Equatorial Guinea Pair Issued Four-Match Suspension for Referee Abuse at Afcon.

The National Thunder captain Carlos Akapo and fellow squad member Josete Miranda have both been banned for four matches for verbally attacking the referee following their 1-0 defeat by Sudan at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision was made by a disciplinary panel after it examined the official's match report from the Group E encounter on the weekend, a loss that confirmed the team's elimination from the tournament.

The referee reported that the two footballers "repeatedly uttered abusive and obscene remarks" towards him and his assistants following the full-time whistle.

"Such comments were made in a atmosphere of intense frustration stemming from the loss, but nonetheless represent a serious violation of the principles of respect and fair play as well as the governing rules," added the official.

A portion of the individual bans for the two players have been suspended for a period of one year.

Immediate Consequences

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

Meanwhile, the nation's football federation has been fined a amount of $10,000 after its technical staff and players engaged in "persistent and aggressive protests" against decisions by the officials.

The official documentation indicated there was "a progressive deterioration in conduct on the sidelines" following an unfortunate deflection by Equatorial Guinea defender Saul Coco in the 74th minute.

Further Disciplinary Action

In another incident, the continental body have additionally penalized Stallions skipper Bertrand Traore the amount of ten thousand dollars for "offensive remarks" uttered in a post-match media appearance following his side's defeat to Angola.