Equatorial Guinea will be looking to secure their spot in the 2025 African Cup of Nations when they host Algeria in a qualifying match at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo on Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the visitors are one of the seven teams that have already secured their place at next year's tournament in Morocco, having won all four games played in the AFCON qualifiers.
Match preview
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Equatorial Guinea won both legs of their double-header against Liberia last month, first securing a 1-0 victory on home soil, before travelling to record a 2-1 win away at Liberia, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Dorian Hanza.
It was the first set of wins for the Nzalang Nacional in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers, and this has pushed them to second spot in Group E with seven points, having lost to Algeria and drawn with Togo in their opening two matches.
A win over Algeria on Thursday, in what will be the third meeting between both sides, will secure a ticket for Juan Micha's side at next year's tournament, but it could be a tall order for the Equatoguineans against in-form opposition.
The reverse fixture between both sides ended 2-0 in favour of the North Africans, though the Nzalang Nacional secured a 1-0 victory when both sides met for the first time during the 2021 AFCON.
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Algeria might have failed to win a match for two consecutive AFCON competitions, but they have been impeccable during the qualifying series on both occasions.
Les Fennecs are having a similar qualifying campaign this time, brushing aside everyone in their way, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one in four matches.
The North Africans thrashed Togo 5-1 on home soil in the first leg of their double-header last month before edging the return leg 1-0 to secure their spot at the 2025 AFCON.
Maintaining their perfect record will be the goal for the Desert Warriors when they take on Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, as a win would extend their winning streak to six matches.
Team News
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Emilio Nsue, who won the golden boot at the last AFCON, was hit with a six-month international suspension by FIFA, back in June and will not be able to represent Equatorial Guinea for now.
Luis Nlavo, who was on target in the second leg win over Liberia, and Iban Salvador are the two players to watch for the hosts on Thursday.
Algeria have named a strong squad for this month's matches, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Fares Chaibi and Hull City's Bashir Belloumi among the returnees to the team.
Copenhagen's 18-year-old forward Amin Chiakha, who represented Denmark at age-grade level, has also been invited.
Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:
Owono; Akapo, Fernandez, Anieboh, Ndong; Obiang, Ganet; Pepin, Eneme, Salvador; Nlavo
Algeria possible starting lineup:
Guendouz; Mandi, Tougai, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Maza, Abdelli, Zerrouki; Amoura, Gouiri, Benzia
We say: Equatorial Guinea 1-1 Algeria
Equatorial Guinea will go into this clash with more zeal and energy, given that they have something at stake compared to Algeria, who have already achieved their aim – however, we believe that the visitors will try to avoid a loss, which is why we are predicting a draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
