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Ghana set up epic clash with Nigeria

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Ghana set up epic clash with Nigeria

Hosts and arch-rivals in African Games women’s final

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Hosts Ghana and arch-rivals Nigeria emerged victorious In a thrilling set of women’s semi-final clashes at the 13th edition of the African Games on Monday, setting the stage for an epic showdown in Thursday’s football final.

The women’s football competition’s last four matches witnessed intense battles as teams vied for a spot in the final, thus eyeing the gold medal.

The headline clash of the day was undoubtedly the semi-final showdown between Ghana and Senegal. The stakes were high, but the home side triumphed 3-1.

Ghana, buoyed by home support, started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute through Tracy Twum.

The early goal set the tone for Ghana’s dominance in the first half, and they doubled their lead just before the break with a goal from Ophelia Amponsah in the 45th minute.

Senegal, however, refused to go down without a fight and pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute through Kande.

The goal injected new life into the game as Senegal pushed for an equalizer. But Ghana remained resolute, and Amponsah secured her brace in the 55th minute to restore Ghana’s two-goal advantage.

Despite Senegal’s best efforts, Ghana claimed a hard-fought 3-1 victory and booked their place in the final.

In the other semi-final clash, Nigeria faced against Uganda in a tightly contested affair. Both teams were evenly matched, with neither willing to concede ground.

The game remained deadlocked for much of the match until Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through Judith Adaobi Okah.

With the clock ticking down, Chiamaka Okuchukwu sealed Nigeria’s victory with a late goal in the 89th minute, securing a 2-0 win for the West African powerhouse.

With these results, Ghana and Nigeria set up a mouthwatering final clash, renewing their age-old rivalry on the football pitch.

The final promises to be a fiery encounter as both teams vie for gold medal glory.

Meanwhile, Uganda will face Senegal in the bronze medal match in the first match on Thursday at 5 pm local time, aiming to salvage a podium finish in the tournament.

 

Barshim and Kerr go to war

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Barshim and Kerr go to war

In a battle of high jump champions in Suzhou

 

Mutaz Essa BARSHIM Image credit: World Athletics

 

World Athletics reports that Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim will face world indoor champion Hamish Kerr in a high jump clash in Suzhou on 27 May.

 

The global gold medallists will go head-to-head in the season’s second Wanda Diamond League meeting.

 

New Zealand’s Kerr is the world leader, having cleared 2.36m to take his maiden global title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow earlier this month. He will have high hopes of backing it up against Barshim in May.

 

Qatar’s three-time world champion has prioritized training in the build-up to his Olympic title defense later this year. He has not competed since winning his third Asian Games title in October and skipping the championships where Kerr beat a high-class field.

 

For Barshim, the event in Suzhou will be one of the key indicators of his form. He aims to become the first man to win two men’s Olympic high jump titles.

 

No man in history has won more world outdoor titles than the three Barshim won in succession between 2017 and 2022. He also claimed bronze in the most recent championships in Budapest.

 

“I’m happy to be back in China to start my new season,” said Barshim. “Last year I finished my season in China at the Asian Games, and it was a fantastic atmosphere and support. I have never been to Suzhou, but I am looking forward to visiting and competing there, and I am looking forward to a great competition.”

 

Kerr, the Oceanian record-holder, is quickly amassing an impressive collection of his own. In 2022, the 27-year-old backed up world indoor bronze with Commonwealth Games gold, and in 2023, he won his first Diamond League event in Stockholm.

 

He’ll hope to close the gap on Barshim in that respect. The 32-year-old has been three times an overall Diamond League winner, with 23 individual event wins.

 

“I’m looking forward to making my first trip to China a successful one,” said Kerr. “After jumping 2.36m at World Indoors, I know I am in great shape leading into the meeting. I can’t wait to compete against some of the best jumpers in the world in front of what will be an amazing crowd.”

 

They will join the already announced world pole vault record-holder Mondo Duplantis in Suzhou. Duplantis has also been named for the first meeting of the Diamond League season in Xiamen on 20 April.

 

African giants resume internationals

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African giants resume internationals

After TotalEnergies CAF AFCON exertions

 

Cranes of Uganda versus Syli Stars of Guinea

 

The international break provides a chance for Africa’s top nations to return to action this week for the first time since the thrilling TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire last month.

From mouth-watering friendlies against South American opposition to the start of the new FIFA Series, it’s an opportunity for several of the continent’s heavyweights to get back on the horse.

Newly-crowned African champions Cote d’Ivoire lead the way with two eye-catching fixtures lined up in France.

The Elephants open their March program against Benin in Amiens on the 23rd, before a glamour tie versus Uruguay and their mercurial coach Marcelo Bielsa awaits in Lens three days later.

It promises to be an epic test against the two-time World Cup winners as the Ivorians begin preparations for June’s World Cup qualifiers.

Fellow West African giants Senegal are also in friendly action in Amiens, taking on Gabon on the 22nd and Benin again four days later.

