Posts by Staff Writer
Mahrez inspires Algeria to opening AFCON win over depleted Sudan
Riyad Mahrez struck twice as Algeria launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a confident 3-0 victory against Sudan in Rabat. The 2019 champions, eliminated at the first hurdle in the two most recent tournaments, went in front when the 34-year-old curled a trademark left-foot finish beyond Monged Elneel after Hicham Boudaoui’s inventive…
Read MoreIvory Coast begin AFCON defence with narrow win over Mozambique
Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo settled Ivory Coast’s opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech, steering in the sole goal shortly after half-time to defeat Mozambique. The defending champions, hoping to become the first side since Egypt in 2010 to keep hold of the trophy, repeatedly failed to convert early opportunities…
Read MoreArsenal advance after shootout heartbreak at Selhurst Park
Arsenal appeared to have settled the tie late on when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to deal with a corner in the 80th minute. The moment looked set to decide a tense contest in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace refused to accept defeat and struck back deep…
Read MoreSenegal open AFCON campaign with convincing win
Senegal began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey with an assured 3-0 success against Botswana in a Group D clash played under heavy rainfall in Tangier. From the outset, the 2021 titleholders dictated the tempo, pinning their opponents back and repeatedly testing a defence that struggled to adjust to the conditions. Botswana’s resistance initially…
Read MoreNigeria open AFCON bid with narrow win
Nigeria started their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown with a demanding contest against Tanzania, played in rainy conditions in Fes. From the opening exchanges, the Super Eagles asserted authority on the ball and pressed high up the pitch, keeping their opponents pinned back for long periods. Akor Adams came close to…
Read MoreNapoli reach Super Cup decider after Milan defeat
Napoli booked a place in the Italian Super Cup final after overcoming AC Milan in Riyadh, with Rasmus Hojlund playing a central role in the victory. The opening goal arrived shortly before halftime when David Neres reacted quickest after Hojlund’s pull-back was stopped, forcing the ball over the line from close range. The advantage was…
Read MorePalace face longer route after Selhurst Park stalemate
Crystal Palace’s European campaign will continue through a February playoff after a home draw with KuPS denied them direct passage to the Conference League last 16. With a league visit to Leeds scheduled less than two days after the final whistle, Oliver Glasner rotated heavily, combining squad players with academy prospects for a fixture that…
Read MoreJohnson’s Tottenham future in doubt amid transfer interest
Brennan Johnson’s long-term place at Tottenham has become uncertain as Premier League rivals circle the attacker following a reduced role this season. While Tottenham are not actively seeking to offload the Wales international, the club are prepared to consider a departure if an acceptable proposal is submitted. Crystal Palace are currently leading the pursuit, though…
Read MoreMan City keep December perfect despite setbacks
Manchester City navigated their fifth outing of a demanding December program, with two further league fixtures still ahead before year’s end. A tough night against Brentford, played in difficult conditions, ended in success and preserved an unblemished month so far. The result stretched their sequence to six victories in every competition and added to a…
Read MoreKylian Mbappé closes in on Ronaldo’s record after brace in the Copa del Rey win
Kylian Mbappé is just one goal shy of equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals scored in a calendar year for Real Madrid. The French forward netted twice in his team’s 3-1 victory over Talavera in the Copa del Rey, taking his tally to 58 goals in 2025, just one behind Ronaldo’s 59 goals…
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