Given the limited time they had to prepare for the African Nations Cup finals under new coach Esteban Becker and the long period of inactivity for the team, Equatorial Guinea have acquitted themselves well so far and are very much in with a chance of making the quarterfinals.

Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Burkina Faso, who finished runners-up in 2013, showed the strong defensive qualities of the side, even if they were a little fortunate at times not to concede.

Becker, who took the reins 11 days before the tournament started, says they showed enough against the Burkinabe to suggest they have what it takes to advance to the knockout stages.

"I'm not happy, but I'm very satisfied and very proud of this very young team, composed of 100 percent of players from Equatorial Guinea, who defend the badge with passion," the Argentine said.

"Burkina Faso is a very strong opponent, with eight players playing in the French first division."

Becker admits his side were fortunate not to go into the break 1-0 down after Burkina Faso twice hit the woodwork in the opening period.

"The first half was difficult and we could have gone to the locker room being led 1-0. We suffered some tactical mistakes and we lost the battle in the midfield. In the second half we were better, we were brave and we deserved the win. "

Equatorial Guinea captain and star man Emilio Nsue believes the result is a good one for his side that will give them confidence going into their final pool match against Gabon on Sunday.

"Burkina Faso played better and had more opportunities. We tried to be compact and it's true that we did not have many opportunities," Nsue said.

"The draw is a good result for us."

The permutations going into Sunday's final round of matches in Group A are quite clear - Equatorial Guinea must beat Gabon to advance to the next round and if they do their passage will be guaranteed.