Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea Prediction: This fierce knockout game will end in favour of Equatorial Guinea

On Sunday, Equatorial Guinea will face off against Guinea in the knockout phase at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara. The Elephants will play their fourth consecutive knockout game in this competition after finishing at the top of their group. At the same time, their neighbour, Guinea, made it here as the best loser in Group C.

FIFA Ranking: 88th

The Elephants head here as one of the tournament's surprises as they outmuscled Nigeria and Ivory Coast to the top of the log. Equatorial Guinea began their journey with a (1-1) stalemate and followed it up with a (4-2) victory over a stubborn Guinea Bissau. In their final group game, the Elephants put four goals past Ivory Coast in what seems to be their most outstanding performance in the history of this tournament. 

Equatorial Guinea picked up seven points from a combined nine, scoring nine and conceding three. They are unbeaten in their previous thirteen games in all competitions, winning eight and sharing the spoils in five. Juan Micha's men are always straightforward with their game plan and hardly concede unnecessarily.

Equatorial Guinea likely Starting Eleven: Owono; Ndong, Akapo, Coco, Aniebo; Bikoro, Miranda, Pedro, Salvador; Dorian, Nsue.

Key Player: Emilio Nsue

FIFA Ranking: 80th

The National Elephants march here with one of their worst displays in this tournament as they wrapped up their campaign in third spot. Guinea began their journey with a (1-1) stalemate against Cameroon and picked up their first three points against Gambia. More recently, Guinea lost (0-2) to Senegal, with just a shot at goal. 

Guinea have won three times in their last six games, scoring six and conceding four. Kaba Diawara men must be at their very best to knock out the neighbours.

Guinea Likely Starting Lineup: Kone; Conte, Sow, Camara, Sylla; Moriba, Diawara; Conte, Camara, Naby Keita; Serhou Guirassy

Key Player: Naby Keita

Equatorial Guinea were one of the best-performing sides in the group phase; they found the back of the net nine times and scored four against the host nation in front of their home fans. Intercity FC right-back Emilio Nsue has been remarkably good in this tournament, scoring five in three games and the favourite to walk home with the golden boot. On the opposing side, Guinea have scored just two goals in this tournament and were lucky to have made it this far. The National Elephants have failed to convert their chances as they lack a natural goalscorer. 

Equatorial Guinea are one of the best attacking sides in this tournament, scoring nine from just fourteen shots on target in the group stage. If given the opportunity, they are ready to score as much as they can, and Guinea must be cautious against the darts of the Elephants. The odds favour Guinea because of their vast experience in this tournament, but we think Equatorial Guinea have a lot to prove here. I think Equatorial Guinea will make it to the quarterfinals here for 2.35, considering their quality and attacking threat.

We expect a more defensive display from Guinea and might see a halftime draw here for 1.85.

Equatorial Guinea to win either half might surface here for 2.34.

Good luck!