AFCON 2015 MATCH FEEDS

Equatorial Guinea vs Congo
1 - 1

FULL TIME! The opening game of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations ends with a share of the spoils, as hosts Equatorial Guinea draw 1-1 with Congo, courtesy of a late equaliser from Thievy Bifouma in Bata. Nsue gave Becker's men an early lead, but late pressure from Le Roy's men eventually proved too much. A point isn't too much help for either side in Group A, but neither nation will leave the competition without any points. I've been Simon Harrison and I hope to see you again next time!

90' + 3'
Important hand from Ovono to push a speculative cross away from the awaiting head of Bifouma! The goalkeeper is rather unorthodox, but has done what has been asked of him thus far.

90' + 2' Substitution

Iban Salvador edu

Bolado

90' + 2'
Ivan Bolado is introduced for the dying embers of this clash for Equatorial Guinea, with the hosts perhaps keen to slow things down and break up the Congolese momentum.

90' + 1'
We're into the first of three minutes of stoppage time. Can either side grab a late winner?

90'
WHAT A MISS! Thievy is able to take the ball down inside the penalty area, before squaring a great pass into the path of Malonga! With all of the goal to aim at, the substitute places a finish straight into the midriff of Ovono! That was from eight yards out, too!

89' Yellow Card

Javier Balboa

88'
her chance for Congo! Nganga races down the left flank before delivering a cross from the byline, but Bifouma's attempted header passes comfortably across goal and Ovono is able to collect.

87' Assist

D. Malonga

87' Goal

Thievy Bifoum GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! THIEVY BIFOUMA SNATCHES A LATE EQUALISER! Out of nowhere, they've done it and the substitutes race onto the field to join in the celebrations! After being found making a run towards the near post, the Congolese forward slides a finish through the legs of Ovono and into the back of the net!

87'
Ovono punches away a free-kick delivery, before the loose ball falls to Nganga. The left-back tries his luck from 25 yards, but sends a poor effort straight into the crowd!

86'
Things are suddenly getting very desperate for Equatorial Guinea! Despite being comfortable for long periods, the hosts are now dropping very deep and inviting on pressure. Plenty of white shirts are populating the opposition penalty box.

84'
mazing! How did that not result in a goal? When it appeared easier to score, a back-post header clattered against the upright from close range! Wastefulness from Congo.

83'
Madness in the dying stages! A goalmouth scramble in the Equatorial Guinea penalty area! Somehow the ball doesn't end up in the back of the net after a couple of desperate blocks and mishit efforts! The upright is still rattling after a couple of white shirts fail to turn the ball home from a few yards out!

81' Yellow Card

Ovono

81'
Poor goalkeeping from Ovono! He earns himself a yellow card, after racing off his line to make a very risky challenge on Bifouma. It results in the Congolese forward being dragged back as he attempted to get up from the aftermath of the scrappy tackle and gifts Le Roy's men a chance to deliver a telling cross.

80'
Good defending from Balboa! The forward stays strong to come out with the ball following a set piece delivery, as the hosts continue to try and see this game out. Nsue goes on a run down the left flank, before being penalised for what appeared to be a very soft push.

78' Substitution

Arnold Bouka Moutou

D. Malonga

78'
D. Malonga comes into the fray in place of Bouka Moutou, as Congo attempt to push for a late, and undeserved, equaliser. The host nation are keeping plenty of players behind the ball and trying to frustrate their opposition in the late stages.

77'
Iban Edu tries his luck from 25 yards, but sees his effort easily blocked! Equatorial Guinea continue to break dangerously, with Congo all over the place defensively. There's a lot of work to be done if Le Roy's side aren't to exit this tournament with no points from their Group A fixtures.

76'
Less than a quarter of an hour remains for Congo to claw their way back into this one, with points desperately required by Le Roy's men. Given that Burkina Faso and Gabon are their next opponents, they really can't afford to slip up against one of the competition's poorest outfits - on paper, might I add.

74'
GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Hang on, it has been ruled out for offside! It's Nsue again! He appears to be level, before racing onto a through ball and lifting an inch-perfect finish over Mafoumbi and into the back of the net from just outside the box! Nearly a decisive moment in this match!

73'
Nsue is caught offside yet again! The goalscorer sneaks in behind the back four and fires an attempt into the side netting, but the linesman's flag was raised anyhow. He really has been risky with his runs this afternoon.

