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CAF Morocco 2025 Qualifiers fixtures

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TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations

 

 

According to CAFonline, following the draw of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Qualifiers held in Johannesburg last week, CAF has confirmed the official fixtures of all the qualifiers set to occur between September and November 2024.

 

Forty-eight nations have been drawn into 12 groups of 4, with the top two finishers in the eleven (11) groups that do not involve tournament hosts Morocco set to qualify for the competition.

 

The draw produced some interesting match-ups to determine the final 24 teams that will contest the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest sporting spectacle set to take place in the North African nation between 21 December and 18 January.

 

The recent edition in Cote d’Ivoire reaffirmed the growing standard of African football, which is at an all-time high across all matches.

 

Looking at some of the fixtures, reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire will kick off their campaign against 2012 champions Zambia who are drawn in a Group G pool consisting of Sierra Leone and Chad.

 

Hosts Morocco face Gabon in Group B, while Central African Republic hosts Lesotho in another Group B clash.

 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who finished runners-up in Cote d’Ivoire will face Benin, while Libya plays host to Rwanda in a tough Group D.

 

Group L will produce arguably the most interesting fixture of the opening day of qualifiers when former champions, Senegal play host to Burkina Faso.

 

For a full list of Groups and Fixtures – CLICK HERE

 

AFCON Qualifiers

Wed 4th Sep10:00

ComorosCOMGambiaGAM

Wed 4th Sep11:00

LibyaLIBRwandaRWA

Wed 4th Sep11:00

TanzaniaTANEthiopiaETH

Wed 4th Sep14:00

SudanSDNNigerNIG

Thu 5th Sep08:00

MalawiMWIBurundiBDI

Thu 5th Sep10:00

Central African RepublicCTALesothoLES

Thu 5th Sep11:00

CongoCONSouth SudanSSD

Thu 5th Sep11:00

GhanaGHAAngolaANG

Thu 5th Sep11:00

Guinea-BissauGUIEswatiniSWZ

Thu 5th Sep14:00

AlgeriaALGEquatorial GuineaEQU

Thu 5th Sep14:00

TunisiaTUNMadagascarMAD

Fri 6th Sep08:00

KenyaKENZimbabweZIM

Fri 6th Sep11:00

Congo DRCOGGuineaGUI

Fri 6th Sep11:00

Sierra LeoneSLEChadCHA

Fri 6th Sep11:00

TogoTOGLiberiaLIB

Fri 6th Sep11:00

South AfricaZAFUgandaUGA

Fri 6th Sep13:00

MoroccoMRCGabonGAB

Fri 6th Sep14:00

Côte d'IvoireCIVZambiaZMB

Fri 6th Sep14:00

EgyptEGYCabo VerdeCPI

Fri 6th Sep14:00

MaliMLIMozambiqueMOZ

Fri 6th Sep14:00

SenegalSENBurkina FasoBFA

Sat 7th Sep11:00

CameroonCMRNamibiaNAM

Sat 7th Sep11:00

MauritaniaMTNBotswanaBOT

Sat 7th Sep11:00

NigeriaNGRBeninBEN

Sun 8th Sep10:00

GambiaGAMTunisiaTUN

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Qualifiers Permutations:

 

The two finishers of the groups excluding Morocco’s (Group B), will gain automatic qualification to the finals.

 

For teams that finish first and second in a group consisting of Morocco, who by being tournament hosts gain automatic qualification, the following scenarios will be applied:

 

  • If the host is ranked first, the host is qualified in addition to the second of the group.
  • If the host is ranked second, the host will qualify in addition to the first of the group.
  • If the host is ranked third or fourth, the host will qualify in addition to the first of the group.

Raw preview, Sept. 2, 2024

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Intercontinental Title Tournament continues

 

Dragon Lee and Dominik Mysterio in pursuit of the Intercontinental Championship: WWE Now, Sep. 2, 2024 Credit: WWE

Raw Preview: Full Details

 

Dragunov and Lee crash Hayes’ and “Dirty” Dom’s match: NXT highlights, Sept. 19, 202

 

Ilja Dragunov vs. Dragon Lee vs. Dominik Mysterio

 

Rey Mysterio confronts Dominik Mysterio – WWE SmackDown 3/17/2023

 

Ilja Dragunov, Dragon Lee, and Dominik Mysterio are set to square off in a Intercontinental Title Triple Threat No. 1 Contenders Tournament Match.

