Teranga Lions roar to a hard-fought AFCON Qualifier win
Image credit: CAFonline
CAFonline reports that Senegal secured a vital 1-0 victory against Burundi in their second match of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Monday.
Playing at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, Teranga Lions faced a well-organized Burundian side but managed to clinch the win thanks to a second-half penalty from Ismaïla Sarr.
Burundi began the game strongly, applying pressure in the opening minutes, but Senegal soon found their rhythm.
Sadio Mané and his teammates dominated possession, recording 21 shots compared to Burundi’s two.
Despite their control, the 2021 AFCON champions struggled to break down the resilient Burundian defense, with several efforts going wide or being blocked.
The best chance of the first half came when Mané’s tight-angle shot was saved by Burundian goalkeeper Mattéo Nkurunziza. However, the breakthrough remained elusive, leaving the game goalless at halftime.
Early in the second half, Nicolas Jackson missed a golden opportunity to give Senegal the lead, failing to capitalize on an open goal.
Burundi responded with a dangerous chance of their own, as Jean Claude Girumugisha attempted a lob over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy but narrowly missed the target.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Sadio Mané was fouled in the box by a high foot from a Burundian defender.
Although Mané was keen to take the penalty himself, it was Ismaïla Sarr who stepped up and confidently slotted home, putting Senegal ahead.
Senegal pushed for a second goal but were unable to extend their lead, with Nkurunziza pulling off crucial saves. Despite the narrow win, Senegal now tops Group L with four points, while Burundi remains second with three.
TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers resumed on Monday, 09 September with Match Day 02 of the Group stages, as the journey towards securing a place at next year’s continental showpiece continues to excite, CAFonline reports.
CAFOnline takes a look at Monday’s results.
Uganda 2-0 Congo
Goals: A. Kayondo 21’, J.Ssemugabi 85’
Following their 2-2 draw in South Africa on Friday, the Ugandan Cranes continued in their rich vein of form with a clinical display against Congo on Monday.
A goal apiece by Aziz Kayondo and Jude Ssemugabi ensured Uganda secured a vital three points to move top of the group ahead of South Africa and South Sudan’s clash on Tuesday.
Results
Mon 9th Sep FT
LESMRC
0 – 1
Mon 9th Sep FT
ETH COG
0 – 2
Mon 9th Sep FT
ANGSDN
2 – 1
Mon 9th Sep FT
UGACON
2 – 0
Niger 1-1 Ghana
Goals: O. Sako 81’ for Niger / A. Seidu 44’ for Ghana
Following their shock defeat to Angola on Saturday, Ghana surrendered a first-half lead to a late goal by Niger’s Omar Sako.
The Black Stars had initially taken a confident lead in the dying moments of the first half thanks to a strike by Alidu Siedu. However, a lapse in concentration in the dying minutes saw them walk away with just a point.
Mon 9th Sep FT
NIGGHA
1 – 1
Madagascar 1-1 Comoros
Goals: Andria 9’ for Madagascar / Y. M’Changama 41’ for the Comoros
It was a battle of the islanders when Madagascar faced Comoros on Monday.
With both nations desperate for their first victory, Madagascar grabbed the lead in the 9th minute thanks to a clinical finish by Carolus Andriamatsinoro.
The early opener was canceled out with minutes left to the break after Youssouf M’Changama found the leveler in the 41st minute in the last strike of the match.
Mon 9th Sep FT
MADCOM
1 – 1
Mon 9th Sep FT
EQUTOG
2 – 2
Equatorial Guinea 2-2 Togo
Goals: L. Nlavo 17’ and J. Buyla 71’ for Equatorial Guinea / R.Aholou 45’ and K. Laba 90+5 for Togo
It was a high-scoring encounter between Equatorial Guinea and Togo.
Louis Niavo opened the floodgates in the 17th minute, as Equatorial Guinea grabbed the confidence-boosting lead, which was canceled out just before the break.
The second half saw Equatorial Guinea come out a more determined side and was rewarded in the 75th minute thanks to a Jannick Buyla strike.
With seconds to the final whistle, Kodjo Laba found the all-important equalizer to keep Togo in close contention for the qualifiers.
Image credit: Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)
By George Akpayen
The first match week of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been concluded and it produced eye-catching performances and results most pundits never saw coming.