Reigning African Player of the Year Sadio Mane and his Teranga Lions teammates will be keen to bounce back from a disappointing TotalEnergies CAF AFCON showing.

Nigeria could provide the sternest test of the international window when they face Ghana in Marrakech on March 22nd.

The Super Eagles were beaten in last month’s AFCON final by Cote d’Ivoire and will be desperate to gain revenge over their great rivals following Ghana’s World Cup playoff win last year.

Elsewhere, Africa’s representatives in the new FIFA Series competition get underway, with Algeria hosting Bolivia and South Africa in Algiers.

New Fennecs coach Vladimir Petkovic takes charge of his first matches as he looks to galvanize the recent underachievers.

Morocco are also in friendly action on home soil, with Angola and Mauritania the visitors to Agadir later this month.

After an abundance of drama at the AFCON, the international schedule offers Africa’s elite another chance to strut their stuff on the global stage.

 

Friendly fixtures for March’s internnational break

March 21, 2024 – Venue
Guinea v Vanuatu – Saudi Arabia
Ethiopia v Lesotho –
Cape Verde v Guyana – Saudi Arabia
Andorra v South Africa – Annaba, Algeria
March 22, 2024
Tanzania v Bulgaria – Azerbaijan
Morocco v Angola – Agadir, Morocco
Senegal v Gabon – Amiens, France
Nigeria v Ghana – Marrakech, Morocco
Algeria v Bolivia – Algiers
Egypt v New Zealand – Cairo
Madagascar v Burundi – Antananarivo
Burkina Faso v Libya – Morocco
Botswana v Rwanda – Antananarivo
Mali v Mauritania – Marrakech, Morocco
Niger v Togo – Mohammedia, Morocco
Comoros v Uganda – Marrakech, Morocco
March 23, 2024
Zambia v Zimbabwe – Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi v Kenya – Lilongwe, Malawi
Cote d’Ivoire v Benin – Amiens, France
Tunisia v Croatia – Cairo
March 25, 2024
Burundi v Botswana – Antananarivo
Rwanda v Madagascar – Antananarivo
Cape Verde v Equatorial Guinea – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Guinea v Bermuda – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Gabon v Congo – Chambly, France
Tanzania v Mongolia – Azerbaijan
Comoros v Angola – Marrakech, Morocco
March 26, 2024
Burkina Faso v Niger – Berrechid, Morocco
Togo v Libya – Casablanca
Uganda v Ghana – Marrakech, Morocco
Senegal v Benin – Amiens, France
Cote d’Ivoire v Uruguay – Lens, France
Mali v Nigeria – Marrakech, Morocco
Algeria v South Africa – Algiers
Morocco v Mauritania – Agadir, Morocco

 

Senegal women set to clash with hosts Ghana

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Senegal women set to clash with hosts Ghana

In the African Games semi-finals

 

Catherine-Nagadya-of-Uganda-celebrates-goal-with-teammates-during-the-2023-All-African-Games-Ghana-womens-football-match-between-Uganda-and-Ghana-CAFonline

 

The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as hosts Ghana prepare to take on Senegal in the semi-finals of the women’s football competition at the 13th edition of the African Games, CAFonline reports.

 

The highly anticipated match will occur at the Cape Coast Stadium on Tuesday, with both teams eyeing a spot in the tournament final.

 

Ghana, buoyed by their impressive group stage performances, secured their place in the semi-finals by topping Group A with seven points.

 

Led by talismanic striker Mukarama Abdulai, who has been in scintillating form throughout the competition, the Ghanaian side will look to continue its winning momentum against a formidable Senegalese outfit.

 

Senegal, meanwhile, finished second in Group B behind Nigeria, amassing three points in the process.

 

Despite a narrow defeat to Nigeria in the group stage, Senegal showed resilience and determination in their other matches, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.

 

In the other semi-final clash, tournament favorites Nigeria will square off against Uganda in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.

 

Nigeria, which finished at the top of Group A with six points, will aim to maintain its unbeaten run and book its place in the final.

 

However, they will face a stern test against a determined Ugandan side, who finished second in Group A with five points.

 

With a place in the final at stake, both matches are expected to be fiercely contested affairs, with teams leaving no stone unturned in their quest to reach the final and clinch the gold medal.

 

Ghana to clash with Senegal

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Ghana to clash with Senegal

 In high-stakes African Games men’s semi-finals

 

Idrissa-gueye-of-senegal-celebrates-goal-during-the-2023-all-african-games-ghana-mens-football-match-between-senegal-and-nigeria-CAFonline

 

Hosts Ghana are set to clash with Senegal in what promises to be a captivating semi-final encounter in the men’s football competition at Tuesday’s 13th edition of the African Games, CAFonline reports.

 

Both teams, renowned powerhouses in African youth football, are gearing up for a showdown expected to ignite passion and intensity at the Accra Sports Stadium.

 

The Black Satellites, buoyed by their stellar group stage performances, secured their spot in the semi-finals after topping Group A with an impressive seven points.

 

Led by their talented squad, the Ghanaian side is determined to showcase their prowess and claim victory on home soil.

