FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has asked to be excused from Equatorial Guinea’s camp for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, following the death of Jesus de Miguel, his opponent in Andorra – Tenerife.
Head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese has announced the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Jesus Owono for the matches against Zimbabwe, according to Al Quds. The 25-year-old goalkeeper had nevertheless been included on the preliminary list before asking to be removed from the final squad.
The withdrawal comes after the death of Jesus de Miguel, the 30-year-old Tenerife forward, who was hospitalised and then died on Tuesday morning following a collision with Owono during the Andorra – Tenerife match in the Spanish second division, according to Sunday Guardian Live. FEGUIFUT confirmed that the player had personally asked to be excused.
A personal request, an official framework
According to Al Quds, the decision was taken after technical and administrative consultations within the national team. It was Owono himself who requested his release to stay with his club Andorra, in the Spanish second division. The goalkeeper wants to keep his starting place and his competitive continuity.
A senior international since his debut in November 2020, Owono is no newcomer to the Equatorial Guinea squad, recalls Sunday Guardian Live. His withdrawal, confirmed by the federation and by the head coach, leaves Equatorial Guinea without their first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The federation’s support
The federation president, Venancio Tomas Micha, assured the player of the organisation’s personal and professional support, according to Sunday Guardian Live. On Wednesday Owono issued a statement through his club, FC Andorra, describing the episode as the most difficult period of his life.
In the statement, it reads: “Owono’s thoughts remain with De Miguel and those affected by his death, and he will answer any questions with respect when the time is right.” The goalkeeper is also reported to have been the victim of online abuse and to have deactivated his Instagram account, according to Sunday Guardian Live.
Zimbabwe in sight
Equatorial Guinea host Zimbabwe on 13 November 2026, before travelling to the same opponents on 16 November, in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Two fixtures in which the goalkeeper will not take part.
Annese’s staff will have to cope without their first-choice goalkeeper. FC Andorra, for their part, keep their goalkeeper for the rest of the season in the Spanish second division.