RABIU ALI AT 43 STILL GOING STRONG
NPFL’s player, Rabiu Ali, continues to defy the odds to put up impressive displays. The Kano Pillars captain and midfielder smashes home a direct free kick for his first goal and then fires home his second from outside the box to help his club to a 3-0 win over Ikorodu City.
NEW BOYS IKORODU CITY BLOWN APART
It looked like Ikorodu City had started their first season in the top division well when they held off Kano Pillars to a scoreless first half. However, things unfolded within 21 minutes in the second half. They conceded from attempts from Mustapha Umar and Rabiu Ali to suffer a three-nil defeat. Ikorodu City head coach, Bright Ozebagbe, simply acknowledged that his team “switched off” when it mattered most.
FIRST GOAL OF THE SEASON
After the opening game of the season ended goalless between champions Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors, everyone was on the lookout for who would score the first goal of the campaign. It was not a striker who opened the scoring for the season but a defender. Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni now holds the honour of scoring this season’s first goal which turned out to be his side’s winner against Katsina United.
AMUNEKE BEGINS WITH A DEFEAT
It was not the start former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke would have wanted as Heartland’s head coach. After watching his men play out a 0-0 draw at halftime with Enyimba, his team got off to a flyer in the second half. Suraj Lawal netted for Heartland eight minutes into the second half but the lead lasted just 13 minutes. Ifeanyi Ihemekwele equalized before Clinton Jephtha’s double ended any hope of a fightback for Amuneke’s team.
ENYIMBA, REMO STARS, TORNADOES WIN ON THE ROAD
Nine-time champions Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Niger Tornadoes claimed wins at Heartland, Abia Warriors, and Kwara United respectively to emerge as the only side that claimed maximum points on the road on the opening day.
Remo Stars won 2-0 through Sodiq Ismail and Jide Fatokun’s goals while Tornadoes won 2-1 at Kwara United with Godstime Joseph and Sabiu Ibrahim getting the goals before Sadeeq Yusuf managed a late goal for the opponents. Enyimba, on the other hand, came from behind to beat Heartland 3-1 in the Oriental Derby.
CRAZY 7 MINUTES IN OWERRI
They say a team is vulnerable when they just scored and that was what happened to Heartland after taking the lead in the 53rd minute through Suraj Lawal. This was followed by seven crazy odd minutes that saw Enyimba turn things around to win 3-1. Ihemekwele scored on 66 minutes after which Clinton scored twice on 71 and 73 minutes to put the game out of Heartland’s reach.
LAFIA CITY STADIUM OF DRAWS
The occupiers of the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa United and Lobi Stars played out draws against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Akwa United respectively. Nasarawa United thought they were closing in on the full points after Anas Yusuf converted from the spot on 59 minutes but 3SC found their way back late. Substitute Samuel Ayanrinde netted inside added time to help 3SC earn a point on the road. Akwa United and Lobi Stars played out a goalless draw on Monday to round off the match.
AMAPAKABO, BOSSO’S RETURNS RUINED
Two coaches, Imama Amapakabo and Ladan Bosso, who made their returns to the NPFL suffered defeats with their teams. Bosso, making a return after five years, led Bayelsa United to a 3-0 loss at Sunshine Stars with Seidu Salisu, Promise Awosanmi, and Stephen Chukwude scoring the goals.
On the other hand, Amapakabo watched as Abia Warriors lost 2-0 at home to Remo Stars. It was Amapakabo’s first game since returning to the top division in two years.
According to CAFonline, Tunisia took a significant step toward securing qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, following a 2-1 win over The Gambia on Sunday.
The match played at the Ben Ahmed Al Abdi Stadium in Morocco, saw Tunisia build on their previous success in the qualifiers, cementing their position at the top of Group A with six points.
Ali Al-Abdi opened the scoring for Tunisia in the 11th minute, capitalizing on an early opportunity that left the Gambian defense flat-footed.
However, Gambia quickly responded with an equalizer just minutes later, as Ali Sowe leveled the score, setting up an intense contest for the remainder of the game.
Despite chances on both sides, the teams went into the break tied at 1-1.
The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane struck the winning goal for Tunisia, securing the victory and extending their group lead following their 1-0 triumph over Madagascar last Thursday.
As Match Day 2 of the qualifiers progresses, fans can look forward to more action across the continent, with fixtures continuing throughout the week.
TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Qualifiers | Monday, 09 September
According to CAFonline, The road to the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, continues from Sunday, September 8, as 48 national teams across the continent embark on their qualifying campaigns.
The Matchday Two of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers continue as teams are divided into 12 groups to battle it out in a series of exciting encounters, with 24 matches scheduled.
The race will be tough as the top two finishers in the eleven (11) groups that do not involve tournament hosts Morocco are set to qualify for the competition.
The qualifiers will determine the 24 teams that will contest the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest sporting spectacle which will take place in the North African nation between 21 December and 18 January.
Here’s the full schedule for Matchday 2 of the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers (all times in GMT):
There is no denying that Nigeria has a medley of football-attacking talents. And make no mistake about it!
According to Carlo Garganese of Football Transfer: “From Osimhen, Lookman, and Boniface to Okoye, Nigeria is STACKED.”
Super Eagles rolled out all their awesome offensive ordinances at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday and blew Benin out of the sky 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Qualification fray.
Yet, the same side lost their mojo against the familiar foe on Saturday in their penultimate competitive match in June at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Cote-d’Ivoire by two goals to one in a 2026 FIFA CAF World Cup Qualifiers -Group Stage -Group C.
Ademola Lookman found the net twice and Victor Osimhen once to split the goals by a 2-1 ratio, allowing Nigeria to soar atop Group D on three points. Their fellow group opponents-Rwanda and Libya-settled for a point each following their 1-1 draw at the 11 June Stadium in Tripoli, Libya.
In that encounter, Sobhi Al Dawi opened the home sides’ AFCON 2025 qualifiers goals account with a 16′ strike off a Nour Al Din Al Qulaib assist. Rwanda leveled through Innocent Nshuti in the 47′.
The Cheetahs completed the quartet with zero points. Former Nigeria national coach Gernot Rohr who led the Cheetahs to their famous competitive victory over the Super Eagles in June experienced a pushback from his ex-players.
However, it is proper to ask that as talent-laden as the Super Eagles are today, why are they not just spreading their wings and soaring to higher heights in contemporaneous football engagements?
“It has been a turbulent time for Nigeria in recent times, with the Super Eagles having a tough start to their World Cup qualifying campaign and Finidi George leaving his post as manager just weeks after succeeding Jose Peseiro,” Garganese wrote.
“But there is one thing that isn’t in doubt and that is Nigeria are blessed with an incredible array of talent, particularly in attack.
“With Galasaray new boy Osimhen, Atalanta Ballon d’Or candidate Lookman, Leverkusen ace Victor Boniface, Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, Sevilla’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi – not to mention the likes of Nathan Tella and Terem Moffi who can’t even get in the squad – there are some who believe Nigeria have the best group of attackers in international football.
“Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who has been one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers over the last year and has an exciting future ahead of him himself, agrees that his nation is blessed with fantastic quality.
‘”Honestly, in general, not just our attackers, our squad is unbelievably strong but yeah as you mention our strikers, I have tough working days facing them,” Okoye told The Italian Football Podcast.
‘”To train with top strikers like them helps me learn.
‘”We have been through a difficult situation [in recent months]. But when we all meet up in the national team camp it’s a great vibe, family vibes. I’m sure that we will get to our goal [of qualifying for the World Cup].
‘”We have a new coach, so we are looking forward to what’s coming. It would mean the world [to play for Nigeria at the World Cup]. I grew up watching the Super Eagles.
‘”When my father came home from Nigeria, he always brought Okocha jerseys. To represent my fatherland is a dream. At a big tournament like the World Cup would be more special.”
“Okoye has started the new season brilliantly for Udinese, helping the side to joint-top of Serie A.
“The 25-year-old’s performances have led to interest from big clubs and he was on Inter Milan’s shortlist this summer before they instead opted to sign Josep Martinez instead from Genoa.
“But there is no doubt that the giant 6ft 6in goalkeeper, who is impressively commanding of his penalty area, has a big future ahead.
‘”My first year was a little bit turbulent because I arrived at Udine from Watford. I didn’t play a lot at Watford and was recovering from shoulder surgery. Luckily the Pozzo family gave me a chance here at Udinese,” he explained.
‘”I arrived as a second goalkeeper but in 17 games I made it to the starting eleven. And then the journey started. I’m very happy with how things are going here.”
