2015 Africa Cup of Nations

30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations November 2014 Africa Cup of Nations 2015 Copa Africana de Naciones 2015Coupe d'Afrique des Nations 2015Campeonato Africano das Nações de 2015AFCON 2015CAN 2015 Afcon2015.png 180px Equatorial Guinea 17 January – 8 February 16 4 4 Côte d'Ivoire 2 Ghana DR Congo Equatorial Guinea 32 68 TUN Ahmed AkaïchiGHA André AyewEQG Javier BalboaCGO Thievy BifoumaCOD Dieumerci Mbokani(3 goals each) GHA Christian Atsu CIV Sylvain Gbohouo COD 2013 2017 The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea 2015 for sponsorship reasons, was the 30th staging of the Africa Cup of Nations, the international men's football championship of Africa. It was organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and was held from 17 January to 8 February.http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=f0ItcKREQ5wPKOi9G8YjFg%3d%3d Final tournament to run from 17th January to 8th February; semi-finals separated cafonline.com 26 April 2014http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=MzIs8Irt2zbo%2bbuIDMxpag%3d%3d Press Release following CAF EXCO May 2013 meetings cafonline.com 16 May 2013 The tournament was initially scheduled to be hosted by Morocco who later demanded postponement of the event because of the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa;http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=7Q1Us%2bTZ%2bi03aalfg76fmw%3d%3d https://web.archive.org/web/20141111203015/http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=7Q1Us%2bTZ%2bi03aalfg76fmw%3d%3d dead 11 November 2014 CAF acknowledges Morocco's refusal to host ORANGE AFCON 2015 from January 17 to February 8 CAF 11 November 2014 subsequently Morocco was ruled out as a host country and replaced by Equatorial Guinea.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30053859 2015 Nations Cup: Equatorial Guinea to host tournament BBC BBC Sport 14 November 2014 14 November 2014 Ivory Coast won the tournament for their second Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Ghana 9–8 in a penalty shoot-out after the final finished goalless following extra time. The DR Congo came third and the hosts Equatorial Guinea fourth, while defending champions Nigeria had failed to qualify for the tournament. Host selection Bids : BotswanaBFA eyes new stadium to host 2015 AFCON http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=8&aid=3484&dir=2010/July/Thursday8 Mmegi Online 1 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20160414230627/http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=3484&dir=2010%2Fjuly%2Fthursday8&sid=8 14 April 2016 dead (withdrew) CameroonCameroon to host African Cup of Nations? http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/morocco/morocco-host-african-cup-nations global post 26 September 2010 1 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101009151340/http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/morocco/morocco-host-african-cup-nations 9 October 2010 dead (withdrew) DR CongoDR Congo name local committee to back 2015 nations cup bid http://www.starafrica.com/en/sport/article/dr-congo-name-local-committee-to-back-20-78538.html Star Africa 2 October 2010 20 August 2010 2 April 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200402191841/http://www.starafrica.com/en/sport/article/dr-congo-name-local-committee-to-back-20-78538.html dead (withdrew) GuineaGuinea Wants To Host 2015 Africa Cup Of Nations http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2010/09/11/2113420/guinea-wants-to-host-2015-africa-cup-of-nations goal.com 11 September 2010 1 October 2010 (withdrew) MoroccoMorocco to host African Cup of Nations? http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/morocco/morocco-host-african-cup-nations global post 26 September 2010 1 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101009151340/http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/morocco/morocco-host-african-cup-nations 9 October 2010 dead (selected as hosts for 2015) South AfricaSA bids for 2015 Nations Cup http://www.kickoff.com/news/18004/safa-to-bid-for-2015-african-nations-cup.php KickOff Magazine 29 September 2010 1 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101002071132/http://www.kickoff.com/news/18004/safa-to-bid-for-2015-african-nations-cup.php 2 October 2010 live (selected as hosts for 2017) ZambiaZambia Bids to Host 2015 Africa Cup Of Nations http://www.zambianwatchdog.com/2010/11/05/zambia-bids-to-host-2015-africa-cup-of-nations/ https://web.archive.org/web/20111009104513/http://www.zambianwatchdog.com/2010/11/05/zambia-bids-to-host-2015-africa-cup-of-nations/ dead 9 October 