Nsue scores first AFCON Hat-trick since 2008

By CHIMPREPORTS

• Equatoria Guinea 4-2 Guinea Bissau

Veteran striker and Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue became the first player to score a hattrick at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 15 years.

Nsue scored three goals as Equatorial Guinea thumped Guinea Bissau 4-2 in the ongoing 34th edition at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Thursday, becoming the first player to score thrice in a game since 2008.

Nsue’s hattrick came in the 21st, 51st, and 61st minutes. He also became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick at AFCON and also the first player to score a hat trick for his country.

Josette Miranda completed Equatorial Guinea’s rout with a 46th minute strike. Guinea Bissau scored through Esteban Orozco’s own goal (37′), while Ze Turbo netted for the Djurtus in the 93rd minute.

Morocco’s Soufiane Alloudi was the last player to have a hattrick at AFCON when they ousted Namibia 5-1 in Ghana.

Equatorial Guinea are now on top of Group A with four points, following a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their opening game, and notably Nsue is the leading goalscorer with three goals.

Equatorial Guinea will take on hosts Ivory Coast in their final group-stage game on Sunday, the same day Guinea Bissau will lock horns with Nigeria.