 

Who will advance in the first round to join Jey Uso and Pete Dunne in a quest to see who will challenge Bron Breakker? Find out tonight at 8/7 C on USA.

 

Zelina Vega takes on Shayna Baszler

 

After Zelina Vega interjected herself into Damage CTRL’s match against Pure Fusion Collective, The LWO Superstar will go one-on-one with Shayna Baszler.

 

Alpha Academy takes on American Made

 

The rivalry between Alpha Academy and American Made will reach new heights as they fight in a Six-Person Mixed Tag Team Match.

 

Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri will take on Brutus Creed, Julius Creed, and Ivy Nile. The friendship between Dupri and Nile eroded a few weeks ago after Nile attacked Dupri unprovoked before joining The Creed Brothers and Chad Gable in their new faction.

 

Which team can gain the important win?

 

 

Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill to celebrate regaining the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title

 

This Monday, new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill will be live on Raw as they celebrate dethroning The Unholy Union.

 

How will Belair and Cargill celebrate their huge win at the WWE Bash in Berlin?

 

 

Damage CTRL fight The Unholy Union for WWE Women’s Tag Team Title No. 1 Contendership

 

Only days after losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, The Unholy Union will look to take their first step toward regaining their title as they battle Damage CTRL.

 

IYO SKY and Kairi Sane recently picked up a statement-making win against Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark on Raw.

 

Who will become the #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title?

 

Credit: WWE.com

 

 

Colombia 2024: Cameroon shows character

Eto shines as Cameroon fights back in U-20 Women’s World Cup opener

 

https://youtu.be/_KoliJedAIM

 

Cameroon marked their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup debut with a spirited 2-2 draw against Mexico in their Group A opener in Colombia on Saturday thanks to a brace by Naomi Eto.

 

The Indomitable Lionesses, representing the hopes of a continent, found themselves on the back foot early when Paola Garcia headed Mexico into the lead after just three minutes at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho in Bogota.

 

Despite hitting the woodwork twice through Atcha Toko Njoya and Naomi Eto, Cameroon’s first-half woes deepened as Montserrat Saldivar doubled Mexico’s advantage before the break.

 

However, the second half saw a transformed Cameroonian side emerge. The catalyst for their comeback was the irrepressible Eto, who took the game by the scruff of the neck.

 

 

Her first goal, a display of composure and skill as she rounded the Mexican goalkeeper, ignited Cameroon’s resurgence.

 

With the clock ticking down and Cameroon’s hopes hanging in the balance, Eto rose highest in the 85th minute to power home a header.

 

The goal secured a precious point for the Indomitable Lionesses and announced Eto as a new star of African football as she was named the Player of the Match.

 

This result marks a historic moment for Cameroon but also sends a strong message about the quality of the side in the competition.

 

The draw breaks Mexico’s streak of wins in opening matches, underlining the competitive nature of this Cameroonian side.

 

Indomitable Lionesses will face hosts Colombia in their next group match.

 

 

Chelsea get Osimhen transfer green light

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As ‘issues’ complicate Saudi deal

 

Victor Osimhen could be set for a move to Chelsea on transfer deadline day (Image: Getty)

 

Victor Osimhen has been in negotiations with both Chelsea and a Saudi Pro League club, Jack McEachen reports for Express.co.uk.

 

Chelsea may have just been given the green light to press forward with plans to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen on transfer deadline day, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli focusing their efforts on Brentford’s Ivan Toney instead.

 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that due to ‘issues’ that have arisen in negotiations between Osimhen and the Middle Eastern outfit, they have decided to pursue Toney. It is unlikely that they will sign both Toney and Osimhen on Friday.

 

Al-Ahli is now working on documents to complete a deal for Toney after agreeing a £35million fee with Thomas Frank’s outfit earlier in the day.

 

Toney has completed part of his medical in London and is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to seal his big-money move, with the club now landing a striker to form a partnership with ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.

 

Many clubs within the Saudi top flight believe that Al-Ahli cannot afford to sign both Toney and Osimhen, especially considering the division’s rules concerning the number of foreign players each side can have, paving the way for Chelsea to move for their Nigerian target.

 

Chelsea are now thought to be the only team in the running to sign Osimhen, with Al-Ahli and Paris Saint-Germain looking elsewhere, with Antonio Conte’s Napoli already moving on with his replacement Romelu Lukaku.

