AFCON 2021: Equatorial Guinea’s Third But First Experience

It is the third time Equatorial Guinea will be taking part in the AFCON jamboree, but this is going to be the first time the team will play on a neutral territory, not as hosts.

Typically described as a small country on the west – coast of Africa which Sprang to live after a discovery of oil in 1995, Equatorial Guinea is now being cited as a textbook case of the resource curse – or the paradox of plenty. Inhabitants of mainland territories; Rio Muni, the five islands including Bioko, where the capital Malabo is located, are absolutely loving the beautiful game as time goes by.

Equatorial Guinea have taken part in 2 out of 32 editions of the African Cup of Nations. They made their debut in 2012 as joint hosts of the competition with Gabon, and history penned that, Equatorial Guinea made the quarter finals in her very first time of asking.

Still as hosts three years on, Equatorial Guinea got their best return in the competition till date, when they reached the semis, and bowed to defeat against Ghana, before further losing to DR Congo in the third place playoffs.

AFCON Path

Drawn in a relatively tough group J that had: Tunisia, Tanzania and Libya, all looking for slots, Equatorial Guinea emerged runners up behind Tunisia to grab the second available ticket.

The Nzalang Nacional ended with 9 points after completing a double over Libya (home and away), and picking up a vital one – nil home victory over Tanzania.

Equatorial Guinea ended their campaign with 9 points, 7 points behind leaders Tunisia, and two ahead of third placed Tanzania.

Coach

The team is currently guided by 46 – year – old Juan Micha, Equatorial Guinean retired footballer. A former forward of the senior Equatorial Guinea national team, he is now the head coach of the country’s national under-17s and the senior men’s team.
His dual functions – with the different categories helps the gaffer with an easy transition of players from boys – to – men, who can represent fatherland.

Star players

For players to look out for, a versatile Emilio Nsue López who mainly plays as right back for Palma in Spain, brings a lot to be table – both defensively, and moving forward.

The former Birmingham City man has an absolute delight of a right foot and can put in the crosses in all shapes.

25 year old Iván Salvador Edú, a forward for the
Nzalang Nacional
forward is equally dangerous with runs from deep and has a great finishing touch. He was sublime all through the qualifiers.

Equatorial Guinea are paired in group E, alongside Algeria, Sierra Leone and Cote D’Ivoire.