The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, and those taking part are keen to begin their run in the tournament, with an eye on the ultimate prize.
The 2012 Afcon takes place from 21 January to February 12, and it is to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Some teams will be experiencing their first participation at the competition, while others will be aiming to write their names in the record books as Africa’s best when the final takes place at the Stade d’Angondje in Libreville on February 12.
Goal.com introduces you to the 16 teams that will be taking part in this highly-anticipated competition. Here we profile Equatorial Guinea.
| Previous Appearances: |
Debut |
| Best Performance: |
Not applicable |
| HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR AFCON 2012 |
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CO-HOSTS Equatorial Guinea gained automatic qualification on July 29, 2007 when they won the bid to co-host the 28th edition of the continental competition along with Gabon. It is the maiden appearance for the Nzalang Nacional, and the team have been playing friendly matches in order to prepare for the challenge ahead. |
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The 64-year-old has been in charge of various clubs and national teams in most parts of the world. He used to play for the French national side. He is a three-time French Ligue 1 winner with Nantes and the last club he handled before taking on his current national team job was Raja de Casablanca. |
| JAVIER ANGEL BALBOA OSA |Â Captain |
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The Spanish-born Equatoguinean right winger is one of the high hopes for the Afcon co-hosts. He has played for Real Madrid, Benfica and is now with Beira-Mar. The 26-year-old has won both the Spanish and Portuguese leagues with Madrid and Benfica respectively, providing the national side with great experience. |
| THIERRY FIDJEU TAZEMETA |Â Star Player |
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The 29-year-old has netted a total of five goals throughout their friendlies this year. He has been instrumental in almost all their major games, but still remains a free agent. The striker will have to go the extra mile in order to push his lowly-rated side onward in their debut appearance. |
| JUANITO NDONG |Â Young Talent |
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The 19-year-old is one of the rising stars of the Nzalang Nacional. He will be one of the young faces with the potential to dazzle the continent in 2012 in front of his home crowd, and could catch the eye of a few scouts with his performances. |
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Henri Michel has experimented with a variety of formations in previous games, but seems likely to stick to the usual 4-4-2 when the tournament comes around in January. |
(4-4-2) SilvaYago, Aguirre, Doe, Polo, Chigozirim, Nchama, Mbome, Juvenal, Â Fidjeu, Bodipo |