Equatorial Guinea are through to the knockout stage of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after brightly seeing off Gabon challenge in a 2-0 outcome. Javier Balboa’s 55th minute spot kick goal opened the scoring for the host team and changed matters in their favour eventually.
The 29-year-old Spanish-born winger of Portuguese club Estoril spoke to superport.com after collecting his Man of the Match award.
Supersport.com: What made you stood up to take that penalty when others were hesitating?
Javier Balboa: I don’t know why they were hesitating, perhaps the fear not to bungle it. As for me I had the strong feeling I could score and that it would change the game in our favour.
Supersport.com: And it really did, but Gabon coach and Aubemayang are mad at the referee, calling it a wrong decision.
Javier Balboa: They have the right to give their views about a referee’s decision during a match. However, we saw that there was a contact on the man with the ball in the box and a whistle was blown, and that should be a penalty. We couldn’t say the contrary. A referee’s decision is final.
Supersport.com: We were beginning to believe another draw was on sight after the battle of the first half ended goalless.
Javier Balboa: Yes. It was a tough match. You can see how the first half was contested. Nobody wanted to concede and each side missed lots of goal chances. I think Gabon are a team to respect even if they lost to us.
Supersport: You won the man of the match award how will this inspire you and your team into the knockout phase?
Javier Balboa: Firstly it came as a reward for my work and secondly, it will motivate me to work harder in our next match in the quarterfinals. It takes away every fear from me and gives me and my team that boldness to confront any side. Bring on Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal or Ivory Coast.
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