‘”I am very happy with my first season. It was very important for us players and the club to stay up, Udinese has been in the Serie A for 30 years. I’m happy I could play a role in keeping the club in Serie A where the club belongs.
‘”For sure there are lots of areas I can improve. To reach the level I want to be, I have lots of things I can improve on. I’m surrounded by a very good goalkeeping team at Udinese.”
‘”One day playing in the Champions League would be a dream. This is what we dream of growing up, this is the number 1 target.
‘”But I know I have to take things step by step, I have to work on a lot of things. But I also know that I can be there, so that’s why we all work hard.
‘”About the Premier League and England, I don’t know yet. I like it in Italy. I am very happy in Italy. I am learning the language and I want to spend more time here in Italy.”
“Okoye also admitted in the interview that his idol was former Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida, while he named Alisson as the most complete goalkeeper in the world today.
“So from an incredible group of attackers to their goalkeeper, Nigeria is certainly in safe hands.”
Many share this sentiment. Tunde Eludini of Premium Times Nigeria is certainly one of them.
“This is a worrying time for Nigerian football fans. For the first time since 1960, the Super Eagles have gone winless in three consecutive World Cup qualifying matches,” Eludini lamented on the eve of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo in June.
“While qualification for the 2026 World Cup appears precarious, all hope is not lost.
“Lesotho, currently leading Group C with just five points, are only two points ahead of the Eagles. With seven games remaining, Nigeriacan still turn things around, but it requires immediate and decisive actions.
“Ahead of the nest fixture for the Super Eagles in the qualifying series, some of the gaps need to be addressed if the dream of a seventh appearance at the World Cup will be a reality for Nigeria.
“The profligacy in front of goal has been a major concern. Against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and most recently South Africa, the Super Eagles squandered numerous scoring opportunities.
“Great teams don’t just create chances; they ruthlessly convert them. A more clinical approach is paramount in the upcoming matches.
“For instance, in the South Africa match, attackers like Paul Onuachu and Ademola Lookman fluffed clear chances at different times. A more ruthless finisher, perhaps Victor Boniface, could have made a difference.
“Though Coach Finidi George has tried to explain why Boniface wasn’t featured against South Africa, whoever gets the nod should do well to deliver the goals. When they don’t, the coach must be quick enough to make changes and not wait till the situation is irredeemable.
“For me, it is what you can give to me on the field, everyone wants this or that player to play but at the end of the day if the player is not performing you guys will still be shouting ‘take him off’,” Finidi told the media after Friday’s draw.”
Finidi resigned days after Nigeria’s historic 1-2 loss to Rohr’s men in Abidjan and Eguavoen has been appointed to right the ship in his stead.
According to Leadership News, interim manager Eguavoen has declared that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are raring to go for all six points available in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against their counterparts from Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The reigning African vice champions after their clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September will keep a date with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali three days later, Leadership News stated.
“Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches. The players know this, and are committed to accomplishing this. The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all the teams want to play in the finals. However, we have spoken to the players and all of us are on the same page,” Eguavoen said.
“Starting with the match against Benin Republic on Saturday, nobody is mentioning anything about revenge. Our goal is three points, and then we aim for another three points in Kigali on Tuesday that will put us in good stead for qualification.”
According to Leadership News, Eguavoen has a number of stalwarts who are truly determined to appease fans and enthusiasts for missing the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in June, from which poor results threaten the Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 finals.
The tabloid stated: “AFCON’s Man-of-the-Competition William Ekong, also team captain, was overlooked for the ties against South Africa and Benin Republic as he was recovering from injury, but is back at the heart of the rearguard to lead the three-time African champions to hunt for points for another showpiece. Ekong scored three goals at the AFCON finals early in the year.
“Reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, Defender Ola Aina, and star forward Moses Simon missed the two games in June due to injury. Osimhen who just signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray, will be keen to impress his new employers, while banishing talks of his rustiness.
“Rapid-raider Simon, who on his good day can single-handedly decimate the opposition, is also eager to again appear in the green-white-green, just as compatriot Aina.
“Eguavoen is most likely to start goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ekong and Bassey at the rear, and any three of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf and Raphael Onyedika in midfield. Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman are gunning for shirts at the fore.
