Equatorial Guinea coach Becker warns team ahead of second Afcon tie

Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker has warned his team to step up for their game against Bukina Faso on January 21 at the on-going 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Speaking to Xinhua on Sunday, the Argentine said following their 1-1 draw against Congo Brazzaville in the opening match, they must now come all out to play a game of their lives against Burkina Faso.

"We had good chances against Congo, but did not convert them. We now need to make sure we fight to collect maximum points against Bukina Faso. We know they are not an easy side because they have good players who feature in top teams in Europe," added the coach who only took over the team 15 days ago.

The National Nzalang as the Equatorial Guinea team is called only qualified for the event after the nation agreed to host since Morocco had pulled out because of fears of the deadly Ebola virus that has killed hundreds in West Africa.

Emilio Lopez Nsue, the Equatorial Guinea skipper who scored in their 1-1 draw against Congo Brazzaville, said that they will take every game as it comes.

"We are a young team that has not trained for a long while like other teams, but we are prepared and believe the home support will help us," added Nsue.

The experienced player who plies his trade in England said it is good their young team managed to absorb the pressure by the Congo Brazzaville team and will now be much stronger in the remaining two group games against Burkina Faso and Gabon. Endi