In a stunning display of football prowess, Equatorial Guinea triumphed over Guinea-Bissau with a remarkable 4-2 victory at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé, marking their first head-to-head win against the Djurtus. The star of the show was Emilio Nsue, whose second international hat-trick powered the Elefantes to a historic win.
The match, initially perceived as a battle to avoid last place in Group A, quickly transformed into a showcase of tactical brilliance and individual skill. Nsue broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, exploiting a defensive error from Janio Bikel and finishing with an expert one-on-one. Despite Josete Miranda’s near miss, which saw his shot rattle the crossbar, the Elefantes maintained pressure.
Guinea-Bissau’s hopes soared temporarily after an own goal by Esteban Orozco leveled the score. The drama intensified when a penalty was awarded against Saúl Coco, only for VAR to reverse the decision, a pivotal moment that swung momentum back in Equatorial Guinea’s favor.
After the break, the Elefantes came out with renewed vigor. Miranda volleyed them back into the lead, displaying sublime skill. The relentless assault continued as Nsue found the net again, connecting with Basilio Ndong’s impeccable cross. The captain’s hat-trick, sealed with another clinical strike, underscored his exceptional performance.
Guinea-Bissau managed a late consolation goal through Zé Turbo, but it was too little too late. The result was a testament to Equatorial Guinea’s resilience and strategic acumen, astonishingly placing them atop Group A, surpassing even Ivory Coast. For Guinea-Bissau, the path to the knockout stages now appears daunting, with their fate hanging in the balance even with a victory in their final group match. Against all odds, Equatorial Guinea’s remarkable win has reshaped the narrative of the tournament, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football.
