Equatorial Guinea have been the surprise package of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, having topped Group A ahead of AFCON heavyweights Nigeria and Ivory Coast, scoring nine goals in three games that included a 4-2 win over Guinea-Bissau and a 4-0 hammering of Ivory Coast, who are also the tournament’s hosts.

They stormed into the knockout rounds, confirming their progression out of the group at AFCON once again; they have now made it into the knockouts at all four AFCON tournaments they have played in.

Guinea have more AFCON pedigree than their opponents here, but having scored just four goals in their last eight AFCON games and having lost each of their last six knockout games, the fact they have more experience at this stage of the tournament won’t count for much.

Guinea also only made it out of their group in third place, although it should be said they finished behind Senegal and Cameroon in a tough group. They were only beaten to second place by Cameroon on goals scored, and they ended the group stage with the best record of the third-placed teams.

They ended their group-stage campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Senegal, and were subjected to a third-place finish after Cameroon secured a dramatic late win over Gambia.

AFCON 2023’s top scorer, Equatorial Guinea striker Emilio Nsue – formerly of Birmingham and Middlesbrough – will be the man to stop from Guinea’s point of view. At 34 years of age, he is already the oldest player to reach five goals at an AFCON tournament; with one more goal, he would become only the second player ever aged 30+ to make it to six goals.

Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting at an Africa Cup of Nations tournament between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea.

Interestingly, though, this will be the third time at this tournament that Equatorial Guinea have faced an opponent for the first time at AFCON, drawing 1-1 with Nigeria and beating Guinea-Bissau 4-2.

Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea Squads

Equatorial Guinea: Aitor Embela, Manuel Sapunga, Jesús Owono, Saúl Coco, Basilio Ndong, Carlos Akapo, Esteban Orozco, Néstor Senra, Marvin Anieboh, Emilio Nsue, José Elo, Charles Ondo, Féderico Bikoro, José Machín, Santiago Eneme, Pablo Ganet, Álex Balboa, Jannick Buyla, Iban Salvador, José Miranda, Óscar Siafá, José Nabil, Salomón Obama, Noé Ela, Luís Asué.

Coach: Juan Michá

Guinea: Ibrahim Koné, Aly Keita, Moussa Camara, Mohamed Ali Camara, Sekou Sylla, Julian Jeanvier, Saïdou Sow, Mouctar Diakhaby, Antoine Conté, Issiaga Sylla, Ibrahim Diakité, Seydouba Cissé, Amadou Diawara, Naby Keïta, Mory Konaté, Ilaix Moriba, Abdoulaye Touré, Aguibou Camara, Mohamed Bayo, José Kanté, Serhou Guirassy, Morgan Guilavogui, Facinet Conté, Karim Cissé, François Kamano.

Coach: Kaba Diawara