2023 AFCON: Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast preview

Players of Ivory Coast celebrate after scoring a goal during the CAF 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opening match between Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 13 January 2024. EPA/LEGNAN KOULA

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jan 21, 2024. 16:00

Date: 22 January 2024

Kick-off: 19h00 (CAT)

Head-to-head: Côte d’Ivoire are unbeaten against Equatorial Guinea in the three fixtures played between the two nations, bagging two wins and one draw in all competitions.

Equatorial Guinea commenced their 2023 Africa Cup of nations bid with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria before recording a resounding 4-2 win against Guinea-Bissau thereafter.

While Equatorial Guinea sit at the top of the pile in Group A, Ivory Coast are in third with three points to their name. Côte d’Ivoire started their AFCON campaign with a2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau before suffering a 1-0 loss to Nigeria in their subsequent tie.

Team news: According to reports, Equatorial Guinea midfielder Pablo Ganet is a doubt for the upcoming tie after picking up an injury during their victory against Guinea-Bissau. Côte d’Ivoire could well be without Sebastien Haller for the game against Equatorial Guinea, with the star striker currently nursing an ankle injury that kept him out of action throughout the competition.

Key players:

Equatorial Guinea: Emilio Nsue – After netting a hat-trick in his nations 4-2 win against Guinea-Bissau, the Equatorial Guinea star will be eager to continue in his fine goal scoring form in the showpiece.

Ivory Coast: Serge Aurier – As one of the most experienced players in the Ivory Coast team currently, Aurier’s big game experience will come in handy, especially during high pressure situations.