Sao Tome and Principe vs Equatorial Guinea: Match Prediction Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 4, 2025

One of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Africa is happening on Thursday at the Stade Municipal d’Oujda in Oujda. The national team of Sao Tome and Principe will face Equatorial Guinea. Here’s a look at what to expect from this match.

Match preview

Sao Tome and Principe have had a tough qualifying campaign, losing all six matches and sitting at the bottom of Group H without a point. The team struggles with defense issues and lacks creativity in attack, having scored only two goals while conceding fourteen. Attempts to play on the wings have not worked well, and the midfield often gets outperformed by better-organized opponents.

Despite some positives in their recent game against Liberia, where they managed to score, they still faced another defeat due to defensive errors. Their main hope lies with Jair Nunes, who can initiate rare counterattacks, but that isn’t enough against stronger teams.

Equatorial Guinea enters the match as favorites and still has a chance for direct World Cup qualification. They’ve shown good tactical discipline, recently drawing with Cameroon and beating Sao Tome (2-0) and Malawi (1-0) at home.

The “National Thunder” relies on a strong defensive strategy and coordinated attacks, particularly down the wings and from set pieces. The duo of Iban Salvador and Emilio Nsue poses a significant threat with their movement and precise passing, capable of breaking through defenses. Equatorial Guinea favors controlling the midfield for quick attacks, effectively targeting weaker defensive teams.

Probable lineups

• Sao Tome and Principe: Aldair Neves, Ivan Lima, Edgario, Gilson Costa, Leonildo Soares, Jair Nunes, Joazhifel Soares, Adjeil Neves, Denilson Silva, Harramiz Soares, Ricardo Cardoso
• Equatorial Guinea: Manuel Sapunga, Basilio Ndong, Saul Coco, Carlos Akapo, Marvin Aniebo, Pablo Ganet, Iban Salvador, Santiago Eneme, Emilio Nsue, Jose Machin, Oscar Siafa

Match facts and head-to-head

• Sao Tome and Principe have not earned any points in their group and have scored only 2 goals in 6 matches.
• The last meeting ended with a 2-0 win for Equatorial Guinea.
• Equatorial Guinea has conceded only two goals in the current qualifying series.

Prediction

Equatorial Guinea is expected to secure a solid victory, given their superior quality and the mental state of their opponents. Sao Tome and Principe has faced difficulties under pressure and often loses focus. Expect Equatorial Guinea to control the game and win comfortably, with a good betting option being Equatorial Guinea to win with a -1.5 handicap.