Morocco replace Kenya as 2018 CHAN hosts

The CAF emergency committee met in Lagos and unanimously decided that Morocco will host the fifth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). CAF says its emergency committee made the decision on Saturday at a meeting in Lagos, Nigeria. It was announced Sunday. Morocco replace Kenya who were stripped of their rights following 'accumulated delays' cited by CAF in the country's tournament preparations.

Monday, October 16, 2017
Amavubi striker Ernest Sugira (C), jumps to control the ball in a game against Gabon during last year's CHAN tournament hosted by Rwanda. (File)

The CAF emergency committee met in Lagos and unanimously decided that Morocco will host the fifth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

CAF says its emergency committee made the decision on Saturday at a meeting in Lagos, Nigeria. It was announced Sunday.

Morocco replace Kenya who were stripped of their rights following "accumulated delays" cited by CAF in the country's tournament preparations.

Morocco beat a bid from Equatorial Guinea in a fast-tracked process after CAF stripped Kenya of the tournament three weeks ago. CAF says Ethiopia also expressed an interest in hosting but didn't provide government guarantees.

The 1988 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was the last senior CAF competition hosted by Morocco.

They were scheduled to host the 2015 Nations Cup but withdrew after fears over the spread of the Ebola virus.

The African Nations Championship is the continent's No. 2 national team tournament after the African Cup of Nations. The Africa Nations Championship, also known as CHAN, is contested by teams made up of home-based players only.

Morocco will now host the 16 teams from Jan. 12-Feb. 4, an early chance to test its infrastructure after also having bid to host the 2026 World Cup.