AFCON 2023: Hat Trick, VAR Decisions and Six Goals in Equatorial Guinea v Guinea Bissau Thriller

• Equatorial Guinea beats Guinea Bissau 4-2 in thrilling AFCON match
• Seasoned captain Emilio Nsue scores first AFCON hat-trick since 2008
• Guinea-Bissau’s penalty was overturned after a lengthy VAR check

Equatorial Guinea put on a stellar performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 against Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, January 17, securing a thrilling 4-2 victory.

In an action-packed game at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium filled with VAR decisions and six goals, Emilio Nsue, the seasoned captain, scored a hat-trick for his nation.

This makes history as it is the first AFCON hat-trick since 2008.

The 34-year-old Intercity striker opened the scoring in the 21st minute, setting the tone for a remarkable game. Despite a spirited performance from Guinea-Bissau, who aimed for their first-ever AFCON win in their 11th tournament appearance, Nzalang Nacional maintained their composure.

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Esteban Orozco's own goal levelled the score in the 37th minute, but Equatorial Guinea quickly regained the lead when Josete Miranda found the net shortly after the restart.

The match took a dramatic turn when Guinea-Bissau was awarded a penalty, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review.

Equatorial Guinea seized the opportunity, with Nsue converting a cross from the left flank in the 51st minute and completing his hat-trick by rounding the goalkeeper just after the hour mark.

Despite Ze Turbo pulling one back for Guinea-Bissau late in the game, Equatorial Guinea's solid performance leaves them with four points in Group A, positioning them well for advancement to the last 16.

Here are some reactions captured online after Nsue's feat:

The Nzalang Nacional are eager to replicate their quarter-final run from two years ago.

The Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, had sparse attendance during the match, as reported by AP.

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Despite expectations of a full house for Ivory Coast's upcoming game against Nigeria at the same venue.

Organizers claimed that all tickets were sold out, but the opening games have faced challenges related to ticketing issues.

Abidjan is buzzing with enthusiastic fans well before the home team's match. Many donned the team's recognizable orange jersey, creating a lively atmosphere with horn blasts and waving orange, white, and green national flags.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali frustrated by bench

Sports Brief reported that Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was left frustrated by starting on the bench against Equatorial Guinea in their first match.

The Chippa United shot-stopper appeared to be head coach Jose Peseiro's preferred option.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper is said to have expressed his frustrations, stressing that he was not notified about losing his position.