- CAF handed four-match bans to Carlos Akapo and Josete Miranda
- Sanctions followed referee abuse after loss to Sudan
- Two matches of each ban suspended for one year
- Equatorial Guinea FA fined $10,000
CAF’s disciplinary panel has sanctioned Equatorial Guinea duo Carlos Akapo and Josete Miranda following their conduct after the National Thunder’s 1–0 defeat to Sudan, a result that confirmed their exit from the AFCON 2025 tournament.
According to reports monitored by BBC Sport, the decision was reached after CAF reviewed the referee’s report from the Group E clash played on Sunday.
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The referee, Messie Jessie Nkounkou Mvoutou, stated that both players directed repeated insults and obscene remarks at him and his assistants after the final whistle.
While acknowledging that the comments were made in frustration, the Congolese official stressed that the actions violated CAF’s code of conduct.
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“These remarks were made in a context of intense anger related to the defeat, but nevertheless constitute a serious breach of the principles of respect and fair play,” Nkounkou Mvoutou said.
CAF ruled that each player would serve a four-match suspension, but suspended two matches for one year. This means Akapo and Miranda will only miss Equatorial Guinea’s final group game against Algeria.
In addition, CAF fined the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) $10,000 after its technical crew and players staged what officials described as “excessive and abusive protests” from the bench.
The referee noted that tensions escalated after an own goal by defender Saúl Coco in the 74th minute.
Elsewhere in Group E, CAF also fined Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traoré $10,000 for offensive remarks made during a post-match interview following his team’s loss to Angola.
CAF said the disciplinary actions were necessary to uphold respect, discipline, and fair play throughout the tournament.
