Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been omitted from the national squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures after the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
Owono and De Miguel collided during Monday’s Spanish second-tier game between Andorra and Tenerife. The forward was moved to intensive care after the incident and died on Tuesday morning.
Quick facts
- Owono, 25, has been Equatorial Guinea’s leading goalkeeper since his teenage years.
- He featured at each of the previous three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
- Equatorial Guinea face Zimbabwe in Bata on November 12 and in Harare on November 16.
- Owono shut down his Instagram account after receiving online abuse following the collision.
The 25-year-old started Equatorial Guinea’s first two qualifiers for the 2027 finals in September. He will now be absent for the home meeting with Zimbabwe in Bata on November 12 and the return match in Harare four days later.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Owono said: “These are the hardest days of my life.”
“I am struggling to find words and to understand what has happened. I know there will be many questions that need answers, and I will deal with whatever follows with the greatest respect.”
“But at this moment, I genuinely cannot think about anything except Jesus and the suffering we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after being targeted by abusive messages, with some users posting the word “murderer” beneath his content.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation issued a message of support for the goalkeeper on Tuesday, saying the 25-year-old was going through intense sadness and grief.
