Equatorial Guinea moved into second place in Group J with a 2-0 victory over Libya on Monday evening to bounce back from an opening match defeat to Tunisia. An own goal from Mohamed Al Tuhami opened the scoring early in the second half before the Nzalang Nacional put the match away with a penalty kick strike from Federico Bikoro. Both teams are level on three points after two matches and will resume action in September.
The hosts came out more inspired after suffering a 4-0 thrashing in Tunisia and had the better of the play. There were few opportunities in the first half but a couple of close calls. In the 26th minute Equatorial Guinea nearly took the lead but a cross from the right flank was hit with too much pace for Santiago Eneme to finish off. Libya had their best chances in the first half but after appearing to take the lead through Saleh Al-Taher the forward was ruled offside after slamming in a rebound from close range.
Soon after the halftime break the Nzalang took control. In the 51st minute a cross from the left wing found Eneme whose shot took a sharp deflection off Al Tuhami past Libya goalkeeper Muad Allafi and was ruled an own goal. Libya posed little threat in the second stanza and late on an 81st minute Pablo Ganet corner kick went over a few players challenging for the ball before hitting Libya left back Mohamed El-Munir in the hand, causing the referee to point to the spot. Bikoro had no problem sending Allafi the wrong way and the win was secured for Equatorial Guinea.
Highlights from Malabo are below.
