As AFCON 2021 started to gather steam, nobody believed that Equatorial Guinea would be there in the final stages. Perhaps not even the players who wear the shirt of this Central African country. But their honest and hard-working manner of playing football has taken them a long way. And with the semi-final against Senegal looming – they aren’t done yet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carlos Akapo (@akapo5) A penalty shootout in the first knockout stage was a good gauge of character for the team. They missed the first penalty and were put under instant pressure. At that moment, Cadiz’s Spanish-born defender Carlos Akapo stepped up to take his kick and did it in style. A Panenka to beat goalkeeper Ibrahim Mounkoro sent a clear message of confidence. At that point, the penalty shoot-out changed and Equatoguinean goalie Jesus Owono certified the win with two saved penalties.Carlos Akapo is proud of the Equatorial Guinea team spirit (©Andres Domingo Garcia)Akapo is a heavyweight within the Equatorial Guinean national team. The 28-year-old former Huesca man is the second captain of his national team and the only La Liga player in his national team. The rest of the squad is full of Spanish-born players, who play in lower Spanish divisions. That is why ‘Kapo’ takes responsibility and sets the example for his teammates.”We dream and think that we can get through this round because otherwise, we wouldn’t be here. I’m very proud of the whole team. We know that many people didn’t believe that we could go this far, but we showed that we are a strong group with players who play for each other and never give up. We don’t have stars in our team, but that won’t stop us from fighting. I’d like to thank everyone who’s supporting us in this tournament.”AFCON 2021: Semifinal berth at stake as Egypt, Morocco clash with Senegal facing E. GuineaWith humility and faith, Equatorial Guinea wants to continue dreaming and continue the feat they are carrying out in this AFCON against Senegal, one of the great African teams. Senegal have important players in big European clubs and will be the favourites, but it’s not the only time Equatorial Guinea have been written off before the kick-off.AFRICA CUP OF NATIONSQuarterfinalsSaturdayGambia – Cameroon 0-2 (0-0)/Toko-Ekambi 50, 57/Burkina Faso – Tunisia 1-0 (1-0)/Ouattara 45+3/Sunday18.00: (3.40) Egypt (3.00) Morocco (2.55)22.00: (1.65) Senegal (3.50) Equatorial Guinea (7.75)***odds are subject to change