2011 Zambian Watchdog 5 November 2010 2 December 2010 (withdrew) ZimbabweZim's Afcon bid faces SA challenge http://www.theindependent.co.zw/sport/28195-zims-afcon-bid-faces-sa-challenge.html Zimbabwe Independent 30 September 2010 2 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101205113520/http://www.theindependent.co.zw/sport/28195-zims-afcon-bid-faces-sa-challenge.html 5 December 2010 dead (withdrew) CAF received 3 bids before 30 September 2010, the deadline, to host either the 2015 or 2017 Africa Cup of Nations from DR Congo, Morocco and South Africa. All three bids were originally put on a shortlist.http://www.cafonline.com/football/news/6700-can-2015-2017-bid-applications-closed.html CAN 2015, 2017 bid applications closed 2 October 2010 CAF Online 2 December 2010 CAF then began an inspection procedure, on November and December 2010, intending to visit each bidding country to view stadiums, infrastructure, and football interest. They inspected the DR Congo first.http://groupelavenir.cd/spip.php?article36056 Organisation de la Can 2015 : Une commission de la Caf en Rdc le 12 novembre prochain en visite d'inspection 22 October 2010 Groupelaviner 2 December 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110706220733/http://groupelavenir.cd/spip.php?article36056 6 July 2011 dead dmy-all Shortly after the inspection, DR Congo informed CAF that they would be withdrawing their bids for both the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.http://www.cafonline.com/football/news/7162-dr-congo-withdraws-can-2015-2017-bid.html DR Congo withdraws CAN 2015, 2017 bid 15 November 2010 CAF Online 2 December 2010 Morocco was the next country to be inspected, with CAF visiting the country in early November 2010.http://www.starafrica.com/en/sport/football/article/afcon-2015-and-2017-morocco-caf-for-in-126389.html AFCO 2015 and 2017/ Morocco: CAF for inspection in Casablanca 10 November 2010 Star Africa 2 December 2010February 2017 South Africa was inspected in December 2010. On 29 January, during the 2011 CAF Super Cup, the CAF Board decided that Morocco would host the 2015 African Cup of Nations, while the 2017 edition would be held in South Africa.Morocco to host 2015 African Nations Cup http://uk.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-54502720110129 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201112810/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-54502720110129 dead 1 February 2016 Reuters 14 November 2014 29 January 2011 The four Morocco host cities which were scheduled to host the tournament were Rabat, Marrakesh, Agadir and Tangier, as announced by the CAF Executive Committee on 23 September 2013.http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Amr%20El%20Sadek/Press%20Release%20Exco%2009-13.pdf Decisions of CAF Executive Committee after meetings on 21–22 September cafonline.com 23 September 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130927220552/http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Amr%20El%20Sadek/Press%20Release%20Exco%2009-13.pdf 27 September 2013 dmy Casablanca would serve as an alternative venue.http://allafrica.com/stories/201309240555.html Nigeria: CAF Names Host Cities for 2015 Nations Cup allafrica.com 24 September 2013 Moroccan withdrawal In October 2014, the government of Morocco requested a postponement of the tournament due to the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa.https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29578978 BBC Sport Ebola outbreak: Postpone Africa Cup of Nations, say hosts Morocco 10 October 2014 11 October 2014 After the matter was discussed at the executive committee meeting on 2 November 2014, CAF decided to keep the date of the tournament, while also asking for a clarification from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation of whether they still wish to host the tournament.http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=1rWMVkTlSrh%2b4eYshxy6iA%3d%3d https://web.archive.org/web/20141106225918/http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=1rWMVkTlSrh+4eYshxy6iA%3D%3D dead 6 November 2014 CAF maintains Orange AFCON 2015 from January 17 to February 8 Confederation of African Football 3 November 2014 On 8 November, Morocco failed to meet this deadline to confirm it would host the tournament.