Nsue returns to lead Eq. Guinea at AFCON 2025
EQUATORIAL Guinea coach, Juan Michà, has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, blending continuity, leadership and a core of Europe-based players as the Nzalang Nacional aim to replicate their recent tournament successes in Morocco.
The Central African nation, who have reached the quarter-finals in three of their last four AFCON appearances, will once again lean on their disciplined structure and defensive solidity — qualities that have defined their rise on the continental stage.
The squad, published, includes several familiar names, with captain Emilio Nsue recalled to lead the group.
The squad features defenders from Spain, Italy, Romania and England, including Saul Coco, who has impressed with Torino, versatile right-back Carlos Akapo, and left-sided full-back Basilio Ndong. Huddersfield defender Charles Ondo also earns a call-up, while Esteban Orozco and Néstor Senra return to reinforce the back line.
In midfield, Omar Mascarell (Mallorca) and Pedro Obiang (Monza) bring top-flight European experience.
Veteran striker Emilio Nsue, one of the country’s greatest ever players, returns to boost the attack. He is joined by Iban Salvador, Josete Miranda, and promising young forward Loren Zúñiga, who is currently on Real Madrid’s books.
China-based winger Luismi Nvalo and Denmark-based Dorian Junior complete a frontline that mixes experience and emerging talent.
Drawn alongside tournament hosts Morocco, Mali and Zambia, Equatorial Guinea face a challenging Group A.
Full Equatorial Guinea squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Jesús Owono (FC Andorra, Spain), Manuel Sapunga (Sekhukhune United, South Africa) and Aitor Embela (CD Soneja, Spain).
Defenders:
Esteban Orozco (FC Argeș, Romania), Marvin Anieboh (UD San Sebastián, Spain), Carlos Akapo (Amazonas FC, Brazil), Saúl Coco (Torino FC, Italy), Basilio Ndong (FC U Craiova, Romania), Michel Ngaah (Real Ávila, Spain), Néstor Senra (Recreativo Huelva, Spain), Charles Ondo (Huddersfield Town, England) and Javier Muma (Maestro United, Zambia).
Midfielders:
Omar Mascarell (RCD Mallorca, Spain), Pablo Ganet (Real Murcia, Spain), Alex Balboa (Almere City, Netherlands), Alex Masogo (Beroe Stara Zagora, Bulgaria), José Machín (FC Cartagena, Spain), Pedro Obiang (AC Monza, Italy) and Santiago Eneme (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic).
Forwards:
Iban Salvador (Wisła Płock, Poland), Josete Miranda (Kalamata FC, Greece), Gael Akogo (Recreativo Granada, Spain), José Nabil (FC Nantes, France), Luismi Nvalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China), Dorian Junior (Viborg, Denmark), Loren Zúñiga (Real Madrid, Spain) and Emilio Nsue (CF Intercity, Spain).
–Cafonline
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