World Cup (Q): Equatorial Guinea midfielder Pablo Ganet discusses nation’s chances of qualifying

Equatorial Guinea midfielder Pablo Ganet is not losing hope as the country aims to secure their qualification spot to 2026 FIFA World Cup in the final campaign.

Looking at Group H standing heading into matchday 10 and 11 matches, Equatorial Guinea and Malawi are still within striking distance of a place in the second qualifying round in this particularly competitive group behind Tunisia, who have qualified and will be looking to end their campaign unbeaten.

Equatorial Guinea currently lie fifth with 10 points, same points as fourth placed Malawi, while Liberia are above them with one point in third position, Namibia are second with 15 points, with the Carthage Eagles leading the pile with 22 points.

Equatorial Guinea still within reach of qualifying

“Yes, it’s going to be tough but we still have hope we can make the World Cup. Although it’s only group winners that qualify directly, second placed teams will get another opportunity in the next round,” Ganet told FIFA.com.

“For us it’s clear: we have to win both our games next week and hope other teams drop points. If that happens, we’re still in with a chance.”

Ganet further believes their 3-2 comeback win against São Tomé and Príncipe in September, revived their qualification chances.

“I made it 2-1, and eventually we turned it around and won 3–2 away. It was an incredible feeling, hugely important for the team, and it’s given me a lot of confidence ahead of the next two crucial matches,” he explained.

He added: “Back then, the whole country came to a standstill, not only during the matches but for days afterwards. No one went to work; everyone was celebrating.

“And when we returned home, thousands welcomed us at the airport. It was as if we’d won the World Cup three times! So if we were to qualify for the World Cup, I honestly can’t imagine what would happen, but it would be incredible.”

Discussing his role as a captain of the side, he said: “As captain and one of the more experienced players, I do my best to be a leader, alongside the other senior members of the squad. I’ve been with the national team through some difficult spells. There were times when we almost always lost, and one of the main reasons was that players would only think about themselves.

“We don’t have stars like Ronaldo or Messi, so the only way to succeed is to work together as a family and to play united as a team. That’s the message we pass on to the younger players, to always put the team first.”

Equatorial Guinea will face Malawi at Bingu National Stadium on Friday, before concluding their campaign against Liberia at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo on Monday, October 13.

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