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29974194 2015 Nations Cup: Morocco fails to meet deadline BBC Sport 8 November 2014 Three days later CAF confirmed that Morocco would not host the tournament and a new host would be chosen from a list of countries which have expressed interest. Morocco, who had previously qualified as hosts, were disqualified from participation at the tournament.https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30004279 2015 Nations Cup: Caf confirms Morocco will not host finals BBC Sport 11 November 2014 CAF confirmed legal action against Morocco due to a contract signed in April 2014. Moroccan Sports Minister Mohamed Ouzzine said that CAF had falsely accused his country of "refusing" to host the tournament when it wanted it postponed, and justified the decision by citing that the World Health Organization gives every country the right to protect its citizens. On 6 February 2015, CAF announced that Morocco had been banned from the next two AFCON tournaments, fined 1 million US dollars, as well as demanding 9 million US dollars in compensation. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31172102 Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco banned from next two tournaments BBC Sport 6 February 2015 6 February 2015 https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/morocco-fined-million-failing-host-african-cup-thrown-28777556 Morocco Fined $1M for Failing to Host African Cup ABC News 6 February 2015 6 February 2015 However, the ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning Morocco could (and later did) enter the tournaments.https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32166431 Morocco win appeal over Afcon 2017 and 2019 bans BBC Sport 2 April 2015 Egypt, Ghana, South Africa and Sudan all declined to take over as hosts.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/11/10/sports-minister-says-ghana-wont-host-african-cup/18798711/ Sports minister says Ghana won't host African Cup USA Today 10 November 2014 11 November 2014 Angola, the hosts of the 2010 edition, were spoken of as a potential replacement due to existing stadia and infrastructure in the country. However, a member of the Angolan Football Federation stated that it could not be possible as the new government budget did not include any tournaments.Africa Cup of Nations: Caf to reveal hosts in two to three days https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30022158 12 November 2014 BBC Sport 12 November 2014 On 14 November 2014, CAF announced that Equatorial Guinea would host the tournament. Qualification 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification thumb|#6600ff Qualified #ff6666 Failed to qualify #000000 Withdrew, disqualified or did not enter #ababab Not part of CAF Qualification for the tournament were made up of four stages, three preliminary rounds and a final group stage. The 21 best-ranked teams were given a bye to the group stage, while the next 26 teams began play in the second preliminary round, and four lowest ranked teams started at the first round. The three preliminary rounds were a series of playoffs, with the winners advancing. 51 nations entered the tournament (excluding initial hosts Morocco). It was the competitive debut of South Sudan. Djibouti and Somalia declined to enter. Morocco would have automatically qualified as hosts; however, after their refusal to host, they were expelled from the tournament by the CAF. Equatorial Guinea was chosen as the new host, and despite having played in the qualifiers and been disqualified due to fielding an ineligible player, they qualified for the tournament automatically. The defending champions Nigeria failed to qualify for the tournament.https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30095082 2015 Nations Cup: Nigeria fail to qualify for finals BBC Sport 19 November 2014 Qualified teams The following sixteen teams qualified for the tournament. CountryQualified asQualified on Previous appearance in tournament1–2 EQG *Hosts Hosts 03 14 November 2014 02 1 (2012) RSA Group A *winners Group A winners 09 15 November 2014 06 8 (1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013) CGO Group A runners-up Group A runners-up 11 19 November 2014 04 6 (1968, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1992, 2000) ALG Group B *winners Group B winners 01 15 October 2014 10 15 (1968, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2013) MLI Group B runners-up Group B runners-up 16 19 November 2014 05 8 (1972, 1994, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) GAB Group C *winners Group C winners 07 15 November 2014 03 5 (1994, 1996, 2000, 2010, 2012) BFA Group C runners-up Group C runners-up 05 15 November 2014 07 9 (1978, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2013) CMR Group D *winners Group D winners 06 15 November 2014 11 16 (1970, 1972, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010) CIV Group D runners-up Group D runners-up 15 19 November 2014 16 20 (1965, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) GHA