Two players from the Equatorial Guinea national team have been suspended for their actions following a defeat in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This incident occurred during the team’s recent match where they lost to Algeria.
Background on the Incident
The two players will not participate in the final group match against Algeria, scheduled for Wednesday at 16:00 GMT. This decision was influenced by their involvement in excessively protesting officiating decisions during the game.
Fines Imposed on the Football Federation
In addition to the players’ suspensions, the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (Feguifut) has been penalized. The federation faces a fine of $10,000 (£7,435) due to the excessive and abusive protests by its technical staff and players.
Events Leading to the Suspension
A report by referee Mvoutou highlighted a significant decline in behavior from the team’s sidelines. This deterioration was notably evident after a crucial moment in the match—defender Saul Coco scored an own goal in the 74th minute, which sparked further protests from the Equatorial Guinea team.
Related Incidents in AFCON 2025
The issue of player conduct has been a topic of concern during the 2025 AFCON. In a related case, Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore received a fine of $10,000 (£7,435) for making offensive remarks in a post-match interview. This incident occurred following Burkina Faso’s 1-0 loss to Angola in Group E on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Two Equatorial Guinea players banned for referee abuse after AFCON loss.
- Feguifut fined $10,000 for excessive protests.
- Saul Coco’s own goal triggered a negative reaction from the team.
- Similar fines issued in the tournament to maintain sportsmanship.
Such disciplinary actions highlight the need for improved conduct within football, especially in high-stakes tournaments like AFCON. The focus remains on upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring fair play among all teams competing.
