC members will have a meeting to discuss a way forward regarding this, but CAF is considering South Africa because we are always ready to host major sporting events.

“We have the best infrastructure in the country but nothing has been confirmed.”

South Africa hosted the previous tournament in 2013 after being involved in a swap deal with Libya due to the political instabilities in their country, which led to the assassination of their President Maummar Gaddafi in 2011.

Initially, South African was supposed to host the competition in 2017.

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