Equatorial Guinea Protests Disallowed Goal in AFCON Opener
By BBC Sport Africa
Bata – January 2015
Tensions remain high in the Equatorial Guinean camp as the national football federation has officially protested the decision to disallow a crucial goal in their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Congo.
The incident occurred last Saturday when striker Emilio Nsue had a second goal ruled out for offside in the 1-1 draw. The Guinean Football Federation (Feguifoot) has since submitted a formal letter of complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), questioning the validity of the referee’s decision.
According to a statement published on the Equatorial Guinean government’s official website, Feguifoot described the decision as part of a “planned action aimed at complicating Nzalang Nacional’s passage to the quarter-finals.”
The strongly-worded protest reflects a broader frustration within the team and its supporters, who believe that poor officiating cost them a potential victory in the tournament’s opening match. The goal in question would have been Emilio Nsue’s second of the night, and possibly the winner.
CAF has not yet issued a public response to the protest, and it remains unclear whether the appeal will be reviewed or dismissed.
Equatorial Guinea, who stepped in to host the tournament after Morocco withdrew over Ebola fears, have positioned themselves as committed and enthusiastic organisers. The suggestion that the very authorities they helped could be undermining their efforts has added a political edge to what might otherwise be seen as a routine on-field dispute.
Critics, however, have questioned the basis of Feguifoot’s claims, asking what motive CAF would have to obstruct the progress of the host nation — particularly one that rescued the competition from potential cancellation.
Despite the controversy, Nzalang Nacional must now turn their attention to Wednesday’s crucial second Group A clash against Burkina Faso in Bata. The hosts will need to remain focused on football as they attempt to progress to the quarter-finals, repeating their impressive 2012 campaign.
Emilio Nsue, the team captain and scorer of Equatorial Guinea’s only goal so far, will again be central to their hopes. The Espanyol forward has shown leadership and sharp attacking form — qualities the team will rely on amid the off-pitch distractions.
With emotions running high and the group finely balanced, all eyes will be on how Equatorial Guinea responds on the pitch — and how CAF manages the growing scrutiny over officiating standards in the tournament.
