Africa's footballing body CAF has said that the African Cup of Nations will go ahead despite Morocco asking for a postponement due to the Ebola epidemic.

Morocco earlier applied for the 16-nation tournament to be postponed amid the outbreak, which is currently affecting several nations on the continent, but CAF have stated there would be no date change.

CAF said in a statement: "CAF has registered the request and wishes to state that there are no changes of the schedules of its competitions and events.

"It must be noted that since the first edition in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has never witnessed a deferral or a change in schedule."

The showcase, which was last won by Nigeria, will begin on January 17 with the final being played on February 8.