Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea secured the first Africa Cup of Nations hat-trick since 2008, propelling his team to a 4-2 triumph over Guinea-Bissau in a stellar performance on Thursday.
The match, held at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, showcased Nsue’s scoring prowess and marked a significant step for Equatorial Guinea in Group A, where they now have four points after a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in the opening game.
Nsue, the captain of the Nzalang Nacional, exhibited his scoring finesse with goals in the 21st, 51st, and 61st minutes, becoming the first player to achieve a hat-trick at the AFCON since 2008. The victory positions Equatorial Guinea favorably in the group standings, enhancing their chances of advancing to the last 16, especially with the top two teams and the four best third-placed teams progressing.
After the match, Nsue expressed his joy and determination, stating, “I feel very happy. I knew this could be one of my last Africa Cups. This is my third, so I came here mentally very strong, I trusted in myself, and I am playing very well.” The versatile player, who started at Real Mallorca and later played in the English Championship, emphasized his commitment to contributing to the team’s success.
The Equatorial Guinea-Guinea-Bissau encounter also witnessed moments of controversy, including a penalty decision that was initially awarded but later overturned after a VAR review.
Despite Guinea-Bissau’s efforts, including a late goal by Ze Turbo, Nsue’s outstanding hat-trick secured Equatorial Guinea’s strong position in the tournament.
Nsue, with a rich football history that includes winning the Under-21 Euro with Spain in 2011, choosing to represent Equatorial Guinea, and captaining the team in previous AFCON editions, continues to make a significant impact as a striker for his national side.
Reported By AFP
