Ten things you should know about Equatorial Guinea and its football team

Last update 19 November, 2024 by Alberto Llopis

Equatorial Guinea It is a peculiar African country that for a long time was a Spanish colony. independent from 1968, The official language is Spanish and is the only country in Africa speaking. Most of its inhabitants have names and Spanish surnames. Your football team is also curious. It is known as the “National Nzalang” and its links with Spain are very great. So much so that it is almost a Spanish C or D team.

Some details about Equatorial Guinea and its soccer team.

1- The only Spanish-speaking country in Africa

The country has a 1.700.000 approximately inhabitants who live in the country. Many others do it in Spain where there are Guineans of several generations born and raised in the Spanish country.. Equatorial Guinea is the only country in Africa where Spanish is an official language. This cultural factor unites the country with the Spanish-speaking world, which is also reflected in the profile of your team.

2- La ‘Spanish’ Guinea Ecuatorial: a team with Spanish roots

One of the most striking characteristics of the Guinean team is the inclusion of players born in Spain but with Guinean roots in some generation. This cultural and sporting link was evident in the Africa Cup 2021, when 16 footballers born in Spain They were part of the team.

Coach Juan Micha knew how to take advantage of the talent of players like Emilio Nsue, born in Palma de Mallorca, and Carlos Akapo, native of Elche among many other players born in Spain.

Nsue, team captain, He chose to represent Guinea after passing through all the lower categories of the Spanish national team.. But he chose to wear the Nzalang shirt after never being called up by the Spanish team.. For your part, Akapo, with experience in LaLiga, He became a leader within the group.

Besides them, young talents from lower categories of Spanish football, like Jesus Owono (Deportivo Alaves B) and Saúl Coco (Las Palmas At.), played a crucial role. This mix of experience and youth, along with the shared identity between Spain and Guinea, It has been key in the growth of the team.

Previous years other footballers like the brothers Juvenal y Alberto Edjogo-Owono, originating from Sabadell or Benjamin and Iván Zaradona from Valladolid were other of the many Spanish-born footballers with Guinean roots who played with the shirt of the most Spanish African team.. There are many more like Bodipo, Javier Balboa, Iván Bolado and a long etcetera.

This historical link has its origin in the colonial past of Equatorial Guinea, which was Spanish territory until 1968. This fact has allowed many players with dual nationality to choose to represent Equatorial Guinea., providing quality and character to your selection.

3-A leading team in the Africa Cup 2021

In 2021, Equatorial Guinea surprised the football world by defeating Algeria, one of the tournament favorites, in the African Cup of Nations 2021. They ended up reaching the quarterfinals where the Spanish Guinea’ ended up losing to Senegal, country that would finally win the tournament. This achievement was a milestone that reaffirmed the team's potential in international competitions..

4- A growing infrastructure

The country has invested significantly in the development of sports infrastructure, like the Bata stadium and the Malabo stadium, which were key venues during the CAN 2012 y 2015. These improvements reflect the government's commitment to sport.

5- Equatorial Guinea has never played in a World Cup

Although Equatorial Guinea has not yet qualified for a FIFA World Cup, His constant progression in the qualifying rounds and the CAN suggests a promising future. Its main goal is to consolidate itself as an emerging power in Africa. They call their African Red similar to that of Spain clothing and the birthplace of many of his players. But also it has another common name: Nzalang.

6- Equatorial Guinea created his league in 1979

Until that year there were championships for teams of European citizens and championships for teams indigenous inhabitants. Now there is very little organized league and has frequent stoppages and problems of all kinds.

7- Recent history in international football

Although the Equatoguinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) was founded in 1975, The national team officially debuted in 1976 against China. During years, his performance was limited, but in the last decade it has begun to stand out.

8- The climate is equatorial with average temperatures around 25 degrees.

It is convenient vaccinated before going to the country to not catch diseases of the area.

9- The team plays its home games at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo

He Malabo Stadium, located in the capital of Equatorial Guinea, It is the main sports venue in the country and one of the most emblematic stadiums in Central Africa. Inaugurated in the year 2007, This stadium has played a fundamental role in the development of Guinean football, hosting both national and international matches. Its capacity is 15.000 spectators. It is within a major sports complex where a hotel where the visiting teams stay there.