72'
The resulting corner delivery is simply claimed by Mafoumbi, before Congo go on the offensive. Bifouma finds himself running down a dead end, before being robbed of possession. Le Roy's men are desperate to find an equaliser and are actively trying to raise the tempo here now.

70'
Good save from Mafoumbi! Balbao clips a brilliant cross towards the back post for Nsue to chase, but the goalscorer is denied by the opposition goalkeeper! He stays big and on his feet until very late, before using his legs to poke the ball behind for a corner!

69'
Nervy defending from Balboa! Douniama almost manages to get a header on the resulting corner delivery, but Balbao hooks a clearance away at the back post. Another cross is whipped into the Equatorial Guinea penalty box, but a combination of Mbele and Ovono clears. Congo are just starting to up the pressure.

67'
Just wide from Douniama! The substitute almost has an immediate impact but Ovono makes a phenomenal save to push it beyond the upright! The Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper sprawls to his right brilliantly to get a hand to the low drive from the midfielder!

66'
Congo opt to make another change, with Douniama introduced. Le Roy has almost made all of changes, without any real impact on proceedings. Bouka Motou tries to break down the left and deliver a cross, but Randy slides in brilliantly to put the ball behind for yet another corner.

65' Substitution

Férébory Dore

Ladislas Douniama

65'
Ondama and Marvin exchange a one-two down the right-hand side, before earning themselves a corner. The delivery is heavily contested, but Equatorial Guinea scramble clear, before going on the break! Nsue sprints down the left-hand side, but Congo get enough players back to force him back towards his own goal.

63'
Well, how the host nation might come back to rue that missed chance! Balboa appeared to have all of the time and space in the world to slot a calm finish beyond Mafoumbi, but lost his composure at the vital moment! Congo were nearly two goals behind and unlikely to grab even a share of the spoils.

61'
MASSIVE CHANCE FOR BALBOA! He could have delivered the knockout blow! The Equatorial Guinea forward bundles his way through on goal, before hammering a low drive straight at Mafoumbi! That was the opportunity!

60' Substitution

Enrique Boula Senobua

Belima

60' Substitution

Césaire Gandzé

Fabrice Nguessi Ondama

60'
Kike Boula is withdrawn for the host nation, with Belima thrown into the fray by Becker, as Equatorial Guinea continue to make reactive changes. The home crowd are making constant noise, urging their players towards a brilliant three points in Group A. Ondama is readied for Congo and will replace Cesair.

58'
Kike gives away a free kick, after a poor tackle on Moubhio. Becker uses the opportunity to call a couple of players over, with Iban Edu in particular receiving some additional instructions. There's no real sign of a Congo comeback quite yet!

56'
Fantastic play from Bifouma! The Congolese forward shows his pace and skill brilliantly, by riding two challenges in quick succession. After spreading play out to the left, a pass is fed in towards the penalty area, before springing loose. N'Dinga gets to the rebound, but blasts a first-time effort high and wide.

54'
Equatorial Guinea are sitting in their shape, with Congo being too slow and predictable with their passing play. Red shirts are easily able to intercept risky passes and continually provide a united front. Le Roy's side need to start switching play much quickly to cause the opposition some problems.

52'
Congo win themselves a free kick deep in opposition territory, allowing for white shirts to spill forth and fill the penalty area, but the delivery is headed clear immediately. Le Roy's side aren't looking as though they can create any clear-cut chances.

50'
Bifouma breaks down the left flank, before being stood up well by Mbele, but the eventual cross is awful from the Congo forward. The ball curls straight out of play for a goal kick.

48'
Iban Edu does well to dance around two challenges, before being penalised for an accidental elbow on Gandze - that might be a sore one for the Congolese. The Equatorial Guinea midfielder receives his final warning from the referee.

47'
There's one change at the break, with Ganet withdrawn for Doualla by Becker. Bifouma is penalised for a shove on Balboa, as the former Espanyol forward attempts to press high upfield to force mistakes.

46' Substitution

Pablo Cómitre

Douala

46'
We are underway in the second half in Bata! The hosts have a 1-0 lead in the opening game of the AFCON, but there's much more football to be played before the final whistle! Congo need to improve, and fast!

HALF TIME! Equatorial Guinea go into the break with a perhaps surprising lead, courtesy of a goal from Nsue which has left the hosts 1-0 ahead. Congo just haven't got going thus far, with Ovono only forced to make easy stops. Le Roy's men need to bring much more to the table in the second half, but the pro-Equatorial Guinea atmosphere won't make things any easier! Be sure to stick with us for all of the second-half action!

