Zimbabwe’s AFCON opponents dealt blow following tragedy in Spain

Equatorial Guinea have suffered a major setback ahead of their two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Zimbabwe after first-choice goalkeeper Jesus Owono was left out of the squad following a tragic incident in Spain.

The 25-year-old will miss both encounters after being involved in a collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a Spanish second-division match on Monday.

The incident has left Owono deeply distressed, with the Equatoguinean Football Federation confirming that he will not be available for the upcoming international fixtures.

The goalkeeper and De Miguel collided during the match between FC Andorra and Tenerife. The striker was taken to intensive care but died on Tuesday morning.

Equatorial Guinea lose experienced goalkeeper

Owono has been Equatorial Guinea’s first-choice goalkeeper since his teenage years and has represented the country at the last three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

His absence is therefore a significant change for coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese as the team prepares for two important encounters against the Warriors.

The goalkeeper also featured in Equatorial Guinea’s opening two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign in September.

Owono expressed his grief in a statement released on Wednesday, describing the incident as the most difficult period of his life.

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” he said.

He added that he was struggling to process what had happened and that his thoughts were with De Miguel and those affected by his death.

The goalkeeper also deactivated his Instagram account after receiving online abuse, with some users directing accusations at him following the collision.

The Equatoguinean Football Federation has publicly expressed its support for the player during this difficult period.

Zimbabwe will face Equatorial Guinea on November 12 before hosting the return fixture in Harare on November 16.

The matches could prove important in determining which side strengthens its position in Group E of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

According to the latest standings, DR Congo lead the group with six points, while Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea are tied on three points each. Sierra Leone are bottom without a point.

Equatorial Guinea had initially named three other goalkeepers, Manuel Sapunga, Marcos Luis Ondo and Miguel Angel Oscar, in their 25-man squad announced on November 2.

Annese will have to decide who takes over from Owono as the national team seeks maximum points from the two encounters.

While his absence presents a selection challenge for Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe will be hoping to take advantage as they pursue qualification for the continental tournament.