Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Micha has attributed their 4-0 win over Cote 'd'Ivoire to a tactical masterclass and belief within his unfancied squad.
The seismic victory also led to the elimination of the hosts from the Africa Cup of Nations early heartbreak for the 2015 winners in the football-mad West Africa.
The minnows produced one of the greatest shocks in Afcon history by demolishing the star-studded Ivorians in Abidjan to remarkably top Group A with seven points and book qualification to the round of 16 alongside second-placed Nigeria.
Emilio Nsue, one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot having scored five goals so far, bagged a double. Pablo Ganet and Jannick Buyla earned Micha's men the emphatic victory in an all-rounded five-star performance.
The defeat left the Ivorians, who were pre-tournament favourites to sail to the next round, third in the group after only securing victory against Guinea Bissau. It was also the Elephants' heaviest defeat ever in an Afcon tournament.
"We knew the opponent had a lot of pressure on them which we took into account in our strategy," explained Micha post-match.
"With our humility, we made the effort to reach as far as possible against the big teams."
The tactician challenged his charges to remain grounded as they intended to go deeper into the competition.
"We are working to reach the level of the big guys. We want to believe in ourselves and try to win every time," he stated.
Micha did spare a thought for crestfallen hosts Cote d'Ivoire saying: "I am hurt because they are the organising country but it is football."
With top spot clinched, the manager stressed the need to move on from their landmark triumph quickly.
"We must forget this match and plan for the rest of the competition," Micha noted matter-of-factly.
The shock Group A winners will fancy their chances of continuing their giant-killing run when they meet one of the third-placed sides in the last 16 on Sunday.
On this evidence, Micha has constructed a tactically astute, defensively sound unit capable of testing Africa's elite.
While few observers gave them hope before the tournament began, Equatorial Guinea has emerged as the unlikely stars of Afcon 2023.
