Equatorial Guinea edged Sao Tome and Principe 3–2 in a World Cup qualifying thriller in CAF Group H on 4 September. Despite operating with a 4-1-4-1 shape, the hosts generated 0.57 xG and found the net twice, though their low shot volume suggested clinical finishing rather than sustained pressure. Equatorial Guinea's 4-2-3-1 setup proved more effective, yielding 0.82 xG and three goals; their goalkeeper faced 2.0 expected goals against conceded and made no saves above expectation, indicating a leaky defensive display. The away side's superior quality in the final third proved decisive in a match where neither team's top scorers are recorded, leaving the narrative to the goalscoring tallies themselves. This result strengthens Equatorial Guinea's qualification prospects while Sao Tome and Principe must regroup despite a spirited home performance.