Equatorial Guinea were denied a much-needed win in their last meeting with Togo, which ended 2-2 at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo on 9 September.

Goals from Luis Asue and Jannick Buyla either side of Roger Aholou's opener put Juan Micha's men on course for all three points before Kodjo Laba's 95th-minute equaliser secured a share of the spoils.

After winning two and drawing one of their first three matches in 2024, Nzalang Nacional have won just one of their last five, a 1-0 victory over Malawi in a World Cup qualifier in June.

Fortunately for Equatorial Guinea, they are just one point behind Togo in second place in Group E of the AFCON qualifiers, with current leaders Algeria four points clear of the top spot.

Since making their AFCON debut in 2012, Friday's hosts have made their presence felt on the continental front and will be looking to move closer to a third successive tournament with a win here.

Liberia fell far short of the challenge posed by Algeria in a 3-0 defeat at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex just over a month ago.

Baghdad Bounedjah completed the rout 10 minutes from time after Amine Gouiri and Adem Zorgane had struck in the first half, leaving Mario Marinica's men with a mountain to climb.

It was the first defeat of the new year for the Lone Stars, who had recorded two wins and three draws from their previous five outings in all competitions.

Liberia are level on points with Equatorial Guinea ahead of Friday's clash in Bata, where defeat for either side could spell the end of their continental ambitions.

Federico Bikoro has been called up for the first time since March and will be hoping to extend his record tally of 55 appearances for Equatorial Guinea.

Striker Emilio Nsue, the last AFCON Golden Boot winner, is unavailable after being handed a six-month international ban by FIFA.

Twenty-eight-year-old Iban Salvador has often spearheaded the home side's attack in Nsue's absence and will be expected to lead the line again.

Goalkeeper Abdulai Koulibaly is back in contention to start between the sticks after suffering an injury scare in Liberia's last outing against Algeria.

Tommy Sango came on in place of Koulibaly in that game, but his wait for his first start at 2024 is likely to be a little longer.

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:

Owono; Anieboh, Orozco, Akapo, Ndong; Obiang, Bikoro; Buyla, Eneme, Miranda; Salvador

Liberia possible starting lineup:

Koulibaly; Sackor, Kamara, Dweh; Kenneh, Chauncy, Dorley, Sangare, Teclar; Ernest, Swen

Prediction:Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Liberia

Equatorial Guinea VS Liberia stream and TV listing

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