AFCON 2015: Equatorial Guinea Fans Anxious Ahead of Historic Semi-Final in Malabo
Equatorial Guinea is making history this Thursday as they contest their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final, facing off against Ghana in Malabo. But while the stakes are high on the pitch, the atmosphere in Bata, the country’s footballing stronghold, is unexpectedly subdued.
A City Missing Its Team
The Bata stadium, which hosted Nzalang Nacional’s first four matches and was the scene of their dramatic quarter-final victory over Tunisia, remains quiet. Streets that were once buzzing with excitement are now overwhelmed by school traffic and regular routines. For many fans, the reason is simple: “We don’t win in Malabo.”
“I think we’ll stop there,” says Francisco, a local taxi driver. “Nzalang doesn’t win in Malabo. I don’t know why we can’t play in Bata.”
His sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the team’s magic is tied to Bata, where the support is passionate and the results have followed. There is a lingering frustration that the semi-final was not scheduled in the same stadium—despite earlier precedent that saw the Tunisia match moved to Bata at the last minute.
“When our president wants it, he gets it,” adds Francisco, recalling that venue change with a hint of sarcasm.
A Nervous Anticipation
Supporters will gather tonight in bars and public viewing areas, glued to giant screens as they hope for a miracle in Malabo, a stadium they believe lacks the energy and support of their home crowd. One passenger summed it up:
“The team has no luck in Malabo. People don’t even go to the stadium, and when they do, they don’t support the players.”
Despite the nerves, there’s a collective wish: that Nzalang Nacional will finally break the Malabo curse and continue their dream run in the 2015 AFCON.
— Special Envoy to Equatorial Guinea