Group E *winners Group E winners 13 19 November 2014 15 19 (1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) GUI Group E runners-up Group E runners-up 14 19 November 2014 08 10 (1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1994, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) CPV Group F *winners Group F winners 02 15 October 2014 01 1 (2013) ZAM Group F runners-up Group F runners-up 10 15 November 2014 14 16 (1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) TUN Group G *winners Group G winners 04 14 November 2014 13 16 (1962, 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) SEN Group G runners-up Group G runners-up 08 15 November 2014 09 12 (1965, 1968, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) COD Best third placed team Best third placed team 12 19 November 2014 12 16 (1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2013) 1 Bold indicates champion for that year. 2 Italic indicates host for that year. Venues 250 300 2.2393 10.2228 6 n-circle Location of the host cities of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations 6 #ce1126 Bata Estadio de Bata 1.85 9.74 Mongomo Estadio de Mongomo 1.62 11.31 Ebibeyin Estadio de Ebibeyin 2.15 11.31 Malabo Estadio de Malabo 3.74 8.78 The four Equatorial Guinean cities selected to host the tournament were Malabo, Bata, Mongomo and Ebibeyin.http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=u7ddHnklj3HXL1y51eoh4g%3d%3d EQUATORIAL GUINEA DESIGNATED HOST COUNTRY OF ORANGE AFCON 2015 CAF 14 November 2014 Malabo and Bata were also host venues for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Screening for Ebola was given to all spectators attending matches.Hughes Ian Zambia 1-1 DR Congo https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30766342 18 January 2015 BBC Sport 18 January 2015 CityStadiumCapacityBataEstadio de Bata41,000MongomoEstadio de Mongomo15,000EbibeyinEstadio de Ebibeyin8,000MalaboEstadio de Malabo20,000 Format Only the hosts got an automatic qualification spot, the other 15 teams qualified through qualification tournament. At the finals, the 16 teams were drawn into four groups of four teams each. The teams in each group played a single round robin. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal winners advanced to the semifinals. The semifinal losers played in the third place match, while the semifinal winners played in the final.http://www.cafonline.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=8I2gSk_0D3U%3d&tabid=19773&portalid=0&mid=54927&language=en-US Regulations of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Confederation of African Football PDF Draw The finals draw was held on 3 December 2014 in Malabo.http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/competitions/orangeafricacupofnations,equatorialguinea2015/news.aspx/NewsDetails?id=tZVgL60HNyZCsGSU8k6adQ%3d%3d Ghana, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal in Group of Death CAF 4 December 2014 It was initially to be held on 26 November 2014 in Rabat before the change of host country.http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Accreditations/EXCO%20Press%20Release%2024%20jan%20(1).pdf Decisions made by the CAF Executive Committee, convened January 24th 2014 Cafonline.com 26 January 2014 The 16 teams were divided into four pots based on the CAF Ranking, with the hosts Equatorial Guinea placed in Pot 1 automatically.http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=xoq4LUFV%2bj0j8o9Oi%2fVNpw%3d%3d Orange AFCON 2015: Procedure for the draw CAF 1 December 2014 The ranking was computed using the teams' results in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (weighted by 2), 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals (weighted by 3) and qualifiers (weighted by 1), the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals (weighted by 2) and qualifiers (weighted by 0.5), the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations finals (weighted by 1), and the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.http://www.cafonline.com/Portals/0/President/ranking%20tirage%20PDF%20English.pdf Orange African Cup of Nations 2015 – Equatorial Guinea Official Draw on December 3rd 2014 Draw Procedures and Seeded Teams CAF Pot 1Pot 2Pot 3Pot 4EQG (host; assigned to A1)GHA (48 pts)CIV (44 pts)ZAM (41 pts)BFA (40 pts)MLI (38 pts)TUN (32.5 pts)ALG (28 pts)CPV (26.5 pts)RSA (23.5 pts)CMR (23.5 pts)GAB (22 pts)GUI (19 pts)SEN (19 pts)COD (18 pts)CGO (13 pts) Match officials The following referees were chosen for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Referees 22em ALG Mehdi Abid Charef BUR Juste Ephrem Zio CMR Sidi Alioum CIV Noumandiez