Nsue treble sends Equatorial Guinea to top of Group A, pile pressure on Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Equatorial Guinea secured a 4-2 win against Guinea Bissau to move top of Group B after the second match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Emilio Nsue’s hat-trick plus Josete Miranda’s effort helped the Nzalang Nacional to a comfortable win despite second strikes from Esteban Orozco Fernandez and Turbo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan.

Nsue opened the scoring for the Central Africans in the 21st minute after receiving a pass from Pablo Ganet.

The Djurtus, however leveled matters in the 37th minute from Franculino Gluda Dju and almost went ahead but referee Samuel Uwikinda rescinded his early penalty call after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.

A minute into the second half, Antonio Miranda Boacho restored Equatorial Guinea lead with a brilliant volley into the bottom left corner.

Nsue completed what turned out the first hat-trick of the tournament with his second and third goals in the 51st and 64th minute respectively.

Jose Correia pulled a goal back for the Djurtus but it wasn’t enough to prevent a second loss for Baciro Cande’s side.

Equatorial Guinea with four points moved to the top of Group A ahead of the crunchy tie between host, Cote D’Ivoire and Nigeria later on Thursday.