“Lookman, in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, will walk with a greater spring in his steps, and justifiably so. He scored three crucial goals for Nigeria at the AFCON, and his 17 goals and 11 assists steered Atalanta FC to the Europa Cup final, where his hat-trick did the damage on German club, Bayer Leverkusen.”
The second round of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers kicks off on Sunday, with exciting fixtures spread across the continent as teams battle for a place in Morocco’s showcase event, CAFonline reports.
With 24 matches scheduled, national teams will look to position themselves for qualification, with a top-two finish in their groups essential to secure a spot in Africa’s biggest football tournament.
The road to Morocco 2025 resumes after a thrilling opening round that saw a mix of shocks and expected results.
Group favorites like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, aim to solidify their dominance. At the same time, strong teams like Ghana and Senegal will be eager to recover from stumbles in their opening fixtures.
Senegal to bounce back against Burundi
The 2021 AFCON champions Senegal find themselves in an unexpectedly challenging position after a surprising 1-1 draw at home to Burkina Faso. The Teranga Lions will be desperate to bounce back when they face Burundi, who currently top Group L after an impressive 3-2 away win against Malawi.
Senegal manager Aliou Cissé will look to stars like Sadio Mané to lead the charge in what promises to be a crucial encounter for the reigning champions. “We know the importance of this match,” Cissé stated.
Burundi, currently leading Group L, will be no pushovers, having shown resilience in their opening win. Ghana, still reeling from a shock 1-0 defeat to Angola, faces a must-win situation against Niger. The Black Stars’ coach, Otto Addo, will be pressured to deliver a result and revive Ghana’s qualification campaign.
Nigeria star player Ademola Lookman
Nigeria faces Rwanda in key Group D encounter
Nigeria, buoyed by their comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin, is on the road to Rwanda with confidence.
The Super Eagles’ attack, spearheaded by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, will be keen to maintain their goal-scoring form. However, Rwanda, coming off a hard-fought draw with Libya, will be no easy opponent on home soil.
Elsewhere, Morocco, already qualified as hosts but participating in the qualifiers, faces Lesotho in what should be a straightforward encounter for the Atlas Lions. However, coach Walid Regragui will take nothing for granted: “Every match is an opportunity to improve and maintain our competitive edge. We respect Lesotho and will approach the game with utmost seriousness.”
Cameroon eyes another win against Zimbabwe
One of the most intriguing fixtures sees Zimbabwe host Cameroon in a Group F clash that could have significant implications for qualification. Zimbabwe’s new coach, Michael Nees, expressed satisfaction with his team’s goalless draw against Kenya in their opener, particularly praising the performance of Khama Billiat, who came out of international retirement for the campaign.
“Khama was excellent for us,” Nees commented. “His experience and quality will be crucial against a strong Cameroon side.” The Indomitable Lions secured a narrow 1-0 win over Namibia and will be looking to assert their dominance in the group.
Botswana braces for Egypt acid test
In Group C, Botswana faces a daunting task against Egypt after losing their opener to Mauritania. Botswana’s coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, remains optimistic despite acknowledging his team’s underdog status.
“We are the little thumb that wants to grow,” he said. “Against Egypt, we must show progress in the final third and maintain our tempo.” Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire look to build on their opening win against Zambia when they host Chad. The Elephants are determined to top their group and maintain momentum.
As the qualifiers heat up, the mix of established powerhouses and ambitious underdogs promises an exciting round of matches. With only the top two teams from each group (excluding Morocco’s group) advancing to the finals, every point is crucial in the race for AFCON 2025 qualification.
Damian Priest and Jey Uso take down The Judgment Day!
Damian Priest and Jey Uso put their differences aside as they defeated Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh. Plus, Drew McIntyre viciously assaulted CM Punk, Sami Zayn challenged World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, Ilja Dragunov, and Braun Strowman booked their tickets to next week’s Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Fatal Four-Way Match and so much more!
American Made gets a helping hand from their leader Chad Gable as they take down Alpha Academy in a Six-Person Mixed Tag Team Match
Ivy Nile and The Creed Brothers of American Made took on Maxxine Dupri, Otis, and Akira Tozawa of Alpha Academy in a highly personal Six-Person Mixed Tag Team Match.
Alpha Academy looked strong in the early goings, as Maxxine Dupri soared through the air to take out American Made at ringside.
Otis hit the Caterpillar and a cannonball but it was not enough to put down The Creed Brothers.