Doué EGY Gehad Grisha ETH Bamlak Tessema Weyesa GAB Eric Otogo-Castane GAM Bakary Gassama GHA Joseph Lamptey GUI Aboubacar Mario Bangoura MAD Hamada Nampiandraza MLI Koman Coulibaly MTN 1959 Ali Lemghaifry MRI Rajindraparsad Seechurn MAR Bouchaïb El Ahrach SEN Malang Diedhiou SEY Bernard Camille RSA Victor Gomes TUN Med Said Kordi ZAM Janny Sikazwe Assistant referees 22em ALG Albdelhak Etchiali ANG Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos BDI Jean-Claude Birumushahu BOT Oamogetse Godisamang CMR Evarist Menkouande CIV Yéo Songuifolo DJI Hassan Egueh Yacin EGY Tahssen Abo El Sadat Bedyer ERI Angesom Ogbamariam GHA Malik Alidu Salifu GUI Aboubacar Doumbouya KEN Marwa Range MAR Redouane Achik NIG Yahaya Mahamadou NGR Peter Edibe RWA Theogene Ndagijimana SEN Djibril Camara SEN El Hadji Malick Samba RSA Zakhele Siwela SUD Ali Waleed Ahmed TUN Anouar Hmila Squads 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squads Each team could register a squad of 23 players. Group stage The group winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals. Tiebreakers Tiebreakers The teams are ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss). If tied on points, tiebreakers are applied in the following order: Number of points obtained in games between the teams concerned; Goal difference in games between the teams concerned; Goals scored in games between the teams concerned; If, after applying criteria 1 to 3 to teams concerned, two or three teams still have an equal ranking, criteria 1 to 3 are reapplied exclusively to the matches between these teams in question to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria 5 to 7 will apply; Goal difference in all games; Goals scored in all games; Drawing of lots. Group A 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group A standings no_hide_class_rules a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 Group B 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group B standings no_hide_class_rules a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 Group C 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group C standings no_hide_class_rules a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 Group D 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group D standings no_hide_class_rules a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 Knockout stage 225px|thumbnail|right|Match Ghana vs Guinea 225px|thumbnail|2015 Africa Cup of Nations Champions Ivory Coast 2015 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage In the knockout stages, if a match is level at the end of normal playing time, extra time shall be played (two periods of 15 minutes each) and followed, if necessary, by kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner, except for the play-off for third place where no extra time shall be played. On 27 January 2015, the CAF announced that they had relocated the venues of two of the quarter-finals:http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=y1tQA6MQh8tGZB1g55Xjig%3d%3d Quarterfinal matches of Ebibeyin and Mongomo relocated respectively to Bata and Malabo CAF 27 January 2015 The venue of quarter-final 2 is relocated from Estadio de Ebibeyin, Ebibeyin to Estadio de Bata, Bata. The venue of quarter-final 3 is relocated from Estadio de Mongomo, Mongomo to Estadio de Malabo, Malabo. The kick-off time of quarter-finals 2 and 4 are also changed from 20:00 to 20:30 local time. Bracket Bracket Quarter-finals QF1 QF2 QF3 QF4 Semi-finals SF1 SF2 Third place play-off 3rd Final 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Final Final Statistics Goalscorers 3 goals 22em CGO Thievy Bifouma COD Dieumerci Mbokani EQG Javier Balboa GHA André Ayew TUN Ahmed Akaïchi 2 goals 22em COD Jeremy Bokila GHA Christian Atsu CIV Wilfried Bony CIV Gervinho CIV Max Gradel 1 goal 22em ALG Nabil Bentaleb ALG Faouzi Ghoulam ALG Riyad Mahrez ALG Islam Slimani ALG Hillal Soudani BUR Aristide Bancé CMR Benjamin Moukandjo CMR Ambroise Oyongo CPV Héldon CGO Férébory Doré CGO Fabrice Ondama CGO Prince Oniangue COD Yannick Bolasie COD Joël Kimwaki EQG Emilio Nsue EQG Ibán Edú GAB Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang GAB Malick Evouna GHA Kwesi Appiah GHA Jordan Ayew GHA John Boye GHA Asamoah Gyan GHA Mubarak Wakaso GUI Kévin Constant GUI Ibrahima Traoré GUI Mohamed Yattara CIV Seydou Doumbia CIV Wilfried Kanon CIV Yaya Touré MLI Bakary Sako MLI Modibo Maïga MLI Sambou Yatabaré SEN Mame Biram Diouf SEN Kara Mbodj SEN Moussa Sow RSA Oupa Manyisa RSA Mandla Masango RSA Thuso Phala TUN Yassine Chikhaoui TUN Mohamed Ali Moncer ZAM Emmanuel Mayuka ZAM Given Singuluma 1 own goal RSA Thulani Hlatshwayo (against Algeria) Discipline