Equatorial Guinea Submit Final 23-Man Squad for AFCON 2015, Despite Unorthodox Qualification
Equatorial Guinea have finally confirmed their 23-man squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, meeting the Confederation of African Football’s deadline on the eve of the tournament. The Nzalang Nacional’s team was announced following their 1–1 draw with Cape Verde in a friendly in Portugal on Wednesday.
Having been barred from the qualifying rounds for fielding ineligible players, Equatorial Guinea secured their place in the competition only after being named co-hosts, following Morocco’s withdrawal. As a result, several squad members remain relatively unknown outside domestic leagues.
Veteran midfielders Juvenal Edjogo-Owono and Javier Balboa, both part of the side that reached the quarter-finals on home soil in 2012, provide much-needed experience. The remainder of the squad features a mix of Spain-based youngsters and home-based professionals.
Nzalang Nacional Squad for AFCON 2015
Goalkeepers:
Aitor Embela (Málaga CF Juvenil A, Spain)
Felipe Ovono “Arús” (CD Mongomo)
Carlos Mosibe (CA de Malabo)
Defenders:
Dani Evuy (Leones Vegetarianos FC)
Diosdado Mbele (Leones Vegetarianos FC)
Igor Engonga (CD Tropezón, Spain)
Armando Bohale “Sipo” (AEK Lárnaca, Cyprus)
Miguel Ángel Mayé (Akonangui FC)
Rui Fernando Gomes (Hibernians FC, Malta)
Midfielders:
Emilio Nsue (Middlesbrough FC, England)
Juvenal Edjogo-Owono (FC Santa Coloma, Andorra)
Iban Iyanga “Randy” (Iraklis Psachna FC, Greece)
Iván Zarandona (Rangers FC Hong Kong)
Pablo Ganet (UD San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain)
Carlos Martín “Charly” (College Europa FC, Gibraltar)
Viera Ellong (The Panthers FC)
Forwards:
Javier Balboa (GD Estoril Praia, Portugal)
Iván Salvador “Iban” (Valencia CF B, Spain)
Rubén Belima (Real Madrid CF B, Spain)
Iván Bolado (Pune City FC, India)
Raúl Fabiani (CD Olímpic Xàtiva, Spain)
Enrique Boula “Kike” (RCD Mallorca B, Spain)
Rubén Darío (Leones Vegetarianos FC)
Placed in Group A alongside Gabon, Congo and Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea will be relying on home comfort and tournament experience as they aim to repeat—or better—their unexpected run to the last eight in 2012. Their opening fixture takes place in Malabo on 17 January.
