Equatorial Guinea Faces Setbacks Ahead of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
Equatorial Guinea’s preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have hit a rocky patch. Currently training in Portugal, the host nation’s team, known as the Nzalang Nacional, has already suffered two defeats in friendly matches, raising concerns less than three weeks before the tournament begins.
On Monday, the side coached by Andoni Goekoitxea lost 1-0 to Benfica’s B team, the reserve squad of the Portuguese top-flight club. Just days earlier, on Saturday, Equatorial Guinea was beaten 2-0 by UD Vilafranquense, a team competing in Portugal’s fourth division. These results are troubling for a nation that was disqualified from the AFCON qualifiers due to an identity fraud scandal during the preliminary round.
However, it is important to note that the current squad training in Lisbon does not yet include the full complement of international players, which somewhat mitigates the disappointing outcomes.
In off-field developments, Equatorial Guinea appointed a new football federation president over the weekend, signaling a push for renewed focus and organisation. Meanwhile, preparations for the tournament are advancing, with stadiums in Momgomo and Ebibeyin receiving new turf imported from Spain to ensure quality playing conditions.
Equatorial Guinea is drawn in Group A alongside Congo, Burkina Faso, and Gabon, and will be hoping to overcome their recent difficulties to deliver a strong performance on home soil.
