AFCON 2015: Equatorial Guinea – Hosts With Heart, Short on Time
Equatorial Guinea enters the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as the host nation—but with little time and great uncertainty. Originally disqualified from the qualifiers due to identity fraud, Nzalang Nacional was handed a lifeline after Morocco’s withdrawal over Ebola concerns. The country accepted the challenge, stepping in to save the tournament just weeks before kickoff.
Team Overview
Federation: Equatorial Guinean Football Federation (Feguifut)
Confederation: CAF
Founded: 1960
Coach: Esteban Becker (appointed just 12 days before the tournament)
President: Andrés Jorge Mbomio
Nickname: Nzalang Nacional
AFCON Appearances: 1 (2012 – quarterfinals)
First Round Fixtures (Group A)
Jan 17: Equatorial Guinea vs Congo – 4 p.m. (Bata)
Jan 21: Equatorial Guinea vs Burkina Faso – 4 p.m. (Bata)
Jan 25: Gabon vs Equatorial Guinea – 6 p.m. (Bata)
How They Got Here
Originally disqualified from AFCON 2015 for fielding an ineligible player during the qualifiers, Equatorial Guinea was reinstated as host nation—not through sport, but circumstance. As President Teodoro Obiang Nguema put it, the decision was made in the interest of “saving African youth,” even though the federation initially resisted the idea of organizing a second AFCON in just three years (they co-hosted in 2012).
Past Performance
In their only previous appearance (2012), they stunned observers by reaching the quarterfinals, including a historic 2-1 win over Senegal. They eventually lost to Ivory Coast, but their showing won them respect across the continent.
Star Player: Emilio Nsue
The most recognizable face in the squad, Emilio Nsue was born in Spain and previously represented Spain’s youth teams. Now at Middlesbrough FC in England, the 25-year-old is a versatile midfielder and leader on the pitch, known for his technique and tenacity.
Player to Watch: Felipe Ovono
Only 21 years old, Felipe Ovono could start in goal for the hosts. Still based at CD Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea, Ovono is considered one of the most promising players in the squad, with quick reflexes and a confident presence.
AFCON 2015 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Aitor Embela (Málaga CF Juvenil A, Spain)
Felipe Ovono (CD Mongomo)
Carlos Mosibe (CA de Malabo)
Defenders:
Dani Evuy, Diosdado Mbele (Leones Vegetarianos)
Igor Engonga (CD Tropezón, Spain)
Armando Bohale “Sipo” (AEK Larnaca, Cyprus)
Miguel Ángel Mayé (Akonangui FC)
Rui Fernando (Hibernians FC, Malta)
Midfielders:
Emilio Nsue (Middlesbrough, England)
Juvenal Edjogo-Owono (FC Santa Coloma, Andorra)
Randy (Iraklis Psachna, Greece)
Iván Zarandona (Rangers FC, Hong Kong)
Pablo Ganet (UD San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain)
Carlos Martín “Charly” (College Europa, Gibraltar)
Viera Ellong Doualla (The Panthers FC)
Forwards:
Javier Balboa (Estoril Praia, Portugal)
Iban Salvador Edú (Valencia B, Spain)
Rubén Belima (Real Madrid B, Spain)
Iván Bolado (Pune City FC, India)
Raúl Fabiani (CD Olímpic Xàtiva, Spain)
Enrique Boula “Kike” (Mallorca B, Spain)
Roben Obama “Rubén Darío” (Leones Vegetarianos)
Probable Starting XI
Felipe Ovono
– Dani Evuy, Igor Engonga, Rui Fernando, Armando Bohale
– Emilio Nsue, Juvenal Edjogo-Owono, Pablo Ganet
– Javier Balboa, Ivan Bolado, Ruben Darío
While Equatorial Guinea may lack preparation, they will be fueled by pride, home support, and a fearless mentality. The hosts may just spring another surprise on African football.