 

Al-Ahli has decided to sign Ivan Toney rather than Victor Osimhen. (Image: Getty)

 

French outlet L’Equipe claims that Osimhen is getting ‘very angry’ at Napoli for not already agreeing a deal with Chelsea, with all parties hoping to strike a very late agreement.

 

He wants to move to Stamford Bridge but fears that he will not be able to get on a plane to London on Friday, with the two clubs still in dialogue.

 

It also remains to be seen whether he is willing to live within the constraints of Chelsea’s newly revamped wage structure, which rewards players with higher salaries based on the club’s performance during the length of their contract.

 

Osimhen is Napoli’s highest earner and had a mega contract offer from Saudi Arabia. But although he would earn considerably less at Chelsea, he would get the opportunity to play in the Premier League and crucially, his options are dwindling.

 

And although Osimhen has given the green light for a move that could cost upwards of £60m, Chelsea still have work to do with his club and there are only a few hours remaining before the window closes until January.

 

Chelsea’s Strategic Gamble on Victor Osimhen

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David Ornstein: Chelsea Waiting On Green Light For Transformative Striker

 

Photo IMAGO

Victor Osimhen: Chelsea’s Top Summer Target

As the transfer window’s closure looms, Chelsea’s strategic maneuvers revolve significantly around Victor Osimhen, a name eagerly buzzing through Stamford Bridge corridors, Gabriel Ramirez reports for EFL Index. As David Ornstein of The Athletic reported, “Chelsea are awaiting a green light from Victor Osimhen over a move to Stamford Bridge before advancing talks with Napoli about signing him.” This step is pivotal for the Blues, marking a potentially transformative addition to their squad.

 

Navigating Financial Waters

The financial aspect of this potential transfer is as intricate as it is vital. Chelsea, under its new ownership, has introduced a revised wage structure focusing heavily on performance and success-related bonuses. Osimhen, a prolific scorer for Napoli, appears to be a prime candidate to thrive under such a system. “Osimhen is keen to join and Chelsea hopes the 25-year-old Nigeria striker — who has been their top target all summer — will agree to fit into their team and incentive-based wage structure,” Ornstein reveals. This shift in financial strategy could either be a masterstroke in securing top talent like Osimhen or a stumbling block if negotiations falter.

 

Market Competition and Strategic Silence

While Osimhen’s talents are courted in west London, other clubs have momentarily stepped back. Notably, Saudi Pro League’s Al Ahli has shifted focus towards Ivan Toney, and Paris Saint-Germain has sidelined their interest post-Kylian Mbappe’s exit announcement. This leaves Chelsea in a favorable position to secure Osimhen, provided no last-minute competitors emerge.

 

Enhancing the Squad

Chelsea’s transfer strategy under Enzo Maresca’s guidance has been cautious yet ambitious, aiming to enhance the team while adhering to financial prudence. The club’s approach to monitoring late market opportunities further signifies a tactical wait-and-see attitude that could lead to last-minute deals, adding exciting prospects to Maresca’s roster.

 

 

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The potential signing of Victor Osimhen is more than just a transfer — it’s a statement of intent. Last season, despite his drop in goal output, Osimhen demonstrated his ability to influence games significantly, contributing 17 goals across all competitions while Napoli struggled. His arrival could herald a new era of attacking football at Chelsea, potentially elevating the team back into title contention.

 

The introduction of a performance-based pay structure aligns well with Osimhen’s ambitions and drive. If he can replicate or even surpass his previous form under the strategic guidance of Maresca, Chelsea could see a significant return on investment, both on the pitch and financially. This deal isn’t just about securing a player; it’s about Chelsea adapting to the modern football economy, prioritizing sustainability and performance.

 

 

Osimhen: Snazzy to antediluvian commodity

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African Footballer of the Year forced to Dance naked in summer transfer market

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Once hot ‘n’ sassy and in demand, Victor Osimhen has been stripped of his snazzy garbs and is now down to his natural suits.

 

The Nigeria forward has also been humiliated by his club Napoli and other mundane co-conspirators into a dehumanizing macabrely naked dance in football’s global summer transfer marketplace.

 

Under a global audience, the spectacle of the newly crowned African Footballer of the Year so brutally downgraded to a mere object for transactional Russian Roulette by the trifecta of Europe’s giant clubs in the continent’s summer Football Talent Trade Center is particularly troubling.

