Equatorial Guinea: Nzalang Nacional seeks to repeat the feat, while Algeria looks for revenge

The national team of Equatorial Guinea, known as Nzalang Nacional, will face Algeria in their first match of the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. This match is highly anticipated due to their last encounter, where Equatorial Guinea dethroned Algeria, ending their 30-match unbeaten streak. However, this new clash will be “conditioned” by the absence of key players in the Equatorial Guinean squad due to “administrative errors”.

Juan Michá Stays: Love for Equatorial Guinea Prevails Over Tempting Offers

Carlos Akapo, the Nzalang Nacional’s vice-captain, will not be able to join the team due to issues with his call-up. “It is a shame not to be with my beloved team”, the player stated on social media. In addition to Akapo, the team will also miss Emilio Nsue, the top scorer of the last edition of the tournament, who is suspended by FIFA.

Despite these absences, coach Juan Micha has faith in his team, adapting his strategy with only two forwards available and relying more on attacking midfielders to cover the gaps in attack. The team faces a significant challenge, as Algeria, with a notable AFCON history, arrives with a solid squad and is eager to avenge their recent defeat against Nzalang Nacional.

The match, scheduled for September 5 in Oran, is crucial for Equatorial Guinea, which needs a good result in these accelerated qualifiers. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the final phase of AFCON 2025. “La Roja” of Africa, as the Equatorial Guinean team is affectionately called, will look to leverage their recent good run against Algeria to keep their qualification hopes alive.

With Equatorial Guinean fans brimming with optimism and the team determined to overcome obstacles, the match promises to be intense. Equatorial Guinea’s defense and tactical organization will be key to stopping a rival of Algeria’s caliber, as the team hopes to continue dreaming of a place in the final stage of Africa’s premier continental tournament.