Owono Stars as FC Andorra Climb to 12th with Back-to-Back Segunda Wins

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono delivered standout performances in consecutive Segunda División wins, lifting the team to 12th place with 35 points and a five-point cushion above relegation zone side SD Huesca on 30.

The 24-year-old Equatorial Guinea international, loaned from Alavés, replaced regular keeper Áron Yaakobishvili and shone in Saturday's 4-1 away victory at Córdoba's Nuevo Arcángel—the club's biggest away win since April 2023. This capped back-to-back triumphs, the first since before Christmas, following a success against Zaragoza. Owono pointed to his long-range passing as key to breaking high presses. "I have my own way of playing and strengths that differ from my teammates," he said. "Rivals press high, and my long balls help us progress while exposing their defense."

Coach Carles Manso described the Córdoba result as near-perfect execution of the game plan, especially in a dominant first half that saw a 3-0 lead after 30 minutes. Goals came from Minsu (now joint-top scorer on six), Lautaro Martínez (five goals) and Josep Cerdà (three in his last two appearances after returning to the side). The team withstood a second-half surge from 15,000 home supporters, showing maturity. "It's a very important win, and we hope it marks a turning point," Manso said, crediting the personality displayed and weeks of solid preparation finally paying off. He linked recent form to improved cohesion amid prior mental pressures.

Midfielder Théo Le Normand shared the positivity: "When we do things right and everyone stays focused, we can beat anyone." Owono added that the display confirmed collective progress: "We were doing things very well, and in Córdoba we took a step forward as a unit." The defense conceded once per game but showed greater composure.

LaLiga has increased FC Andorra's salary cap to €6.98 million, a rise of more than €500,000 from September's €6.46 million—still among the division's lowest.

The improved side now hosts ninth-placed Sporting de Gijón on Sunday at Encamp (16:15 local time). The visitors, under Borja Jiménez, arrive on three straight draws and needing wins for promotion playoff contention, but without Nacho Martín and Andrés Cuenca. FC Andorra will miss Dani Villahermosa. Manso tempered expectations: "We haven't achieved anything yet."