A few of Africa's top players who work in Europe have been toppled in their regional championship. Senegal trudged off the field in shock following its 2-1 loss to Equatorial Guinea in the African Cup of Nations Wednesday.

Senegal, packed with European-based players boasting Champions League experience, lost to a group of journeymen, largely unknown even in Equatorial Guinea.

"It is an important victory. Today is an historic day in the life of this country,'' Equatorial Guinea captain Juvenal Edjogo-Owono said after his team clinched a spot in the quarterfinals and eliminated Senegal. "The fans are very excited and I am very proud to be part of this piece of history.''

After the tournament ends Edjogo-Owono will return to a modest career in the Spanish second division. His teammates, most of them born outside Equatorial Guinea, have similarly low-key backgrounds at clubs in leagues as far afield as Brazil, Oman and Turkey.