Vicente Parras, the Alcoyano coach, will be without Pablo Ganet for the upcoming match at El Collao on Saturday, January 27. The focus is on the Huelva Entertainment Area, while Equatorial Guinea’s surprising showing in Group A has positioned the team among the early leaders. Nigeria and Ivory Coast had been considered the favorites, yet Juan Michá Obiang has guided his squad into the knockout rounds of the African Cup.
The Equatorial Guinean standout has emerged as one of the leaders of the Nzalang Nacional, the national team known across Africa for its competitive spirit in the tournament. Equatorial Guinea began the championship with a 1-1 draw against the three-time champions, the Eagles of Nigeria, then routed Guinea-Bissau 4-2 and collected seven points after a 1-1 draw against the hosts, while also defeating the Ivory Coast in a crucial clash.
Pablo Ganet stood out in the group stage by contributing one of the nine goals his team scored. He found success in all three matches played by Equatorial Guinea, including a spectacular direct free kick that sailed over the barrier and tucked into the far corner beyond Yahia Fofana. That strike helped the team extend its advantage against Ivory Coast, raising the score to 2-0.
The Alcoyano midfielder also played a pivotal role in the victory over Guinea-Bissau, assisting Intercity forward Emilio Nsue in a decisive move. This marked Ganet’s third African Cup appearance, continuing a long-standing connection with the national team that traces back to his parents’ homeland.
Intercity player Emilio Nsue is the top scorer of the African Cup
Santiago Dura
Equatorial Guinea is set to face Guinea on Sunday, January 28 at 18.00. The match will be held at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium and the winner will secure a strong prospect of reaching the semi finals. For now, the ceiling for Obiang’s squad in this four edition tournament appears high. Ganet has already equaled the best tally by an Equatoguinean scorer in 2015, when the team advanced to the final against Ghana.
Back home, Alcoyano has faced two defeats in their recent outings. Vicente Parras will be without several midfield options, and Ganet did not feature in the home victory over Antequera two weeks ago, or in last Sunday’s 3-0 loss. His absence adds to the challenge for the club in the ongoing competition.