Equatorial Guinea Pair Handed Four-Match Suspension for Official Abuse at Africa Cup of Nations.

The National Thunder captain Carlos Akapo and fellow squad member Josete Miranda have each been banned for four games for verbally attacking the match official 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 clash on the weekend, a loss that sealed the team's exit from the tournament.

The referee reported that the two footballers "continually directed insulting and obscene comments" towards him and his linesmen following the final whistle.

"Such comments were delivered in a atmosphere of extreme anger related to the defeat, but nevertheless represent a serious violation of the principles of sportsmanship and fair play as well as the governing rules," added the referee.

A portion of the respective bans for Akapo and Miranda have been deferred for a period of one year.

Immediate Impact

The duo will now miss their nation's final group match against Algeria on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the country's governing body has been penalized a amount of $10,000 after its coaching team and players engaged in "excessive and abusive complaints" against decisions by the officials.

The official documentation detailed there was "a steady deterioration in behaviour on the touchline" following an unfortunate deflection by defender Saul Coco in the 74th minute.

Further Disciplinary Measures

Elsewhere, the continental body have additionally penalized Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traore the amount of $10,000 for "offensive remarks" made in a post-game interview following his side's defeat to their Group E rivals.