45'
There is one minute of first-half stoppage time.

44'
Bifoum and Dore attempt to combine on the edge of the Equatorial Guinea penalty area, but the return pass from the former is poor. Moments later, Oniangue shoots from 25 yards out, but can only send the ball rocketing high and wide of the target and into the stands.

42'
Thievy Bifouma sums up his side's woes in the first half, by making an offside run despite being able to see the vast majority of the opposition back four. Moments later, Dore tries to streak in behind enemy lines, but Rui marshals the gangly striker and robs him of the ball easily.

40'
Only five minutes remain until the end of the first half, with Le Roy's men presumably keen to try and restore parity before returning to their dressing room. Congo really haven't been convincing, with long-range efforts continuing to be their only real dangerous outlet.

38'
Nsue and Balboa continue to be a real nuisance in attack for the home side, with the former in particular always looking to make darting runs off the last man. Iban Edu lets fly from 30 yards, forcing Mafoumbi into an unorthodox save! The Congo goalkeeper wrongfoots himself, but manages to keep the ball out regardless!

36'
fter warning both sets of players about pushing and shoving once again, Mafoumbi is just about able to push the corner delivery to safety. Moments later, Nsue scampers into the box but is robbed of possession as he shapes to shoot.

35'
Equatorial Guinea earn themselves a free kick in an advanced position down the left-hand side, allowing for red shirts to pile into the box. The delivery is awful, but Dore can only slice a poor clearance behind for a corner.

34' Yellow Card

Marvin Baudry

34'
Dore goes down inside the opposition penalty area, claiming a clip, but the referee isn't interested whatsoever. Things just haven't clicked offensively for Le Roy's men thus far, Thievy has looked a shadow of himself and his strike partner has scarcely had the ball at his feet.

32'
Congo are looking to be much more in control now, seeing much more of the ball and forcing their opposition to sit far deeper. That said, Equatorial Guinea continue to break effectively, though Nsue is being caught offside slightly too often.

30'
Half an hour has passed, with the start of this tournament going surprisingly well for Equatorial Guinea. The hosts find themselves a goal to the good, with their defence and midfield pressing well enough to limit Congo to shots from range or hurried efforts from tight angles.

28'
Bifouma stabs a through ball into the path of Gandze, but the midfielder can only power an effort directly at the goalkeeper! Le Roy's men are getting closer, but Ovono is yet to really be forced into anything too difficult to do. Moments later, the same player blasts way wide from range.

27'
Side netting for Baudry! Nganga flights a free kick in towards the back post, which Ovono tries to claim. The goalkeeper misjudges the delivery completely, however, but the Congo defender lurking behind him fails to hit the target! That was a big opportunity!

26' Yellow Card

Diosdado Mbele

25'
Nsue nearly manages to get in behind enemy lines due to a quick free kick, but Mafoumbi is alert to the danger and comes to the edge of his box to smother the through ball. Moments later, the same man is caught offside - there were suspicions of a similar infringement with his goal, too.

24' Yellow Card

B. Moubhio

24'
full-bodied clash in the centre of the park leading to another stoppage in play. Moubhio and Kike are the men down, after colliding rather heavily! They're a tad winded, but after some magic spray should be fine to continue - it was a poor, lunging tackle from the Congo defender really.

22'
Congo just haven't turned up thus far. The hosts are happy to sit back, before launching quick balls up to their isolated strikers. Nsue attempts to slip down the right-hand side on the break, but Moubhio comes across well to tackle the goalscorer.

20'
Equatorial Guinea are certainly looking like much more of a dangerous package than was thought before the game! They've got some interesting technicians in midfield, meaning that there's a certain unpredictability in their play.

18'
Well, nobody would have expected this! The hosts are ahead and the atmosphere is now electric! Thievy tries to break down the left-hand side but accidentally runs the ball out of play at the byline. Congo have some work to do!

16' Assist

Enrique Boula Senobua

16' Goal

Nsue GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! NSUE OPENS THE SCORING FOR EQUATORIAL GUINEA! The striker makes a run in behind the defence, is found well, before sliding a finish under Mafoumbi and into the back of the net! The crowd go wild! Great work in the build up from Ivan!

