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Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone, plot last 16 progression
Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone will battle on Thursday, 20 January, in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nation. This match promises to be an exciting Group E finale.
Group E, which consists of Ivory Coast, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sierra Leone, is considered the group of death in this year’s AFCON in Cameroon. However, it’s proving to be one of the groups that have kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The group has delivered brilliant football, excellent goals, drama and pure emotion in the tournament. The group has been able to embody what the African showpiece is all about.
Going into the tournament, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone was expected to be the whipping boys in the group. But, instead, they have managed to pull their weight among the big boys; they have gone pound for pound with them.
As things stand in Group E after two games played by all teams, Ivory Coast are number one with four points, followed by Equatorial Guinea with three points. The third place in the group belongs to Sierra Leone which has two points courtesy of two draws, and the last-placed team in the group is Algeria with one point.
If you had told Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone that they would find themselves in their positions at this stage before the tournament began, they would have snatched your arm. The truth is, these two sides have been the revelations of the AFCON.
Equatorial Guinea shocked the football world when they defeated the AFCON defending champions 1-0 in the second match of the game. The win saw a jubilation celebration from an Equatorial Guinea commentator. His celebration went viral on social media as it reminded people why AFCON matters to African people.
Sierra Leone has had the results of the tournament so far. They have gained points against Algeria and Ivory Coast. However, what has been outstanding about Sierra Leone is how they have fared when meeting their star-studded opponents. They have had a stellar tournament so far.
Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone will put their campaign on the line when they meet on Thursday. Both teams will give it their all as there’s plenty at stake, a place in the last 16. Both teams stand a chance of making it through to the last 16—either finishing in the top two groups or as one of four third-place teams.
For Equatorial Guinea, they will only need a draw to take them to four points to ensure their qualification to the last 16; while Sierra Leone will need a win to make sure they go through and can have five; a draw will see them have three points which can be enough to see them progress.
Both sides will be cautious and won’t be too adventurous going into the match. This approach may lead to a 1-1 draw that will see the teams share the spoils.
Strike fast and boost your bets on all AFCON matches.
