Equatorial Guinea’s team-players (front row from L) Equatorial Guinea’s midfielder Jannick Buyla Sam, Equatorial Guinea’s defender Basilio Ndong, Equatorial Guinea’s forward Iban Salvador Edu, Equatorial Guinea’s defender Carlos Akapo, Equatorial Guinea’s forward Dorian Hanza (back row from L) Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga, Equatorial Guinea’s defender Saul Basilio Coco-Bassey Oubina, Equatorial Guinea’s midfielder Jose Machin, Equatorial Guinea’s defender Esteban Obiang, Equatorial Guinea’s midfielder Pablo Comitre Ganet and Equatorial Guinea’s forward Emilio Nsue pose for a team picture prior to the Group E Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast at Stade de Japoma in Douala on January 12, 2022. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Equatorial Guinea’s record at AFCON should be a worry for the other team in Group A.
By Ayobami Okerinde
The Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea have only qualified for the AFCON for the fourth time, but the team has an enviable record as they never crashed out in the group stage. The team earned a fourth-place finish at the 2015 edition it hosted.
The team currently ranked 88th in the world, produced a stunning performance at the last edition in Cameron to qualify from a group that included Ivory Coast and Algeria. The feat at the edition should be a worry for group opponents, especially Nigeria and host Ivory Coast because the team could spring up with some surprises.
Coach
Juan Micha currently spearheads arguably the country’s most successful era in football by qualifying for consecutive tournaments.
The 46-year-old, who is a former player, played for the team between the 1990s and 2000s. He’s been involved in Equatorial Guinea’s football for over a decade. He started as an assistant manager with the women’s team in 2012 and has had stints with the U-17 and U-20 teams. He was first appointed interim coach in 2020 before he was officially confirmed.
Star Player
Pedro Obiang is a familiar name among football fans in England and Italy. He joined West Ham United in 2015 from Sampdoria and played over 100 games for the Hammers.
The 31-year-old experienced midfielder will be needed to help balance play for Equatorial Guinea when the action begins in Ivory Coast.
Rising Star
After making his debut in 2017, Saul Coco has been a revelation for the Nzalang Nacional. The 24-year-old defender has an eye for goal and won the La Liga goal of the month for October 2023.
Coco has good vision, which could help the team going forward, aside from his strong defensive work rate.
Fixtures
Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea – January 14
Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea Bissau – January 18
Equatorial Guinea vs Ivory Coast – January 22
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