Equatorial Guinea Duo Issued Multi-Game Suspension for Official Abuse at Africa Cup of Nations.

Equatorial Guinea skipper Carlos Akapo and teammate Josete Miranda have both been banned for four games for verbally attacking the match official after their narrow loss by Sudan at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The ruling was handed down by a disciplinary panel after it reviewed the referee's report from the Group E encounter on the weekend, a loss that sealed the team's exit from the competition.

The referee stated that the two players "repeatedly uttered insulting and offensive remarks" towards him and his assistants after the final whistle.

"These remarks were made in a context of intense frustration related to the defeat, but nevertheless represent a grave violation of the standards of respect and conduct as well as the disciplinary regulations," added the official.

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

Immediate Impact

Both players will be unavailable for their nation's final tournament fixture against Algeria on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the country's football federation has been penalized a amount of $10,000 after its coaching team and squad members engaged in "excessive and aggressive complaints" against decisions by the officials.

The official documentation indicated there was "a progressive decline in behaviour on the touchline" following an own goal by Equatorial Guinea defender Saul Coco in the second half.

Additional Governing Body Measures

Elsewhere, the tournament organizers have also penalized Stallions skipper Bertrand Traore the amount of $10,000 for "offensive comments" uttered in a post-match media appearance following his side's 1-0 loss to Angola.