Egypt has withdrawn its application to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations over Ebola fears, leaving Ghana as the only country interested in hosting the event if Morocco pulls out.
Early this month, current hosts Morocco said they wanted the tournament to be postponed because of Ebola, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) insisted it should be held as planned from 17 January to 8 February.
Countries including Egypt, Ghana and South Africa expressed an interest in holding the tournament if Morocco withdraws.
However, South Africa's sports ministry shot down the idea last week leaving Ghana and Egypt as the remaining countries interested in taking over as hosts of the competition.
However, Ghana has been left as the only country standing to replace Morocco now after Egyptian authorities dodged their initial interest in taking over from Morocco.
On Monday, Egypt's sports ministry withdrew their interest in holding the tournament.
"After discussing the issue, Egypt will not ask to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations that is scheduled to be played in Morocco from 17 January to 8 February," read a statement released by the sports ministry on Monday.
The Confederation of African Football has canceled all football in the three countries most affected by Ebola - Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone - until further notice, but says it is following the advice of the World Health Organisation that travel bans will not help curtail the outbreak.
However, the request of countries wanting to host the tournament will be discussed at the next meeting of the CAF Executive Committee scheduled for 2 November in Algiers, on the sidelines of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final.
Ghana Presdient John Mahama said last week that they have not applied to host the event but insists that there could be justifiable reasons to stage the competition.
Ghana's sports minister Mahama Ayariga also insists that the input from the health ministry would be sought before a decision is taken.
However, he insists that countries who have been affected by Ebola are unlikely to qualify and even suggested that very few supporters travel from their countries to watch the tournament and there could be measures in place to check the few who travel.