 

The trio of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Chelsea FC, and SSC Napoli are now into the crescendo of their highly materialistic haggling for the commodity Osimhen in what amounts to a cahoot newer rendition of the tune of shaming of the African man that they have devoted the entirety of the summer transfer season to compose.

 

With the larger goal of profiteering and preserving the reputation for shrewd trading of talent, buyers, and sellers in the football market often take for granted the feeling of the player as they haggle over the value of his or her talent in players’ transfer.

 

The feverish news of these back-and-forth discussions over players’ move from one club to another may constitute good gossip in the common parlance of global football. However, the larger consequences of this transactional news on the psyche of players and their families are usually ignored.

 

If anything, Osimhen’s ongoing transfer rumors are nerve-racking as the various clubs involved in the haggle over his price seem to get brasher than usual.

 

Moreso, when the commodity under the bargain is the reigning African Footballer of the Year, the extended length of the transfer of the Napoli player makes a person think and think.

 

The caveat becomes, where Osimhen the reigning player of the year from any other continent outside Africa, would he have met a similar fate?

 

Considering that players with far fewer contemporary accomplishments than the Napoli forward have enjoyed more humane transfer deals all summer, the treatment of Osimhen in the transfer market is disheartening.

 

The departure from past transactions is that this time, the Nigerian is uncharacteristically being forced to dance naked in the mundane global transfer marketplace.

 

While the drama lasts, the Nigeria forward is compelled into a sideline observance, watching and sweating over the spectacle of powerful earthlings playing Russian Roulette with his life and future.

 

Osimhen’s speculated transfer this summer is unusual for moves by players of his caliber. The reigning African player of the year has become a pawn in the shameful game of disgrace spearheaded by his club Napoli.

 

Partenopei and their fellow accomplice in PSG, Chelsea, and what have you, have been deplorable, to say the least in the summer transfer market.

 

Osimhen has been forced to dance to their macabre drum beats under humbling circumstances. What is his sin? What has Osimhen done to Napoli to deserve such dehumanizing treatment?

 

The clubs involved in such a debasing summer transfer show of shame have enacted a demonstration of their skills at the game of Russian Roulette, which ultimately sets out the Nigerian as the ultimate collateral damage.

 

The European giant trifecta has spun around a solitary bullet in the chamber of a gun that they have pointed at the temple of the head of the current African footballer of the year.

 

As the football universe watches in bewilderment, each of these clubs has been taking turns to pull the trigger every passing day hoping it would go off. Osimhen has been made to sweat and dance to the conga beats of shame.

 

However, in a matter of days, Osimhen will dance no more in the summer transfer marketplace. One can only hope that the player positively translates this experience by allowing his footballing skills to do his talking in the future. Time will tell.

 

Tom Saintfiet now new Mali coach

Nigeria’s reject is now the cornerstone of the Mali national team

 

Tom Saintfeit Image credit: CAFonline

 

According to CAFonline, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) has unveiled Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet as the new head coach of the national team, mere days before their crucial 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign kicks off.

 

The announcement, made on Wednesday evening, ends weeks of speculation and underscores the federation’s bid to steady the ship ahead of the qualifiers.

 

Femafoot confirmed Saintfiet’s appointment on its social media handles, ending a selection process that reportedly considered six candidates.

 

The Belgian emerged victorious from a shortlist that included high-profile names such as Antonio Conceiçao, Hector Cùper, and Pitso Mosimane.

 

Saintfiet’s contract, a two-year deal with the possibility of extension, comes with lofty expectations.

 

The appointment marks a significant shift from Saintfiet’s recent role with the Philippines national team, a position he took up in February just after leaving Gambia.

 

His decision to activate a clause allowing him to return to African football underscores the allure and challenge of managing one of the continent’s sleeping giants.

 

Femafoot has set ambitious targets for the new coach, including reaching the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 in Morocco and securing Mali’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

 

 

The Belgian inherits a team laden with talented players plying their trade with some of the world’s top leagues, so expectations are high among the fans.

 

The new coach is expected to hit the ground running with qualifiers against Mozambique (September 6th in Bamako) and Eswatini (September 9th in Mbombela, South Africa) looming large.

 

The federation’s decision to appoint him so close to these crucial fixtures speaks volumes about the side’s ambitions ahead of the qualifiers.

