Equatorial Guinea will be without first-choice goalkeeper Jesus Owono for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe after the player withdrew from the national team squad.
The 25-year-old FC Andorra goalkeeper was involved in a fatal collision with Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a Spanish second-division match on 2 November.
De Miguel, 30, was taken to hospital in a critical condition following the incident but died the following morning.
Owono has expressed his sadness over the striker’s death, while the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has offered him support following the tragedy.
The goalkeeper’s absence was confirmed ahead of the November international fixtures, with national team coach Annese explaining that the player had personally requested permission to remain with his club.
According to comments reported on 6 November, Owono wanted to continue playing regularly for FC Andorra and maintain his competitive rhythm rather than join the national team for the Zimbabwe double-header.
His request was accepted by the federation and coaching staff.
The development means Equatorial Guinea must prepare for the two important qualifying matches without their regular first-choice goalkeeper, although the decision currently applies only to the November international window.
Fatal collision leaves Spanish football in mourning
The incident happened during the closing stages of Tenerife’s league encounter against FC Andorra on Monday, 2 November.
Owono and De Miguel collided while competing for the ball, leaving the Tenerife forward with serious injuries.
Medical personnel immediately attended to the injured player before he was transported to hospital for further treatment.
Despite receiving intensive medical care, De Miguel died on Tuesday, 3 November.
His death prompted widespread expressions of sympathy across Spanish football, with the incident also having a significant impact on those directly involved.
Owono was sent off following the collision and subsequently faced criticism and abusive messages on social media.
The Equatorial Guinea international later addressed the tragedy through a statement released by FC Andorra on Wednesday, 4 November.
He described the period following the incident as the most difficult days of his life, while expressing his sorrow over the death of the Tenerife forward.
Owono also extended his condolences to De Miguel’s relatives and everyone close to the deceased player.
The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation subsequently issued its own message of sympathy to Tenerife and expressed solidarity with the goalkeeper.
The incident has affected both clubs and the wider football community, with the focus remaining on the loss of life and the people dealing with its consequences.
• Annese explains why Owono will miss international duty
Although the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death brought additional attention to Owono’s absence, coach Annese has provided an explanation for the goalkeeper’s decision not to join the national team.
According to the Italian coach’s comments reported on 6 November, Owono approached the federation and the technical staff to request permission to remain in Spain.
His preference was to continue working with FC Andorra, where he wanted to maintain his position as a regular starter.
The goalkeeper also considered the importance of preserving his match fitness and competitive rhythm by remaining involved with his club.
The coaching staff and federation accepted his request, confirming that he would not participate in the November international window.
The explanation provides clarity on the circumstances of his withdrawal, particularly given the attention surrounding the fatal incident involving De Miguel.
While Owono has openly expressed his grief, the reason officially given by his national team coach for his absence is his desire to continue playing regularly at club level.
There has been no announcement that the goalkeeper intends to end his international career or step away from professional football.
His withdrawal is limited to the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe.