A player was automatically suspended for the next match for the following offences: Receiving a red card (red card suspensions could be extended for serious offences) Receiving two yellow cards in two matches After the end of the group matches, all cautions received were cancelled for the rest of the competition. Nevertheless, a player having collected two yellow cards sustained the one match suspension. The following suspensions occurred during the tournament: Player(s)/Official(s) Offence(s) Suspension(s)Group stage suspensions CIV Gervinho in Group D vs Guinea (matchday 1; 20 January 2015) Group D vs Mali (matchday 2; 24 January 2015)Group D vs Cameroon (matchday 3; 28 January 2015) EQG Diosdado Mbele in Group A vs Congo (matchday 1; 17 January 2015) in Group A vs Burkina Faso (matchday 2; 21 January 2015) Group A vs Gabon (matchday 3; 25 January 2015) CGO Boris Moubhibo in Group A vs Equatorial Guinea (matchday 1; 17 January 2015) in Group A vs Gabon (matchday 2; 21 January 2015) Group A vs Burkina Faso (matchday 3; 25 January 2015) CIV Cheick Tioté in Group D vs Guinea (matchday 1; 20 January 2015) in Group D vs Mali (matchday 2; 24 January 2015) Group D vs Cameroon (matchday 3; 28 January 2015)Knockout stage suspensions GUI Naby Yattara in Quarter-finals vs Ghana (1 February 2015) Suspension served outside tournament EQG Ibán in Quarter-finals vs Tunisia (31 January 2015) in Semi-finals vs Ghana (5 February 2015) Third place play-off vs DR Congo (7 February 2015) Awards Pepsi Highest Scorer GHA André Ayew Player nameGames playedGoals scoredAssistsMinutes playedSourceGHA André Ayew632 Andre Ayew top-scores Afcon competition http://www.ghanafa.org/pages/blackstars/201502/10151.php Ghana FA official website 8 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150209234120/http://www.ghanafa.org/pages/blackstars/201502/10151.php 9 February 2015 dead dmy-allCGO Thievy Bifouma43 TUN Ahmed Akaïchi43 COD Dieumerci Mbokani631 EQG Javier Balboa63 Orange Man of the Competition GHA Christian Atsu Best Goalkeeper CIV Sylvain Gbohouo Nissan Goal of the tournament GHA Christian Atsu vs Guinea (3rd goal of the match) Samsung Fair Player of the Tournament GHA Kwesi Appiah Fair Play of the tournament CODAtsu, Ayew win mvp and top scorer awards http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=PEhc3UzJyA5sc0oWvJWcag%3d%3d CAFonline.com 8 February 2015 8 February 2015 CAF Team of the Tournamenthttp://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=N5LLNBRtUVsPZJSOkHVjrw%3D%3D Orange AFCON 2015 Awards and Best XI CAF 12 February 2015 Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Forwards CIV Sylvain GbohouoCOD Robert Kidiaba CIV Serge AurierGHA Harrison AffulCIV Kolo Touré GHA André AyewCIV Yaya TouréCIV Max GradelCOD Yannick BolasieCIV Gervinho GHA Christian AtsuCIV Wilfried Bony Tournament rankings thumb|300px|#2b42a3 Champion #34c0be Runner-up #269c5a Third place #81c846 Fourth place #e4e454 Quarter-finals #b94954 Group stage Ranking criteriaFor teams eliminated in the same knockout round, the following criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the final rankings:AFC Competition Operations Manual (Edition 2023) https://assets.the-afc.com/downloads/miscellaneous-regulations/AFC-Competition-Operations-Manual-(Edition-2023).pdf Asian Football Confederation 25 January 2024 Goal difference in round eliminated; Goals scored in round eliminated; If teams eliminated in the semi-finals or quarter-finals are tied, the above criteria are reapplied for the previous knockout round, with this process repeated once more should two semi-finalists remain tied; Points in group stage; Goal difference in group stage; Goals scored in group stage; Disciplinary points. For teams eliminated in the group stage, the following criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the final rankings: Position in group; Points; Goal difference; Goals scored; Disciplinary points. yes yes yes 95 1 CIV D yes 3 3 0 9 4 gold 2 GHA C yes 4 1 1 10 3 silver 3 COD B yes 1 4 1 7 7 #c96 4 EQG A yes 2 3 1 5 5 |- | colspan="11"| Eliminated in the quarter-finals |- 5 CGO A yes 2 1 1 6 6 6 ALG C yes 2 0 2 6 5 7 TUN B yes 1 2 1 5 5 8 GUI D yes 0 3 1 3 6 |- | colspan="11"| Eliminated in the group stage |- 9 SEN C yes 1 1 1 3 4 10 MLI D yes 0 3 0 3 3 11 CPV B yes 0 3 0 1 1 12 GAB A yes 1 0 2 2 3 13 CMR D yes 0 2 1 2 3 14 ZAM B yes 0 2 1 2 3 15 RSA C yes 0 1 2 3 6 16 BUR A yes 0 1 2 1 4 |} Discipline In the final tournament, a player was suspended for the subsequent match in the competition for either getting red card or accumulating two yellow cards in two different matches. The disciplinary panel has the ability to increase the automatic one match