EQUATORIAL GUINEA
The two previous participations of the “Nzalang Nacional” in the Cup of Nations have been as hosts, first along with Gabon in 2012 and then as an emergency stand-in when Morocco pulled out in 2015.
On both occasions, they have performed beyond expectation, reaching the quarters in 2012 and semi-finals in 2015, when their loss in Malabo to Ghana set off a fierce riot by frustrated spectators that needed helicopters and armoured vehicles to quell.
This time, the team has qualified through the preliminaries, finishing behind Tunisia in their group but edging out Tanzania and Libya.
After years of hiring Brazilians, turning them into instant citizens and national team stars, Equatorial Guinea are now a more legitimate operation with players mainly from Spain, the former colonial power.
KEY PLAYER
Emilio Nsue has been captain since his debut in 2013, having previously played for Spain at junior level, and although at 32 his club career looks to be in limbo, he is still Equatorial Guinea’s go-to man.
THE COACH
Juan Micha, 46, played for Equatorial Guinea and then went to Spain to coach, returning home to first take charge of the women’s team and then various age group sides before signing a one-year contract last February.