Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 17, 2024 at 4pm UK

Stade de Kegue

Togovs.Eq Guinea

Match preview

Equatorial Guinea started their bid to make it to three consecutive AFCON tournaments for the first time ever with a 2-0 loss to Algeria on September 5. However, they bounced back strongly in their next four games.

Juan Micha's team had to settle for a draw in their next match against Togo, but then they won their next two games against Liberia, one after the other, just last month.

Equatorial Guinea were unlucky not to have taken the lead against Algeria on Thursday. The two teams drew 0-0 at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. Algeria are currently top of the group, but Equatorial Guinea are still in with a chance of finishing first.

Not getting all three points last time means that the Nzalang Nacional will have to settle for second place in Group E, but they'll be happy to have made it through to the AFCON group stages.

Sunday's visitors have a chance to end their qualifying campaign on a high. They've only won one of the last five games against the hosts, but the most recent three ended in a draw.

Togo hadn't been to the Africa Cup of Nations finals for seven years, so they were keen to make a return to the continental scene. They kept themselves in contention with consecutive draws against Liberia and Equatorial Guinea in their first two qualifiers.

However, Dare Nibombe's team came away empty-handed from both of their meetings against Algeria in October, which now means they're unlikely to make it through to the upcoming AFCON. They then suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liberia on Wednesday.

As has been the case in recent games, Les Eperviers struggled at the top end of the pitch, which meant that Mohammed Sangare's 83rd-minute penalty was enough to settle matters at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

Togo are currently the only team in Group E without a win. Unsurprisingly, they sit bottom of the standings with two points from five matches and are on course for their worst AFCON qualifying campaign since 2021, when they also managed just two points.

Sunday's hosts are still without a win in seven competitive matches since the turn of the year. They'll be looking to finish 2024 on a high before they resume their World Cup qualifying journey with a clash against Mauritania next year.

Recent Performance

Togo Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DDLLL

Togo form (all competitions):DLLWDL

Equatorial Guinea Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LDWWD

Equatorial Guinea form (all competitions):WLDWWD

Team News

Togo's Kevin Boma was taken off with an injury concern midway through the defeat to Liberia last time out, so it's unclear if he'll be able to play in this one.

If Boma isn't fit to play, Djene will be in the starting line-up for what would be his 82nd international game.

Emilio Nsue can't play for Equatorial Guinea because he's still suspended by FIFA.

After his appearance against Algeria, Federico Bikoro, who is 28, has now played 58 times for the visitors and is still at the top of the list of players with the most appearances.

Possible starting lineup

Togo possible starting lineup:

Bracola; Boateng, Djene, Romao; Aziangbe, Dermane, Aholou, Youssifou; Klidje, Doh Laba, Agbagno

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:

Owono; Akapo, Anieboh, Orozco, Ndong; Obiang, Mascarell; Buyla, Machin, Miranda; Asue