Goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been left out of Equatorial Guinea’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month following the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, the football federation said on Thursday.
Owono and De Miguel were involved in a collision during a Spanish second division match between Andorra and Tenerife on Monday, after which the striker was taken into intensive care. De Miguel died on Tuesday morning.
The 25-year-old Owono has been the first-choice goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea since he was a teenager and competed with them at the last three Africa Cup of Nations finals.
He was in goal for the opening two qualifiers for the 2027 finals in September but will miss matches against Zimbabwe in Bata on November 12th and then a return in Harare on November 16th.
“These are the most difficult days of my life,” Owono said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I know there will be many questions to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.
“But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
Owono deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving abuse online, with some users commenting ‘murderer’ on his posts.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation expressed support for Owono in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the 25-year-old was experiencing profound sorrow and grief.