ban for a red card (e.g. for violent conduct). Single yellow card cautions were erased at the conclusion of the group stage, and were not carried over to the knockout stage. The following players were or are suspended during the final tournament – for one or more games – as a result of red cards or yellow card accumulations: Player Offence Suspension BFA Florent Rouamba Carried over from qualification Group A vs GabonStart list: Burkina Faso 0–2 Gabon http://www.cafonline.com/Portals/0/AFCON2015/match%202%20startlist.pdf Confederation of African Football 16 January 2015 ZAM Donashano Malama Group B vs DR Congohttp://mtnfootball.com/news/482855/Malama-suspended-for-2015-AFCON-opener Malama suspended for 2015 AFCON opener MTN Football 20 November 2014 22 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150119081607/http://mtnfootball.com/news/482855/Malama-suspended-for-2015-AFCON-opener 19 January 2015 dead dmy-all RSA Eric Mathoho Group C vs Algeriahttp://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/generic/erick-mathoho-is-suspended-for-the-afcon-s-first-game/197189 Confirmed: Mathoho Out Of AFCON Opener Soccer Laduma 6 January 2015 RSA Reneilwe Letsholonyane GUI Seydouba Soumah Group D vs Ivory Coasthttps://sports.yahoo.com/news/ebola-hit-guinea-made-very-welcome-cup-nations-193835939--sow.html Ebola-hit Guinea made 'very welcome' at Cup of Nations Yahoo Sports 19 January 2015 CIV Gervinho 0 vs Guinea Group D vs MaliGroup D vs Cameroonhttp://www.cafonline.com/en-us/competitions/orangeafricacupofnations,equatorialguinea2015/news.aspx/NewsDetails?id=8m1rzo%2fHlRRVRytZwBxPCQ%3d%3d Two-game suspension for Gervinho CAF 22 January 2015 EQG Diosdado Mbele vs Congo vs Burkina Faso Group A vs Gabon CGO Boris Moubhibo vs Equatorial Guinea vs Gabon Group A vs Burkina Faso CIV Cheick Tioté vs Guinea vs Mali Group D vs Cameroon GUI Naby Yattara 0 vs Ghana Africa Cup of Nations qualifying EQG Ibán vs Tunisia vs Ghana Third place play-off vs DR Congo Marketing Sponsorship The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations has one title sponsor and seven official sponsors as shown below.http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/competitions/orangeafricacupofnations,equatorialguinea2015/sponsors Sponsors 24 January 2015 Title sponsorOfficial sponsors Orange S.A. IFD Kapital Group Pepsi Pan Atlantic Exploration Doritos Nissan Samsung Standard Bank Match ball The new Adidas Africa Cup Ball is called Adidas Marhaba (meaning Welcome, in Arabic). The Africa Cup 2015 Ball was unveiled 26 November 2014 following the controversy about the host situation for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.http://www.footyheadlines.com/2014/11/adidas-2015-africa-cup-of-nations-ball.html Adidas Marhaba - 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Ball Revealed 26 November 2014 Footy Headlines Mascot The official mascot of the tournament was "Chuku Chuku", a porcupine.https://www.facebook.com/AfricaCupOfNationsOfficial/photos/a.353980938028169.83958.348421431917453/752871908139068/?type=1 Timeline Photos - CAF / Africa Cup of Nations - Facebook facebook.com Opening ceremony The opening ceremony of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations took place on 17 January, at the Estadio de Bata, before the opening match of the tournament between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Congo. Controversies Drawing of lots Guinea and Mali finished with equal records in Group D, thus the drawing of lots was required to choose who would advance into the quarter-finals. Prior to the draw, Mali coach Henryk Kasperczak said that the tournament "must find a more sporting way [to decide who advances], fairer...This does not correspond to a sporting spirit". His Guinean counterpart Michel Dussuyer said that neither team deserved to be eliminated in that manner.Mali and Guinea coaches unhappy at drawing lots for AFCON quarter-final place https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/mali-and-guinea-coaches-unhappy-at-drawing-lots-for-afcon-quarter-final-place-1.111147/ 6 February 2015 The National Agence France-Presse 29 January 2015 Guinea won the draw, causing a complaint from Boubacar Diarra, president of the Malian FA. Issa Haytou, president of CAF, defended the process as the only option.African Cup of Nations 2015: Guinea win cruel' drawing of lots to reach quarter-finals https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/african-cup-of-nations-2015-guinea-win-cruel-drawing-of-lots-to-reach-quarterfinals-10012348.