2023 AFCON: Nsue’s Hat-trick Secures Significant Victory for Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea secured a significant advancement toward the knockout stage after defeating Guinea-Bissau 4-2 behind a hat-trick from Emilio Nsue.

Nsue, 34, became the first player in 16 years and the oldest player in the tournament’s 34th edition to score a hat trick. January 2008 was the last time Morocco’s Soufiane Alloudi accomplished the feat.

Nsue took advantage of a defensive blunder to put his side ahead in the 21st minute. Later on, in the 37th minute, Esteban Orozco’s own goal tied the score.

Orozco attempted to cut out a cross for Franculino Djú, who was offside, but instead turned the ball into his net.

However, José Miranda scored after the break from outside the box, and five minutes later, Nsue scored his second goal to seal the victory essentially. In the 61st, he scored from a tricky angle to complete his hat trick, but not before enduring a VAR review.

Zé Turbo, a late substitute, gave Guinea-Bissau a consolation goal, but he was unable to end the team’s 11-game winless streak at the Africa Cup. The “Djurtus,” who lost their first two games, became the first team to bow out of the tournament.