National Thunder Duo Issued Multi-Game Ban for Referee Abuse at Africa Cup of Nations.

Equatorial Guinea skipper Carlos Akapo and fellow squad member Josete Miranda have both been suspended for four games for abusing the referee after their narrow loss by their opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision was made by a disciplinary panel after it reviewed the official's match report from the Group E clash on Sunday, a result that sealed the team's exit from the competition.

The official reported that the two footballers "continually directed insulting and obscene comments" towards him and his assistants following the full-time whistle.

"These remarks were delivered in a context of extreme frustration related to the loss, but nevertheless represent a serious violation of the principles of sportsmanship and conduct as well as the governing rules," added the official.

Two matches of the individual suspensions for Akapo and Miranda have been suspended for a term of one year.

Immediate Impact

The duo will be unavailable for their nation's final group match against Algeria on midweek.

In a related development, the nation's football federation has been penalized a sum of $10,000 after its technical staff and players engaged in "excessive and abusive protests" against decisions by the refereeing team.

The official documentation indicated there was "a steady deterioration in conduct on the sidelines" after an own goal by Equatorial Guinea defender Saul Coco in the second half.

Additional Governing Body Action

Elsewhere, the tournament organizers have also fined Stallions skipper Bertrand Traore the amount of ten thousand dollars for "offensive remarks" uttered in a post-game interview after his team's 1-0 loss to Angola.