Equatorial Guinea gifted 212 million after humiliating hosts Ivory Coast

The Equatorial Guinea national team has been awarded handsomely after destroying Ivory Coast 4-0 in their final group match of the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo offered the team € 1 million (approximately Ksh 177,432,835) for their sensational performance that saw them book a spot in the Round of 16 having finished top in Group A ahead of Nigeria.

“Apart from the participation bonus, for the good match played against the Ivory Coast, I promised Nzalang Nacional a bonus of one million Euros. They are the Héroes Nacionales,” a statement on President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’read.

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His son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who is the country’s vice President also promised the team €200,000 (35,376,737) for the goals they scored against Ivory Coast.

“I just spoke to our players to encourage them to keep up the good football they have played so far. For me, the match against Ivory Coast is like a final. That is why I wished them luck and promised to incentivize them with 50 thousand Euros per goal scored in our favor,” he stated.

The team which is famously known as the Nzalang Nacional, which loosely translates to National Thunder, hammered the hosts 4-0 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

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Red hot forward Emilio Nsue, who plays for Spanish side CF Intercity scored a brace in that historic match which puts him in an excellent position of winning the golden boot race.

Pablo Ganet and Jannick Buyla also found the back of the net in the second half to add the icing on the cake. 

The huge win ensured the Juan Micha coached side top their group with seven points, bettering Nigeria’s Super Eagles on goal difference. 

On the other hand, pre-match favorites Ivory Coast are on the verge of exiting the tournament after registering only three points in their group matches.

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The hosts now need favours in the other group matches in order to advance to the Round of 16 as one of the third placed teams.

Delayed 2023 AFCON Group A Standings 

Equatorial Guinea - 7 points

Nigeria - 7 points

Ivory Coast - 3 points

Guinea Bissau - 0 point

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