After being ruled ineligible by FIFA to represent the Equatorial Guinea national team in May, all-time leading scorer Emilio Nsue is back with Nzalang Nzalang after head coach Juan Michá named the veteran forward in his squad for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games. Equatorial Guinea will host minnows São Tomé and Príncipe on March 21 before traveling to face Namibia in South Africa three days later.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner's eligibility was confirmed by FIFA and Nsue returns to a team whose prospects of qualification were severely damaged by his suspension. Equatorial Guinea first two matches in the ongoing qualification campaign were declared forfeits by FIFA due to Nsue's participation while his eligibility to represent the nation was not confirmed. As a result, Nzalang have only three points from their four matches and are seven points back of Group H leaders Tunisia.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group H table (4 matches played)
Points | |
Tunisia | 10 |
Namibia | 8 |
Liberia | 7 |
Malawi | 6 |
Equatorial Guinea | 3 |
São Tomé and Príncipe | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
It has been a chaotic year for the national team since an impressive run to the Round of 16 of the 2023 AFCON where Nsue's exploits became a top story soon followed by his suspension. Fellow national team veteran attacker Iban Salvador Edú was suspended by the country's federation soon after the tournament, promoting Edú and Nsue to make a social media video condemning alleged corruption within the Equatoguinean sporting culture.
Apparently all those issues are in the past as the team attempts to resurrect their World Cup qualifying hopes. Edú and Nsue bring a badly needed attacking bite to the team who have a strong midfield and defense.
Right back Carlos Akapo and central defender Saúl Coco bring leadership to fortify the defense and talented young goalkeeper Jesús Owono is included in the squad. Versatile Raja Casablanca defender Federico Bikoro give coach Michá a valuable option for his defense or midfielder while Spanish-based midfielder José Machín "Pepín" offers technical and passing ability.
There still remains time for the team to return to contention but two victories are required in March for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinalists.
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