THEY MAY BE the lowest-ranked team in the tournament but host country Equatorial Guinea have made it to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Heading into their final Group A clash with Gabon, they knew only a victory could advance them to the last eight.
They took the lead on 55 minutes when Javier Balboa converted from the penalty spot – a moment manager Esteban Becker certainly enjoyed.
Then, with only a few minutes remaining, substitute Iban Salvador grabbed a second and the result was wrapped up.
It’s been a remarkable journey for the side. Banished from qualification after fielding an ineligible player, they were reinstated once they took over as hosts from Morocco, who had to pull out because of the Ebola crisis.
Manager Becker only took charge of the team 11 days before the tournament began.
And, as much as the game provided top-notch entertainment, the post-match necessities also threw up a pretty memorable moment.
Meanwhile, Congo also ensured their place in the quarter-finals. They finished top of Group A after a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso and it’s the first time they’ve qualified for the last-eight for over 20 years.
This is manager Claude LeRoy’s eighth time at the tournament. He’s now reached the quarters on an incredible seven occasions with five different teams.
Thatll be another team going above us in the rankings then
Its a former spanish colony what do you expect? Have a swipe at the French , or Portuguese , or Belgians , or the Germans even , but youre gunning for Equatorial Guinea !
Point I was trying to make us nearly the entire team is made up of expats,it’s no comparison to the other teams you mentioned who are generally made up of players born in the country they represent.
But if your country has a very small population , a loony dictator, and is a former colony what else could happen?
Btw I’ve just checked the squad On Wikipedia and still haven’t found one ‘brazilian’ in fact all are either local or Spanish born. With either both or one parent a Guinean national, thats a hell of a lot better than our cricket team , never mind Englands
Spot on Eamonn my mistake.there were definitely Brazillians with no links to the country in the last competition as their Brazillian coach at the time recruited a few.Dosnt seem to be as many expats this time round,should have done my research before commenting.
Not saying I’m against the granny rule but their team is a disgrace,full of Brazillians and Spaniards.Im sure there is a few lads in the team born there but very few I’d say.
You know nick, I think that’s exactly what your saying
To be honest I wouldn’t even consider what they’re doing to be the granny rule,pretty sure they were sanctioned a couple if years ago for fielding players with no connection to the country.
A player from Cameroon , which borders E. Guinea. Thats not a Brazilian playing for Croatia or a Maori playing for Japan . E Guinea has loads of Cameroon immigrants .