 

Saintfiet, 51, brings a wealth of African football experience to the role, having previously guided Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Togo, and most notably, Gambia.

 

His tenure with the Scorpions saw him orchestrate a historic AFCON qualification in 2021, followed by a remarkable quarter-final run.

 

However, his ability to navigate the difficulties of selecting the best players among Mali’s talents may prove most valuable in his new role.

 

Saintfiet’s immediate task will be to assess his squad and devise a strategy for the upcoming qualifiers.

 

 

Raw results, August 26, 2024

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Uncle Howdy triumphs over Chad Gable as The Wyatt Sicks are unleashed on American Made

 

 

 

Raw Results: Quick Hits

 

Raw results: Aug. 26, 2024

 

Raw Results: Full Details

 

 

The Judgment Day trash-talked The Terror Twins and brawled with The LWO five days before WWE Bash in Berlin

 

The Judgment Day defeats LWO

 

 

In an impromptu Eight-Man Tag Team Match, Rey Mysterio hit “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio with the 619. However, Liv Morgan pulled her man out of the way before he suffered a splash from his dad. Moments later, Dominik picked up the quick pin to secure the victory for Judgment Day.

 

 

When Judgment Day attacked their opponents after the bell, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley emerged to unleash hell on the dark faction and send a message en route to their Mixed Tag Team Match at the WWE Bash in Berlin this Saturday.

 

 

Damage CTRL def. Pure Fusion Collective

 

 

In the final moments of an explosive tag team match, Zelina Vega emerged looking for payback and took out Sonya Deville at ringside. The distraction allowed Kairi Sane to hit the Insane Elbow on Zoey Stark for the win as IYO SKY leaped onto Shayna Baszler at ringside with the Over the Moonsault.

 

 

CM Punk punished Drew McIntyre with a vicious attack ahead of their Strap Match at WWE Bash in Berlin

 

 

Jey Uso def. Kofi Kingston and Karrion Kross in an Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender Tournament Triple Threat Match

 

 

“Main Event” Jey Uso hit Karrion Kross with a Spear/Splash combination to overcome The Harbinger of Doom and Kofi Kingston to advance to the second round in the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender Tournament.

 

 

Randy Orton promised to humble Gunther and take his World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Bash in Berlin

 

 

Braun Strowman vs. “Big” Bronson Reed ended in a No-Contest

 

 

After Braun Strowman chased “Big” Bronson Reed out of the ring, an out-of-control brawl stretched to the parking lot. This culminated in Reed hitting The Monster of All Monsters with a Tsunami off a wall and onto a car.

 

 

Pete Dunne def. The Miz and Xavier Woods in an Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender Tournament Triple Threat Match

 

 

Although it looked like Xavier Woods could secure the high-stakes win over The Miz with the flying elbow, Pete Dunne pulled the official out of the ring before the three-count. He quickly took out Woods and hit the Bitter End on The A-Lister to steal the victory and advance to the second round in the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender Tournament.

 

 

Uncle Howdy defeats Chad Gable

 

 

When the official got knocked out in the final minutes of Raw’s main event, The Wyatt Sicks members emerged to neutralize the American Made interference.  The two factions battled into the crowd as Howdy regained the advantage and overcame Chad Gable in the center of the ring with Sister Abigail in his debut match.

 

 

Credit: WWE.Com

 

 

Uncle Howdy makes in-ring debut

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 TONIGHT: On WWE Monday Night Raw, Aug. 26, 2024

 

 

Raw preview, Aug. 26, 2024: Chad Gable seeks to destroy Uncle Howdy

 

Raw Preview: Quick Hits

 

Raw Preview: Full Details

 

Chad Gable seemingly isn’t done with The Wyatt Sicks.

 

With Ivy Nile and The Creed Brothers by his side as American Made, Gable is attempting to lead his new faction in a takedown of Alpha Academy, but they ran into a big problem this past Monday.

 

The Wyatt Sicks interrupted the match as Nile battled her former friend, Maxxine Dupri, spooking Nile and the rest of American Made.

 

Next Monday, Gable will look to put The Wyatt Sicks behind him as he takes on Uncle Howdy in Howdy’s in-ring debut as a competitor on Raw.

 

Will Uncle Howdy claim the win against the brash Gable?

 

 

Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contenders Tournament Begins

 

The tournament to determine the No. 1 Contender to the Intercontinental Championship will begin on the Aug. 26 episode of Monday Night Raw.

