THE CHAMPIONSHIP title race will not be decided for at least another two-and-a-half months, but Middlesbrough’s Emilio Nsue is hoping to move to within one game of picking up some silverware later today.

While his Middlesbrough team-mates shiver on the Rockliffe Park training ground, Nsue is thousands of miles away in Equatorial Guinea, skippering the host nation as they compete in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite only being ranked 118th in the world, Equatorial Guinea made it through the group stage of the competition, with Nsue, who is playing as a centre-forward despite spending most of his time on Teesside as a full-back, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Congo.

A thrilling quarter-final win over Tunisia, which saw Equatorial Guinea equalise with a 90th-minute penalty before winning 2-1 in extra-time, set up today’s semi-final with Ghana, and while the hosts will start as underdogs, Nsue is confident his side’s fairytale run will continue.

“In my hearts of hearts, I dream of winning the Africa Cup of Nations and would love to do it this year,” said the 25-year-old, who joined Boro as a free agent after being released by Real Mallorca. “We know that we are a small team and there are tough teams, so we will take the tournament game by game and see if we can achieve the dream.

“We believe we can win the cup, but we also know that it is very difficult. But game by game, we have progressed.

“We are pleased with this achievement and to see the country proud. At this stage, anything is possible. We have showed that we can compete at that level, and we will go out and do our best against Ghana.”

Ghana, who count former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan among their ranks, are managed by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, and have made the semi-finals at the last five Africa Cup of Nations.

They brushed aside Guinea 3-0 in the last eight, but Nsue is confident the home backing Equatorial Guinea will receive will prove crucial in tonight’s game in Malabo.

“We have prepared well, kept our focus and concentration, and taken every game one at a time,” he said. “Our fans have been fantastic and I would like to salute them and the people of Equatorial Guinea for their support.

“We hope to see them in full voice, and I hope we will continue to do well and get a dream result against Ghana.”

Boro head coach Aitor Karanka has not spoken with Nsue during the course of the tournament, but he has been keeping a close eye on his player’s progress and expects him to return to Teesside at the end of the tournament in a buoyant and confident mood.

“I am sure he is very happy because they are through to the next round and have been playing well,” said Karanka. “He is scoring goals, playing as a striker and the captain, so I am sure he is very happy.”