AFCON 2015 Uncertainty Draws Mixed Reactions from African Coaches
The footballing world is still coming to terms with Morocco’s decision to withdraw from hosting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in parts of West Africa. While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has maintained that the tournament will go ahead on schedule in January, it has yet to announce a new host nation, leaving teams and fans in a state of uncertainty.
Despite the logistical and health-related challenges, many coaches and players across the continent remain hopeful that the tournament will proceed as planned. Some, however, have expressed disappointment and concern over both Morocco’s decision and the broader implications for African football.
Algeria’s national team coach Christian Gourcuff voiced his frustration in comments to L’Équipe, lamenting the loss of Morocco as host. “We really hoped that this CAN would be played in Morocco, and it’s a big disappointment,” he said. “In any case, I have my doubts about the reasons that led to this situation. Of course, I don’t have control over everything, but that doesn’t stop me from being surprised.”
Claude Le Roy, coach of Congo and a veteran of African football, struck a defiant tone when speaking to Le Parisien. He challenged the narrative of fear surrounding the Ebola crisis, particularly from European observers. “Africa is a continent that is suffering, but fighting. And since I’ve been working there, it’s always been like that,” he said. “In Europe, I’m hearing a lot of comments about the risk of contagion, but for me, that’s nonsense.”
Le Roy emphasized that there are capable alternatives if Morocco cannot host, citing Egypt, Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana as viable options. “This competition has to be played. All the players want it. Everyone wants it—except maybe a few ill-informed people. And it’s not these timid minds that are going to make me change my mind.”
Meanwhile, Senegal’s coach Alain Giresse offered a more cautious perspective. In his interview with Le Parisien, Giresse acknowledged the delicate balance between sporting passion and public health. “For the moment, I don’t know if we’ll be able to play it. That’s the most regrettable thing, because for Africans, the CAN is very important,” he said. “But I’m torn on the subject, because I know there’s a risk situation with Ebola. Now, we’re suffering, even if we shouldn’t turn our backs on sport.”
With time running short and no official replacement host announced, CAF faces mounting pressure to provide clarity. In the meantime, the spirit of competition remains strong among Africa’s teams and supporters—eager, despite the uncertainty, to see their continent’s premier football tournament go ahead.
