Burkina Faso enter this match with the stronger overall profile and a clearer path to victory.

Recent form gives Burkina Faso the edge, with goals scored in each of the last three matches, showing growing attacking confidence ahead of the tournament. Even though two of those games were friendlies, momentum remains important coming into AFCON.

Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, tend to struggle against well-organised sides with superior quality. Recent results highlight difficulties in turning performances into positive outcomes, especially against teams capable of controlling possession and tempo. Narrow defeats against Tunisia and Madagascar, along with a draw versus Cameroon, underline resilience but also limited attacking threat.