Brutus Creed took Otis out with the Brutus Bomb as Julius Creed knocked out Tozawa at ringside.
This left Dupri and Nile inside the ring to duke it out. Just as Dupri was about to hit the reverse Caterpillar, Chad Gable interfered to allow Nile to lock in the Dragon Sleeper, leaving Dupri no choice but to tap out.
American Made challenged The Wyatt Sicks to a Street Fight
After American Made’s victory against Alpha Academy, Chad Gable calls out The Wyatt Sicks and challenges them to an Eight-Person Mixed Tag Team Match
Shayna Baszler def. Zelina Vega
Zelina Vega looked to gain some retribution on the faction that injured her arm a month ago.
Vega took control early on but Baszler used the numbers game to her advantage.
As Vega took out Sonya Deville at ringside, Baszler utilized the distraction to her benefit, leveling Vega with an awesome knee strike to gain the win over Vega.
After the match, Lyra Valkyria attempted to even the odds for Vega but the Pure Fusion Collective was able to whether the storm, standing tall over Vega and Valkyira.
Drew McIntyre viciously attacked CM Punk
As CM Punk revels in his victory and looks to the future, he is brutally attacked by his nemesis Drew McIntyre
Ilja Dragunov def. Dragon Lee & “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio to advance in the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament
Ilja Dragunov books his ticket to next week’s Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Fatal Four-Way Match, taking out Dragon Lee and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
Ilja Dragunov took the next step to potentially facing Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Title as he bested Dragon Lee and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio in an electrifying Triple Threat Match.
Mysterio had Carlito interfere on his behalf but Damian Priest was there to thwart The Judgment Day’s plans.
Priest chased Mysterio out of the building, leading to Lee and Dragunov in a one-on-one contest.
Lee and Dragunov gave everything to each other before The Mad Dragon nailed the Torpedo Moscow to gain the win.
The Unholy Union def. Damage CTRL in a WWE Women’s Tag Team Title No. 1 Contender’s Match
Just days after losing their WWE Women’s Tag Team Title to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, The Unholy Union looked to earn a bounce-back win against Damage CTRL in a No. 1 Contender’s Match.
Kairi Sane flew the sky to hit Isla Dawn but Dawn pulled Belair in front of her as Sane clattered into The EST at ringside from the top turnbuckle.
Jade Cargill frustrated with Sane, laid her out leaving IYO SKY by her lonesome.
The Unholy Union capitalized on this, hitting the Gory Special/Facebuster combo to become the No. 1 Contenders.
Sami Zayn challenged World Heavyweight Champion Gunther
Gunther does not think Sami Zayn is worthy of a title shot. WWE Raw Highlights 9/2/24
Braun Strowman def. Sheamus & Ludwig Kaiser to advance in the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament
As soon as the bell rang, Sheamus took it straight to Ludwig Kaiser, allowing Strowman to take out the pair.
As Strowman was about to run through Kaiser again, Kaiser leaped out of the way, sending Strowman straight through the barricade, aggravating the injured ribs sustained by the hands of Bronson Reed last week.
Kaiser thought Strowman was down and out but The Monster Among Monsters chucked a desk chair straight at Kaiser’s head.
Sheamus and Strowman duked it out, with Sheamus gaining the upper hand. Pete Dunne, however, took out The Celtic Warrior with a Shillelagh.
Strowman took advantage of the interference, leveling Kaiser with a Running Powerslam to book his ticket to next week’s Fatal Four-Way Match.
Damian Priest & Jey Uso def. Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh
The Eradicator provides an assist, even with a crutch, for Damian Priest and Jey Uso as they take on World Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh
Damian Priest teamed with former rival Jey Uso as they took on the World Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh.
As Uso was readying for a Uso Splash, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan appeared to stop Uso in his tracks.
The setback allowed Bálor and McDonagh to hit a Coup de Grace and moonsault but Priest broke up the pinfall.
Shocking everyone, Rhea Ripley emerged with a crutch, feigning injury before laying into Morgan with the weapon.
Ripley’s arrival sparked a fire in Priest and Uso, as Priest hit a Razor’s Edge followed by a Uso Splash onto McDonagh to give the win to Priest and Uso.