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/african-cup-of-nations-2015-guinea-win-cruel-drawing-of-lots-to-reach-quarterfinals-10012348.html 1 May 2022 subscription 6 February 2015 The Independent 29 January 2015 The CAF Disciplinary Committee's South African President Raymond Hack stated that CAF's Member Associations had chosen the option of picking lots ahead of penalties six months prior. He also said that the "Fair Play [disciplinary] table was to be used but the countries object to that and they said the table must be taken out of the rules. Had the Fair play table been used, Guinea would have qualified ahead of Mali with a better disciplinary record.""Member countries chose drawing of lots"- CAF http://sport.citifmonline.com/2015/01/30/member-countries-chose-drawing-of-lots-caf/#sthash.x5blZBY1.dpbs CitiFM Online 8 February 2015 30 January 2015 8 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150208135419/http://sport.citifmonline.com/2015/01/30/member-countries-chose-drawing-of-lots-caf/#sthash.x5blZBY1.dpbs dead Tunisia vs. Equatorial Guinea refereeing Wadie Jary, the president of the Tunisian Football Federation, claimed that there was a bias against Tunisia following their controversial quarter-final defeat to Equatorial Guinea on 31 January 2015. He was banned from CAF competitions and activities.SUSPENSION OF THE PRESIDENT AND ULTIMATUM FOR TUNISIAN FEDERATION http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=%2b5s%2fGChZFWzgOFrmRPiRww%3d%3d CAF 6 February 2015 6 February 2015 Rajindraparsad Seechurn, the Mauritian referee who gave a penalty to Equatorial Guinea in that match, was banned from officiating for six months and removed from CAF's elite register of referees.Africa Cup of Nations: Referee banned for six months https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31125655 6 February 2015 BBC Sport 4 February 2015 The Tunisian FA was fined $50,000 for confronting the referee during the match, in addition to damage to changing room facilities, while Equatorial Guinea was fined $5,000 for inadequate security at the stadium. Equatorial Guinea vs. Ghana crowd incidents During the semi-final fixture between host nation of Equatorial Guinea and Ghana several incidents occurred between the home fans, visiting fans and police. At the half-time break with Ghana leading the game 2–0, the Ghanaian players were protected from hostile Equatoguinean fans by police using plastic shields. During the 82nd minute in the second half, fans rushed onto the pitch and missiles were thrown at the Ghanaian substitute players. The players moved onto the pitch to escape the missiles. The travelling Ghanaian fans were also targets and took shelter near the goal of the pitch, out of the range of those throwing objects. A helicopter was dispatched and used to disperse spectators out of the stadium by hovering at a low height above them. The Ghanaian FA described the incident as being similar to a "war zone".https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31158944 Africa Cup of Nations: Semi-final was 'war zone', says Ghana FA BBC 5 February 2015 6 February 2015 Equatorial Guinea's Police force had fired smoke bombs into the stands in an attempt to bring order.Ames Nick Ghana players, fans pelted with missiles in win over Equatorial Guinea https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/05/africa-cup-nations-ghana-equatorial-guinea-violence Guardian (UK) 6 February 2015 The Guardian 5 February 2015 The game was stopped for about 30 minutes, before recommencing for a few minutes. CAF imposed a US$100k fine on the Equatoguinean Football Federation and were informed an 'official match' in Equatorial Guinea must be held 'behind closed doors' after the tournament's completion.SANCTIONS FOLLOWING THE INCIDENTS IN MATCH 30 GHANA-EQUATORIAL GUINEA http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=Fz%2fGr4umNtwzRvc7JyBCNA%3d%3d CAF 6 February 2015 6 February 2015 DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani stated that he would rather his team forfeit the third-place playoff instead of play in front of Equatorial Guinea's fans, an opinion which was not shared by his manager Florent Ibengé.Africa Cup of Nations riot: DR Congo's Zakuani wants game off https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31161993 6 February 2015 BBC Sport 6 February 2015 References External links Orange Africa Cup Of Nations, Equatorial Guinea 2015, CAFonline.com 2015 Cup of Nations Cup of Nations Category:2015 in Equatoguinean sport Category:Men's football in Equatorial Guinea Category:International association football competitions hosted by Equatorial Guinea Category:Sport in Malabo Category:Bata, Equatorial Guinea Category:Mongomo Category:Ebibeyin Category:January 2015 sports events in Africa Category:February 2015 sports events in Africa