African Nations Cup 2015: Equatorial Guinea replace Morocco as hosts

Morocco were stripped of hosting rights after asking for the tournament to be postponed due to the Ebola crisis

Nigeria lift the African Cup of Nations in 2013 (Getty Images)

Equatorial Guinea will host the African Nations Cup next year after Morocco was stripped of the tournament.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the small west African country will host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015.

Morocco had asked for the tournament to be postponed due to concerns over the Ebola crisis but CAF's executive committee decided to move the tournament instead, and have banned Morocco from taking part.

CAF said in a statement: "Following fraternal and fruitful discussions, the head of state of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015 .

"The national team of Equatorial Guinea qualify for the final tournament as host country."

Equatorial Guinea, co-hosts in 2010 with Gabon, had been suspended in July for fielding an ineligible player but now will be allowed to compete in the tournament.

The matches will take place in four venues and the draw for the finals will take place on December 3 in the country's capital, Malabo.

Equatorial Guinea has a poor human rights record, with Human Rights Watch reporting arbitrary detentions and unlawful killings.

PA