Jesus Owono helped Equatorial Guinea to the quarter-finals of the 2021 Afcon but the National Thunder suffered a group-stage exit at the 2025 finals in Morocco
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono has pulled out of the country’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures following the death of Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel.
The 30-year-old Tenerife attacker passed away on Monday after sustaining critical injuries in a mid-match collision with Owono during a Spanish second-tier encounter.
Reacting to the tragedy, Owono described the experience as the most painful period of his life in a statement released by FC Andorra on Wednesday. He also admitted struggling to accept the unfortunate incident.
The Equatorial Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) confirmed that the 25-year-old had personally asked to be excluded from head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s selection.
Federation president Venancio Tomas Micha had earlier expressed solidarity with the shot-stopper, pledging emotional and professional assistance during the difficult period.
Owono has served as Equatorial Guinea’s regular number one since November 2020 and represented the nation at its last three AFCON tournaments.
The National Thunder are scheduled to meet Zimbabwe twice in Group E, hosting the first encounter in Bata on November 12 before travelling to Harare for the return fixture on November 16.
Both sides have accumulated three points from their opening two games.
DR Congo lead the group with six points, while Sierra Leone occupy the bottom position without a point.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong