Nations Cup 2015: Equatorial Guinea appoint Becker as new coach

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Equatorial GuineaImage source, Getty Images

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Equatorial Guinea confirm Esteban Becker as their new coach, replacing Andoni Goikoetxea.

Argentine Becker, 50, had been in charge of Equatorial Guinea's women's team, who he led to the 2012 Nations Cup title.

Becker has 11 days to prepare the team for the opening game of the Nations Cup against Congo on 17 January.

Equatorial Guinea opted not to renew coach Goikoetxea's contract, which expired on 31 December.

The country's football association (FEGUIFUT) claims Goikoetxea breached his contract by not travelling to Portugal with the team on 16 December.

As a result Goikoetxea was sacked, a decision sanctioned by new FEGUIFUT president Andres Jorge Mbomio.

Equatorial Guinea have just 11 days before they kick off the Nations Cup against Congo on 17 January.

As well as facing Congo, Becker will lead his new team out against Burkina Faso and Gabon in Group A.

Equatorial Guinea stepped in as last-minute replacements for original hosts Morocco, who failed in their plea to the Confederation of African Football to postpone the tournament because of fears over the potential spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

As a result Equatorial Guinea were handed Morocco's place at the finals, despite having been eliminated during qualifying after they were penalised for fielding an ineligible player.

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