Equatorial Guinea eyeing Libya scalp

epa05627641 Tunisia's player Sassi Fertani (L) in action against Libyan player Almoatasem El Mangoush (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying soccer match between Libya and Tunisia at Omar-Hamadi Stadium in Algiers, Algeria, 11 November 2016. EPA/-

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Jan 15, 2018. 11:30

Equatorial Guinea will chase a win as they face off against Libya in their Group C match in the 2018 CAF African Nations Championship on Monday.

The two nations are set to fight for the three points and both sides are looking for a bright start at the continental showpiece in Morocco.

As they make their debut at the tournament, the Nzalang Nacional will want to establish themselves as a football powerhouse in the continent.

Having hosted the CAF African Nations tournament on two occasions, in 2012 with Gabon and in 2015, they will hope to lift a trophy or two to ensure they are on the rise.

Coach Franck Dumas will push his men to bag a win and boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

With one win next to their name during the 2012 AFCON, Equatorial Guinea will want to continue their dominance over the Libyans.

Looking at the Mediterranean Knights, Libya are also chasing a win to ensure they have their second CHAN trophy after winning it in 2014.

Despite initially naming former Egypt international Hani Ramzy as coach, the Libyan Football Federation later announced Omar Al-Maryami as coach on Christmas day last year.

Al-Maryami now has a task to impress the LFF in his first tournament and a win will boost his tenure as the national team coach.

The encounter will be staged at Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier at 16:30pm (CAT) on Monday.