Equatorial Guinea hosted Libya at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo in their second 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday night, recording a strong 2-0 victory in the process.
After feeling out process in the first five minutes of the game, both sides carved out early chances with the Guineans edging the visitors in the ball possession statistics.
The home side were awarded their first corner of the match in the 12th minute, as they continued to press on in the opposition half. Due to the pressure, Libya were reduced to playing on the counter attack.
Equatorial Guinea showed their attacking intent half-way through the first 45, while the game produced a number of robust tackles. Subsequently, Marvin Anieboh was shown the first yellow of the encounter in the 25th minute.
Not long thereafter, the home side came close to opening the scorecard as Dorian Hanza’s shot went narrowly wide of the goalkeeper’s right.
As the first half reached its concluding stages, Libya took the game to the Guineans and even found the back of the net. However, the visitor's effort was ruled out due to an offside call following a neat move inside the home side’s penalty area.
Equatorial Guinea and Libya ended the half with the game tied at 0-0, with the visiting nation gathering steam just before the break.
The Guineans took the lead five minutes into the second-half after Santiago Eneme’s shot was deflected just ahead of the goalkeeper, with it being recorded as a Mohammed Touhami own goal.
In moments of transitions for both teams, the pace of the game increased dramatically ahead of the hour mark as tackles continued to fly in, while both teams showcased their willingness to attack.
As the 70th minute approached, Equatorial Guinea remained the team on the front foot, producing a number of goalscoring opportunities, particularly down their left wing.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute, as the referee spotted an infringment inside the penalty area. Following protests from the Libyan players, the offiials calmed the situation as Frederico Bikoro stepped up and finished with aplomb.
As the game came to a heated conclusion, the Guineans collected maximum points at home, with their victory placing them in second spot, just one point behind Tunisia in Group J.
Equatorial Guinea (0) 2
Libya (0) 0
Equatorial Guinea: Owno, Maye, L.E.Nsue, Anieboh, Ndong, E.Nsue (Anvene 87’), Balboa, Bikort, Eneme (Obama 77’), Ganet, Hanza (Boacho 65’)
Libya: Allafi, Al-Warfali, El Trbi, Fakroun, El Monir, Elhounie, Belgasem Rajab, Touhami, Salih Ali (Esaiy 62’), Al Taher (Salama 62’), Al Khouja