Equatorial Guinea Duo Handed Four-Match Ban for Official Abuse at Africa Cup of Nations.

The National Thunder captain Carlos Akapo and teammate Josete Miranda have both been banned for four matches for abusing the match official after their narrow loss by their opponents at the 2025 Afcon.

The decision was handed down by a disciplinary panel after it reviewed the official's match report from the Group E encounter on the weekend, a loss that confirmed the side's exit from the tournament.

The official reported that the two footballers "continually uttered abusive and obscene comments" towards him and his assistants after the final whistle.

"Such comments were delivered in a atmosphere of extreme frustration related to the defeat, but nevertheless represent a grave violation of the principles of sportsmanship and fair play as well as the governing rules," added the official.

Two matches of the individual suspensions for Akapo and Miranda have been suspended for a term of one year.

Immediate Impact

Both players will be unavailable for their team's last tournament fixture against their next opponents on midweek.

Meanwhile, the country's governing body has been fined a amount of $10,000 after its coaching team and players engaged in "excessive and abusive protests" against calls by the refereeing team.

The official documentation detailed there was "a steady decline in conduct on the touchline" after an unfortunate deflection by defender Saul Coco in the 74th minute.

Further Governing Body Measures

Elsewhere, the tournament organizers have also fined Stallions skipper Bertrand Traore the amount of $10,000 for "offensive remarks" uttered in a post-game interview after his side's 1-0 loss to their Group E rivals.