Equatorial Guinea head coach Juan Micha believes that qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 has given them confidence ahead of their clash with Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
The National Thunder caused one of the shocks at the tournament when they thrashed hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 on 22 January to clinch top spot in Group A.
Micha's side had held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on day two of the continental showpiece before running out convincing 4-2 victors against Guinea-Bissau on 18 January.
The big win over the Elephants saw Equatorial Guinea finish ahead of the Super Eagles on goal difference after both teams picked up seven points from their three group matches.
The National Elephants advanced to the knockout stages as the best third-placed team with a record of one win, one draw and one defeat.
It was the third edition in a row that Kaba Diawara's side had reached the round of 16; they began with a 1-1 draw against Cameroon and beat Gambia 1-0 before losing 2-0 to defending champions Senegal.
TEAM NEWS
Emilio Nsue is expected to lead the line once more for the National Thunder in Abidjan at the same venue where he has already scored five goals, including a hat-trick against the Djurtus - the first since AFCON 2008.
Serhou Guirassy missed Guinea's opening two games with a knee injury, but featured for 64 minutes on his return to action against the Lions of Teranga on 23 January and should be fit to start in the last 16.
WHAT WAS SAID
Equatorial Guinea head coach Juan Micha
"With our humility we made the effort to reach as far as possible against the big teams. We are working to reach the level of the big guys.
"What we want is to believe in
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