Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 14, 2024 at 1pm UK

Nuevo Estadio de Malabo

Eq Guineavs.Algeria

Match preview

Equatorial Guinea won both legs of their double-header against Liberia last month. They first secured a 1-0 victory on home soil and then travelled to record a 2-1 win away at Liberia, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Dorian Hanza.

This is the first time Nzalang Nacional have won the AFCON qualifiers, which has pushed them up to second spot in Group E with seven points. They lost to Algeria and drew with Togo in their opening two matches.

If they beat Algeria on Thursday, which would be the third time they've played each other, then Micha's side will be through to next year's tournament. But it'll be tough against a strong, up-and-coming team.

The last time these two teams met, the North Africans won 2-0. However, the Nzalang Nacional secured a 1-0 victory when they first met during the 2021 AFCON.

Algeria might not have won any of their two consecutive AFCON matches, but they've been absolutely flawless during the qualifying series on both occasions.

The Fennecs are having a similar qualifying campaign this time, brushing aside everyone in their way, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one in four matches.

The North Africans had a strong showing in the first leg of their double-header last month, beating Togo 5-1 on home turf. They then edged the return leg 1-0 to secure their spot at the 2025 AFCON.

The Desert Warriors will be looking to keep their perfect record intact when they take on Equatorial Guinea on Thursday. A win would extend their winning streak to six matches.

Recent Performance

Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LDWW

Equatorial Guinea form (all competitions):LWLDWW

Algeria Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WWWW

Algeria form (all competitions):LWWWWW

Team News

Emilio Nsue, who won the Golden Boot at the last AFCON, was handed a six-month international suspension by FIFA back in June, so he'll be unable to represent Equatorial Guinea for now.

I'd say Luis Nlavo and Iban Salvador are the two players to watch for the hosts on Thursday, given their goal in the second leg win over Liberia.

Algeria have picked a strong squad for this month's matches, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Fares Chaibi and Hull City's Bashir Belloumi back in the team.

Copenhagen's 18-year-old forward Amin Chiakha, who played for Denmark at the youth level, has also been invited.

Possible starting lineup

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:

Owono; Akapo, Fernandez, Anieboh, Ndong; Obiang, Ganet; Pepin, Eneme, Salvador; Nlavo

Algeria possible starting lineup:

Guendouz; Mandi, Tougai, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Maza, Abdelli, Zerrouki; Amoura, Gouiri, Benzia