Death of Spanish footballer: Goalkeeper Jesus Owono has left Equatorial Guinea’s AFCON squad

Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono reacts after a collision with FC Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. (AP photo) Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been left out of the squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following the death of Spain striker Jesus de Miguel, who was involved in a fatal on-field collision with a stopper during a Spanish second division match.The Equatoguinean Football Federation confirmed on Thursday that the 25-year-old will miss the upcoming qualifiers against Zimbabwe as he continues to deal with the emotional aftermath of the incident.Owono and De Miguel clashed during FC Andorra’s match against Tenerife on Monday. The Tenerife forward was taken to hospital and admitted to intensive care, but died on Tuesday morning, leaving the Spanish football community in mourning.Owono, who has been Equatorial Guinea’s first-choice goalkeeper since he was a teenager, was part of the squad for the opening two qualifiers for September’s AFCON 2027 finals. He will now miss the home match against Zimbabwe in Bata on November 12 and the second leg in Harare on November 16.

“These are the hardest days of my life”: Owono

In a statement released by FC Andorra on Wednesday, Owono spoke of the immense emotional loss of De Miguel’s death and admitted that he was struggling to come to terms with what had happened.“These are the hardest days of my life,” Owono said.“I have been struggling to find words and it is very difficult for me to process what has happened. I know there will be many questions to be resolved and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.”“But right now, honestly, I can’t think about anything but Jesus and the pain we’re going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”The goalkeeper, who has made 47 international appearances for Equatorial Guinea and featured in the last three AFCON finals, also faced online abuse following the incident. He deactivated his Instagram account on Tuesday after receiving abusive comments, with some users allegedly calling him a ‘murderer’.The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation had previously expressed its support for the goalkeeper, saying it was experiencing “deep sadness and grief” following the tragedy.

Teammate defends Owono amid online abuse

Owono also received public support from FC Andorra teammate Lautaro Spatz, who defended the goalkeeper on social media and highlighted the emotional ordeal he was going through.“I also want to say a few words about my teammate, my goalie and my friend, who was deeply affected by what happened,” Spatz said. “Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally harm anyone.”“Unfortunate incidents can happen in football, but no one could have imagined that one of them could end up with such tragic consequences,” Spatz added, expressing his condolences to De Miguel’s family and Tenerife.FC Andorra has also provided psychological support to everyone at the club trying to cope with the striker’s death.Meanwhile, the tragedy has also sparked a case of mistaken identity online. Can Vidalet goalkeeper Michel Owono has taken to social media to say he was subjected to racist abuse after being mistaken for the Equatorial Guinea international.Spain’s national police have launched a routine investigation into De Miguel’s death as the football community continues to mourn the Tenerife striker.