Passport Soccer

AFCON 2025 Preview: Equatorial Guinea

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Equatorial Guinea have had to deal with some serious drama over the past few months in the buildup to the Africa Cup of Nations. In October, Equatorial Guinea were slated to play Malawi in a World Cup Qualifier. However, the players refused to travel due to unpaid bonuses and poor travel conditions. The decision meant they forfeited the match and FIFA looked into possible sanctions on the nation. This led to several players being removed from the squad as well as head coach Juan Michá being fired…or at least we thought.

The dust has settled on that issue and it appears Juan Michá is back in charge of the national team for the Africa Cup of Nations. The players who were dismissed are also back in the fold.

Equatorial Guinea has also had to deal with big administrative issues. Key player and captain Emilio Nsue was deemed ineligible to represent the country despite playing for Equatorial Guinea since 2013. This led to massive confusion, and it turns out FIFA had a mix-up with some of Nsue’s documentation and he was eventually reinstated to play for his country.

With all the madness happening off the pitch, on the pitch is a little more settled. Equatorial Guinea are brining back much of the same squad that has competed in the last 2 editions of the tournament, where on both occasions they surprised many by advancing from the group stage.

Qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations wasn’t always straight forward. Equatorial Guinea went 2-2-2 in the campaign, with their only wins coming against bottom of the group Liberia. Their recent World Cup Qualifying campaign ended up much worse than that, finishing second bottom of the group with only 3 wins in 10 matches.

Equatorial Guinea will need a quite a turnaround in recent form if they are to make some noise at AFCON again.

Potential Starting XI

Coach

Juan Michá

Though ‘fired’ just a few months ago, it appears Michá is back to lead Equatorial Guinea at a 3^rd Africa Cup of Nations. Michá has coached at almost every level in the Equatorial Guinea national team set-up, even with the U-20 Women’s team.

Players to Watch

Emilio Nsue
Age: 36
Position: CF
Caps/Goals: 49/24
Club: CF Intercity (Spain)

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Dramatically back for Equatorial Guinea after many thought his international career was over. At 36, this could be his last appearance at an Africa Cup of Nations. The top goal scorer in the squad.

Iban Salvador
Age: 30
Position: RW/LW
Caps/Goals: 55/10
Club: Wisła Płock (Poland)

Salvador has become somewhat of a folk hero for fans of the Africa Cup of Nations. Salvador always turns his game up to another level, full of flair and a bit of nasty in his game that makes him very noticeable on the pitch. Not to mention the dyed hair.