Equatorial Guinea has faced severe consequences from FIFA following disciplinary procedures initiated after the 4th day of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. This decision comes after similar sanctions imposed on Ethiopia and Togo.
As a result of the sanction, Equatorial Guinea loses the double confrontation against Cape Verde. Despite winning the match on March 24 for the 3rd day with a 4-3 victory, Nzalang’s success is nullified, and Cape Verde gains three points. This outcome has implications for Tunisia’s qualification for the next round, and Cape Verde is now in contention for the top spot in the group.
The sanction is unique in that it pertains to an ineligible player rather than an accumulation of yellow cards. Emilio Nsue Lopez, a naturalized Equatorial Guinean, did not possess all the valid documents to play for Nzalang. Despite his historic hat-trick against Cape Verde, the victory is now annulled.
Tunisia, initially celebrating qualification for the third round, faces challenges and must strive to regain their ticket to the last stage. While currently leading, they are two points behind Cape Verde. The final of the group is contested between Tunisia and Cape Verde, with a crucial match scheduled for September 6 to determine the qualifiers.
2014 World Cup Qualifiers Group B standings:
- Tunisia: 11 pts
- Cape Verde: 9 pts
- Sierra Leone: 5 pts
- Equatorial Guinea: 2 pts
