The venue of the finals in early 2015 is in major doubt, with Morocco considering pulling out as a result of the Ebola virus epidemic
South Africa has emerged as a major candidate to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) should the event be cancelled in Morocco due to the Ebola outbreak.
The Ebola virus epidemic in west Africa has so far affected more than 8000 people in the worst outbreak of its kind in history.
Morocco has yet to see any cases of the virus, but the country’s government last week requested that the Afcon be postponed due to fears that the tournament would spark a pandemic.
With the Confederation of African Football (Caf) so far rejecting these demands, the venue of the finals – which are due to kick off on January 17 – is now in major doubt .
Goal understands that the South African Football Association (SAFA) expects to be officially asked by CAF to replace Morocco as hosts and is currently discussing the possibility.
SAFA’s head of communications Dominic Chimhavi conceded on Wednesday that the nation could step in and lauded his country’s excellent stadia.
“We know that Morocco has requested to withdraw from hosting the tournament due to the deadly Ebola virus,” Chimhavi told Sport24.
“Caf just mentioned South Africa as a possible destination, but there are still lot of things to be considered before a final decision can be made.”
“Caf is considering South Africa, because we are always ready to host major sporting events. We have the best infrastructure in the continent but nothing has been confirmed.”
South Africa hosted the AFCON as recently as 2013. Other potential replacements should Morocco pull out are Egypt and Sudan.