Goal: Flourish Sabastine (86) Player of the Match: Philomina Yina (Nigeria)
Did she or didn’t she? Only Flourish Sabastine knows the answer, but her cross or shot grabbed Nigeria the answer they sought. It was probably the result the Falconets deserved. Sixteen-year-old Lucky Nkpa flickered her brilliance in the first half, and the Africans dominated the second. The Korean Republic had its moments. Kim Shinji rattled the crossbar, while Cho Hyeyoung was a repeat torment to Nigeria. The Koreans must now regroup and attempt to kick-start their campaign against Venezuela on Wednesday.
What they said…
“It was a tough match, being the first match. The victory is sweet because it puts your foot in the group. My team performed well, but I know we’re going to perform much, much, much, better than this”. Christopher Danjuma, Nigeria’s head coach.
Germany grabs five, Acosta arrives and Spain survive
Bender’s brace inspires Germany to a big win in the capital, Spain starts the title defense in style, Nigeria strikes late, and Acosta dazzles
Germany pummel Venezuela in Bogota
Spain sees off USA in sweltering Cali heat
Acosta stars as Paraguay down debutants Morocco
The opening day of Group C action at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ featured three nations who gathered seven of the ten titles contested in the tournament’s history and they put on a show in the cities of Bogota and Cali.
Germany dazzled in the capital as they plundered five in a hefty win over Venezuela as Spain was forced to work hard in baking conditions over in Cali, as they saw off USA 1-0 to start their title defense positively.
Fatima Acosta marked herself as a star of the future – if not the present – by scoring both goals as Paraguay eased past Morocco while Nigeria left it late in a narrow win over the Korean Republic.
Goals: Olaya Enrique (8) Player of the Match: Maite Zubieta (Spain)
In front of a large crowd of mostly curious neutrals on a baking Sunday afternoon, Spain started their title defense with a 1-0 win over the USA as Group C action got underway at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™.
With the mercury pushing 30 degrees in the southwest Colombian city of Cali, it took Spain’s pass-and-move masters just eight minutes to unpick USA as they wove a tapestry that ended with Lucia Corrales releasing Olaya Enrique to fire past Teagan Wy for a DNA dripping opener.
Wy rescued her nation twice in the second half as the USA had a late penalty overturned on review in a lively opener.
What they said…
“This was a crucial match and it’s a good feeling for the team to start with a win. In each match we play we want to maintain our identity, keep the ball, and focus on getting better day by day.” Julia Bartel, Spain midfielder
Goals: Fatima Acosta(37, 57) Player of the Match: Fatima Acosta (Paraguay)
In a performance that earned her comparisons to Linda Caicedo, 19-year-old Fatima Acosta grabbed both goals in a 2-0 win that sent Paraguay joint-top of the section.
The dynamic forward took advantage of a mix-up at the back from debutants Morocco to send Paraguay to the break a goal to the good before she calmly slotted home a second from the spot just shy of the hour to wrap up what was just a second victory for her nation at a U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Paraguay v Morocco | Group C | FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™ | Highlights
Watch the highlights from the match between Paraguay and Morocco played at Pascual Guerrero Stadium, Cali on Sunday, 01 September 2024 at 18:00 (local time).
What they said…
“We know the quality that the other nations in the group [Spain and USA] possess so it was important to start on the right foot and now we can enjoy this win and then prepare for the next game.” Fatima Acosta, Paraguay forward
Goals: Marie Steiner (15), Loreen Bender (38), Sophie Nachtigall (44), Loreen Bender (45+6), Cora Zicai (56); Rebecca Adamczyk OG (43), Floriangel Apostol (90+6) Player of the Match: Sofie Zdebel (Germany)
Kathrin Peter’s girls and the crowd were big winners in a seven-goal Bogota thriller. Floriangel Apostol was unfortunate to end up on the losing side. The Deportivo La Coruna gem’s glorious free-kick forced an own-goal, and she got her name on the score sheet with a late arrow into the bottom corner. The contest nevertheless belonged to Germany. Loreen Bender, Sophie Nachtigall, Sofie Zdebel, and Cora Zicai were all outstanding as the Europeans laid down a marker of their title intentions.
What they said…
“It’s important to start the tournament like this, with three points and rewarding ourselves with five goals. Venezuela was a good opponent, but difficult in the one-on-ones. It was a good start that we can now build on and work on the things that maybe haven’t gone so well yet. Jella Veit, German defender
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