14'
Wonderful skill from Ivan! The midfielder does a beautiful roulette turn in order to avoid a sliding challenge at the edge of the box, before his eventual shot is deflected and tamely bobbles to Mafoumbi. Moments later, Ovono claims a cross brilliantly ahead of Dore.

13'
Balboa is looking like a real livewire so far for the host nation, showing some good technical ability to bring down crosses and earn himself some space to operate within. That said, Mafoumbi has merely been a spectator for Congo thus far.

11'
Dore and Thievy haven't been able to get their foot on the ball in the opening stages, with Equatorial Guinea doing well to force mistakes in the build up. Ovono is forced into the first save of the afternoon, doing well to parry a cross from Babele and then smother.

9'
Baudry and Zarandona clash heads, leading to a short stoppage in play, but both players are able to continue despite both coaches sending out substitutes to warm up as a precaution. Quality has been fairly low on both sides in the opening minutes!

8'
Dore has to leave the field of play for a moment to change his footwear, while Nsue tries to take advantage of Congo having ten men. The forward looks to chase a through ball in behind Moutou, but the central defender shields the ball behind for a goal kick.

6'
ONIANGUE! The midfielder takes aim from 30 yards out, before arrowing an effort narrowly over the crossbar with Ovono backpedalling quickly! That's an early warning sign from Le Roy's side!

5'
Congo settle down and start to try and build from the back, but a lack of composure means that swarming red shirts are forcing plenty of early errors. A long ball is punted forward to Dore, but Diosdado Mbele does well to track his runner and hook a clearance upfield.

3'
Chance for Balboa! The Equatorial Guinea striker is presented with the ball in the opposition penalty area, but sees his eventual shot blocked by a ruck of white shirts. The home fans have reason for early optimism!

2'
It actually seems that both sides are opting for four at the back, with hectic and energetic pressing from the very start! An awful tackle is thrown in already, which might be a sign of things to come.

1'
We are underway in Bata! The Africa Cup of Nations is here! The hosts are wearing an all-red strip, while Congo don white. Let's see what the competition's opener has in store for us! Can Le Roy mastermind the perfect start to an unlikely Congolese run in this tournament?

fter some speeches and the respective national anthems, we should be just about ready to get underway! Congo might be favourites, but given the fierce home support, Equatorial Guinea have to be motivated to perform this afternoon!

The two teams are out on the field! There's a good crowd present for the opener, with plenty of colour and flags on show, as is customary at the Africa Cup of Nations! We're getting close to kick off now!

This is a Group A clash, with Burkina Faso and Gabon to play later after this opening spectacle. Given that Equatorial Guinea and Congo aren't the favourites to go through, it is imperative that one of the two picks up three points this afternoon. A draw isn't really any good for either side, as it leaves them heavily reliant on other results and performing well against higher-quality outfits.

Congo starting line-up: Mafoumbi, F. Nganga, Moubhio, Moutou, Oniangue, N'Dinga, Dore, Bifouma, Gandze, Baudry, Babele.

Equatorial Guinea starting line-up: Ovono, Da Gracia, Mbele, Iban, Emilio Nsue, Balboa, Boula, Ivan, Sipo, Zarandona, Ganet.

TEAM NEWS: Thievy Bifouma is likely to be the star man for Le Roy's men, with the former West Bromwich Albion and Espanyol forward capable of chipping in with a few goals. Delvin N'Dinga sits in the middle of the park with some top flight experience, with extra creative responsibility given to the midfielder due to Congo's likelihood to play five at the back too.

TEAM NEWS: Both Ruben Belima and Juvenal don't receive starts for Esteban Becker's side, with the new coach seeming to have shuffled his pack somewhat. The Argentine boss only came into the job a fortnight ago, meaning that his selection process is somewhat mysterious. It appears that the hosts are opting for a five-man defence, with the likes of Rui Da Gracia and Diosdado Mbele starting at the back as expected.

I'm Simon Harrison and I will be keeping you up to date with proceedings from Bata, as these two unfancied sides attempt to earn a useful three points in their journey towards qualification into the next round. Claude Le Roy's men are perhaps slight favourites, but being the host nation always adds a little more resolve to even the smallest of nations.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the opening match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations between Equatorial Guinea and Congo. The two sides are fortunate to be here, having both previously been knocked out during qualification. The former are present only as hosts, after being awarded the tournament instead of Morocco, while the latter earned a reprieve after Rwanda fielded an ineligible player.

Source: Goal.com