 

Bron Breakker has proven to be a dominant champion, most recently defeating Sami Zayn in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match on Raw to retain his title.

 

Stay tuned to WWE social media channels to see which matches and Superstars will compete in this tournament.

 

 

Don’t miss the fallout from The Judgment Day’s destructive attack on The Terror Twins

 

Last week, Judgment Day completely dismantled former allies Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley in a destructive ambush.

 

Following the heinous attack, what is the condition of Priest and Ripley? Has the Dark Faction proven its superiority over The Terror Twins? How will it affect the Mixed Tag Team Match pitting Women’s Women Champion Liv Morgan and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio against Ripley and Priest at the WWE Bash in Berlin?

 

 

“Big” Bronson Reed takes on Braun Strowman

 

In a battle of enormous competitors, “Big” Bronson Reed will take on the mountainous Braun Strowman for the first time.

 

Reed has been hitting Tsunami after Tsunami on his foes, injuring Seth “Freakin” Rollins and R-Truth by repeatedly landing the devastating move.

 

Last Monday, Reed defeated The Miz in a No Disqualification Match and looked to add another victim to his Tsunami barrage until The Monster of All Monsters made the save.

 

Who will come out on top when Strowman and Reed attempt to destroy one another?

 

 

Randy Orton will be live on Raw

 

Days before challenging World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at WWE Bash in Berlin, Randy Orton will be live on Monday Night Raw. The road to The Viper’s highly anticipated rematch against The Ring General has been extremely volatile, including their slugfest last week as Raw concluded.

 

Are they destined to throw down again before their epic title showdown in Berlin? Brace yourself for an appearance by WWE’s Apex Predator this Monday night on RAW.

 

Credit: WWE.COM

Haaland’s monstrous form hits the zenith

Rat-tat-tat-tat As Haaland hits poor Ipswich Town four times

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

He can’t stop scoring, assisting, winning, and turning heads. Everything he touches turns into goals. The big Manchester City star forward has done it again, hitting poor Ipswich four times.

 

His name is Erling Haaland the mercurial Manchester City pointsman whose monstrous form has not even reached the zenith.

 

Or, should the football universe not expect a higher point of attainment in the Norwegian’s majestic heavenly ascendancy?

 

The 2024/25 Premier League campaign breezed to a scintillating start and he’s off his mark yet again.

 

The Premiership season is one of the plethora of fora for players to shatter molds, exhibit their brilliance, and propel defensive and offensive skills to inspirational new levels.

 

The league presents talented defenders and midfielders with the opportunity to break up play, or tee in sensational midfield breakthrough passes from various defensive and midfield roles.

 

Established strikers and the unsung come here with the ambition to score (if the gods permit) certainly awesome goals, including early and late winners.

 

Haaland is one of the forwards fulfilling this ambition and taking Premier League goal-scoring to another level.

 

Since the Norway striker arrived at the Emirates Stadium, few thought Pep Guardiola’s Citizens offensive would be further sharpened with the most modernized attacking arsenal in the game.

 

Largely seen as an unknown liquidity, most had thought the lanky, angelic-faced, and merry-go-round miened new arrival from German side Borrusia Dortmund would need time to settle into the groove at the Emirates.

 

Especially not with the modest €60m (£51.1m) fee the Citizens paid to trigger his release clause at Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

 

Considering that he only cost his erstwhile club €20m (£18m) to sign him from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2019 and that he scores tons of goals for every club he’s played for, Guardiola’s city truly got him the cheap.

 

Haaland arrived in Manchester City with a huge bang and is accountable for almost one in every Premier League goal Manchester City has scored since switching from Borussia Dortmund in June 2022.

 

Taking off running, Haaland has ended as the highest scorer in two consecutive Premier League seasons since joining the Citizens in the 2022-2023 campaign.

 

The Citizens’ striker celebrated his 100th appearance for Manchester City with his 91st goal to cement the Premier League champion’s 2024-2025 season opening-day defeat of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

 

Haaland notched 52 goals in 53 matches in all events in his initial spell as a City forward, a record for a Manchester City player, and has planted 64 goals into opponents’ net in 67 Premier League games.

 

In only 48 games, the Norwegian banged in 50 Premier League goals, 17 games less than it took the previous record-holder Andrew Cole.

 

These merely mirror the astronomical legacy the City star could depart with at his swan song.