Balboa and wingers; Ivan Bolado and youngster Ruben Belima, to suggest a wealth of talent in front of goal.
The fact that, Equatorial Guinea have only just been granted qualification, also gives them a clear advantage of being a relative unknown. Widely considered as way outside the top echelons in African football, less preparatory data on the host nation should provide some unpredictable results against much stronger opposition.
Weaknesses
Preparation – The one downside of being granted a place at the AFCON this late is the lack of preparation afforded. With most of the squad being made up of international mercenaries, Equatorial Guinea have been unable to play any match since their disqualification in June.
Though the number of "recruits" has proven to be fairly minimal, with their previous disqualification seemingly scaring them into fielding a team made up of legally eligibly players for Equatorial Guinea, the lack of time to gel together as a team could prove disastrous once the tournament starts.
Key player
Juvenal – Talented ball playing centre midfield player, who creates and authorizes attacks from deep. Experienced campaigner who’s been part of the set-up for over a decade, and played a key role in their home AFCON run. Qualifies as Equatoguinean through his father’s birth but has only ever played football in Europe.
X-Factor
The Hipster Choice
Felipe Ovono - One of the few domestic based players in the squad, who had been used as back up in Equatorial Guinea’s last appearance at the AFCON in 2012 as a teenage squad member. Not certain of a starting spot but has started to impress himself on the managerial staff.
The Coach
Esteban Becker – Argentine who previously coached the successful Equatorial Guinea women’s squad has been confirmed as the permanent coach for the tournament. Initially in termporary charge, as rumours of Stephen Keshi's appointment squirled, Becker will now be the man to guide Equatorial Guinea.
SFG Predicts
Group stage exit - Despite the relatively favourable draw, it seems likely that Equatorial Guinea will become the first host since Tunisia in 1994 to not make it out of the group.
By Martin Lowe (@plasticpitch)