Image copyright: Getty Images
Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast
2021 Africa Cup of Nations
Group E, Matchday 1
Wednesday 12 January 2022
Japoma Stadium, Douala
Kick-off at 21:00
Ivory Coast’s Elephants will look to stomp Group E opponents Equatorial Guinea when the teams meet in their Africa Cup of Nations opener at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on the evening of Wednesday 12 January 2022, kick-off at 21:00.
Ivory Coast are two-time AFCON champions (most recently in 2015) and looked capable of going all the way at the last tournament in 2019, only to be eliminated in the quarterfinals – via penalties – by eventual champions Algeria.
Image copyright: Getty Images
This time around the Elephants – led by coach Patrice Beaumelle, who was assistant to Herve Renard for the team’s 2015 success – are hoping to go all the way, with the French tactician hoping this generation become ‘poster heroes’ for youngsters.
“Young players have pictures of former stars in their rooms, so why can’t they follow in their footsteps?” explained Beaumelle. “Perhaps the best example is Kylian Mbappe, who managed to fulfil his childhood dreams. The Elephants can do the same, and I’m here to help them do that.”
Equatorial Guinea are returning to the AFCON for the first time since their surprise semifinal appearance in 2015 (when they were hosts). Their only other appearance was as co-hosts (with Gabon) in 2012 when they got as far as the quarterfinals.
Nzalang Nacional coach’s Juan Micha is ready for the challenge of a first tournament away from home: “All the matches will be very important for us. We will take them all very seriously. This is the first time that Nzalang Nacional will play an African Cup of Nations away from their facilities and their fans. It will be a great experience for us. We know Côte d'Ivoire well. It won't be a surprise for us. They are a very strong team.”
In head-to-head stats, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast have met in two matches across all competitions since 2012, with the Elephant claiming one win compared to zero for Nzalang Nacional, while one game has been drawn.
The teams last met in an international friendly in March 2015 in Abidjan, with the clash ending 1-1 after goals from Max Gradel and Iban Salvador.
Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast – Head-to-head
Matches played: 2
Equatorial Guinea wins: 0
Ivory Coast wins: 1
Draws: 1
Join Betway now & bet on International football and other football leagues with a R25 Sign Up Bet this is a limited time offer.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Start playing on the go and download the Betway App.