Equatorial Guinea secured their first win of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a commanding fashion against Guinea-Bissau, with Emilio Nsue stealing the spotlight through a spectacular hat-trick.
Having drawn 1-1 with Nigeria in their opening game, National Thunder were determined to secure a convincing victory.
AFCON 2023: Nigeria held by Equatorial Guinea
Nsue initiated the scoring in the 21st minute, displaying remarkable positioning to beat the goalkeeper with a precise strike.
The Wild Dogs responded swiftly, with Esteban Orozco, unfortunately, diverting a cross into his net in the 37th minute, equalising the score. Guinea-Bissau had a chance to take the lead, but a VAR intervention overturned a penalty decision, leading to a halftime stalemate.
Equatorial Guinea regained the lead early in the second half, as Josete Miranda capitalised on a long pass from goalkeeper Jesus Owono to score the second goal.
Nsue, the team captain, then took center stage, securing two more goals in the 51st and 61st minutes, completing a remarkable hat-trick and becoming the first player to achieve this feat in the tournament.
Despite Guinea-Bissau’s efforts, Ze Turbo managed to score a consolation goal, concluding the match with a 4-2 scoreline.
With four points, Equatorial Guinea currently leads Group A, pending the outcome of the Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria match.