The global football community is reeling from a tragic on-pitch incident that has sidelined one of Africa’s top international goalkeepers from critical upcoming continental qualifying fixtures. 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea first-choice shot-stopper Jesus Owono will not feature in his nation’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header against Zimbabwe this month, following the sudden death of 30-year-old CD Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The fatal incident unfolded during a Spanish Segunda División fixture on Monday, when a high-stakes collision between Owono and De Miguel left the Tenerife striker with catastrophic, life-threatening injuries that ultimately proved fatal. Represented by his club side FC Andorra, Owono shared an emotional public statement on Wednesday, describing the period as “the most difficult days of my life” and noting that he is still grappling to process the devastating reality of the tragedy. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (Feguifut) confirmed that the seasoned international keeper, who has been the undisputed starting netminder for the national side nicknamed the National Thunder since November 2020 and has represented his country at three consecutive AFCON tournaments, formally requested to be excluded from head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s call-up for the upcoming qualifiers. Feguifut president Venancio Tomas Micha previously emphasized that the entire governing body is extending full psychological, logistical and emotional support to Owono as he navigates the unprecedented trauma. The two-legged Group E qualifying tie against Zimbabwe kicks off with a home fixture in Bata on 12 November, followed by an away clash in Harare four days later. Heading into this round of matches, Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe are deadlocked on three points apiece after two group stage outings, with DR Congo leading the standings on a perfect six points and Sierra Leone yet to register a single point at the bottom of the table. Owono, who played a pivotal role in steering Equatorial Guinea to the 2021 AFCON quarter-finals, had been a core part of the side’s recent 2025 AFCON campaign in Morocco that ended in a group stage exit. Tributes have poured in from across the global football ecosystem in the wake of De Miguel’s passing, as players, clubs and federations express solidarity with both the late striker’s family and Owono amid the ongoing aftermath of the devastating accident.