Emilio Nsue has revealed his “dream” of captaining Equatorial Guinea to African Cup of Nations success on home soil as he looks forward to Thursday’s semi-final showdown with Ghana.

The 25-year-old utility man, who was born in Mallorca and played for Spain up to Under-21 level, switched to the country of his father’s birth to continue his international career.

Nsue joined Championship side Middlesbrough from Real Mallorca in the summer but he has put his club’s quest for promotion to the Premier League to one side for a month in an effort to secure silverware for his country.

A difficult clash against four-time winners Ghana awaits with the winners going on to face either Ivory Coast or Congo who meet in the first semi-final clash on Wednesday.

However, Nsue is confident that, with the backing of the home support, Equatorial Guinea can go on and lift the trophy.

“In my heart of hearts I dream of winning the African Cup of Nations and would love to do it this year,” Nsue told cafonline.com.

“Game by game we have progressed. We are pleased with this achievement and to see the county proud.

“But 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.

“Like I said, we prepared well and we have kept our focus and concentration and take every game one at a time.

“Our fans have also been fantastic and I would like to salute them and the people of Guinea Equatorial 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.”

Equatorial Guinea are 8.50 to win the African Cup of Nations and 3.38 to reach the final.