ZIMBABWE’S Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying hopes have been boosted by an unexpected setback to Equatorial Guinea, after their long-serving goalkeeper Jesus Owono was withdrawn from the squad following a fatal on-field incident in Spain.

The 25-year-old has been ruled out of both upcoming matches against the Warriors after being involved in a collision that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel during a Spanish Segunda División fixture on Monday.

The Equatoguinean Football Federation confirmed Owono would not be joining the squad for the double-header, citing the emotional impact of the incident.

Owono has been between the posts for Equatorial Guinea since his teens and has featured at the last three AFCON finals. 

He also played in both of his country’s opening qualifiers in September.

The loss leaves coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese without his most capped goalkeeper at a crucial stage of the campaign, with two matches against Zimbabwe set to shape Group E.

The collision occurred during FC Andorra’s clash with Tenerife. De Miguel was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care, but passed away on Tuesday morning.

In a statement last week, Owono described the past few days as the toughest of his life. 

“These are the most difficult days of my life,” he said, adding that he was still coming to terms with what happened and sending condolences to De Miguel’s family and teammates.

The goalkeeper also took down his Instagram page after facing criticism online in the wake of the incident.

The Federation has since rallied behind Owono, offering support during what it called an extremely difficult time.

Zimbabwe will travel to face Equatorial Guinea on November 12, before hosting the return leg in Harare on November 16.

Both games are pivotal for the Group E standings. DR Congo currently top the group on six points, with Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea level on three. Sierra Leone sit last with zero.

Equatorial Guinea named Manuel Sapunga, Marcos Luis Ondo and Miguel Angel Oscar as the three other goalkeepers in their 25-man squad announced on 2 November.

Annese must now choose Owono’s replacement as his side chases six points from the Zimbabwe fixtures.

For the Warriors, the absence of an experienced international could open the door as they push to revive their qualification bid.