By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@EPA.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended two Equatorial Guinea national team players over violent conduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
José Antonio Miranda (Josete) and team captain Carlos Akapo Martínez have suspended for four games, of which two matches have been suspended for a year.
The decision was taken by Caf disciplinary panel after it reviewed the referee’s report from the Group E clash against Algeria on Sunday.
Referee Messie Jessie Nkounkou Mvoutou stated the two players “repeatedly uttered insulting and obscene remarks” towards him and his assistants following the full-time whistle.
“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 as well as the Caf disciplinary regulations,” added the Congolese official.
Both players will miss the National Thunder’s final group match against Algeria on Wednesday (16:00 GMT).
Meanwhile, the country’s football federation (Feguifut) has been fined $10,000 (£7,435) after its technical staff and players made “excessive and abusive protests” against decisions by the officials.