 

Meanwhile, Senegal advanced to the semi-finals by finishing second in Group B, narrowly edging past Nigeria with six points.

 

The Senegalese team, known for their skillful play and tenacity, will be eager to upset the hosts and secure a spot in the tournament final.

 

In the other semi-final clash, Uganda will take on Congo in what promises to be another thrilling match-up.

 

Uganda, the standout team in Group A, dominated the group stage with a perfect record, accumulating nine points.

 

However, they will face a tough challenge from Congo, who finished second in the group with five points and are determined to cause an upset.

 

With a place in the final at stake, all four teams will leave everything on the field as they vie for glory in the prestigious tournament.

 

Inter’s title charge hits the breaks

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Inter’s title charge hits the breaks

After a 1-1 Napoli draw at the San Siro

French defender <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/players/3893922/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Theo Hernandez;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Theo Hernandez</a> celebrates after scoring <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/teams/milan/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:AC Milan;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">AC Milan</a>'s first goal against <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/teams/verona/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Verona;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Verona</a> (Piero CRUCIATTI)French defender Theo Hernandez celebrates after scoring AC Milan‘s first goal against Verona (Piero CRUCIATTI)/Yahoo Sports

 

 

Inter Milan‘s march towards a 20th league title was slowed down on Sunday by reigning champions Napoli, who escaped the San Siro with a creditable 1-1 draw, AFP reports via Yahoo Sports (y!sports).

 

Juan Jesus nodded home Napoli’s leveler with nine minutes remaining after fighting back from Matteo Darmian‘s opener shortly before half-time.

 

Leaders Inter still need 14 more points from their remaining nine fixtures to claim a 20th league title after their huge advantage on AC Milan was cut to 14 points with their local rivals winning 3-1 at Verona.

 

It was another disappointing result for Simone Inzaghi’s Inter following their painful exit from the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Their 10-match domestic winning streak came to an end.

 

It was a symbolic fixture for Inter, as they outperformed Napoli’s incredible charge to their historic third league crown last season.

 

Even after Sunday’s draw, Inter has more points, scored more goals, and had a significantly better goal difference than Napoli did at the same stage last season.

 

However, their dream of securing the title with a record-equalling five matches to spare by beating Milan in next month’s derby is now less realistic than before kick-off.

 

Napoli were missing Victor Osimhen after the Nigeria forward picked up a hamstring problem in training and put up a brave fight after being dumped out of Europe by Barcelona on Tuesday.

 

However, assuming Italy gets five Champions League spots next season, Napoli are still six points from a place in Europe’s top club competition as Roma, in fifth, beat Sassuolo 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lorenzo Pellegrini.

 

– Milan on a roll –

 

Goals by Theo Hernandez and Christian Pulisic shortly before and after half-time put Milan two ahead at Verona before Samuel Chukwueze volleyed the away side out of sight with 11 minutes remaining.

 

Sunday’s win moved Milan three points ahead of third-placed Juve, who were held to a goalless draw by Genoa in the race for Champions League football.

 

Stefano Pioli’s side might be miles behind Inter, but they are all but guaranteed a spot in next season’s Champions League as they sit 11 points above Roma.

 

“We played very well as a team and created a huge amount. It was a positive performance,” said Pioli to DAZN after his team’s fifth straight win in all competitions.

 

Verona put on a good show, and Tijjani Noslin’s unstoppable strike in the 64th minute gave the hosts hope to pull off another good result after winning their previous two matches.

 

Instead, Verona stays two points above the relegation zone with a potentially massive clash at fellow strugglers Cagliari after the international break.

 

Serie A confirmed to AFP that Fiorentina‘s fixture at Atalanta had been postponed “to a later date” due to general manager Giuseppe “Joe” Barone’s being taken ill with what Italian media reported as a heart attack.

 

The Gazzetta Dello Sport reported that Barone was whisked to Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital from the hotel where Fiorentina stayed before the match.

 

Barone, who was born in Sicily in 1966 but moved to New York City as a child, is a long-time colleague of Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso.

 

Fiorentina is eighth in Serie A, four points behind Atalanta, who sits sixth in the division’s Europa Conference League spot.

 

Rangers close in on Lobi Stars

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Rangers close in on Lobi Stars

Flying Antelopes plays possum with League leaders Ortom Boys

 

Enyimba is within striking distance of another league title win

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Rangers International now plays Possum with current Nigeria League leaders Lobi Stars following their 2-1 defeat of the Benue State football giants at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

 

With the victory, the Enugu-based side has issued a peculiar warning to the current leaders of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the Ortom Boys, to ‘Beware of Rangers’.

 

The win left the Flying Antelopes only a point behind the vanquished and second on the table behind the leaders as the season enters its final legs.

 

Rivers United repelled Heartland’s push to avoid relegation with a 1-0 defeat of the ‘Hearts’ of Imo State at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt also on Sunday. The loss marooned Heartland to the second point in the drop zone, atop only Gombe United on goals difference.

 

NPFL 2023/2024

 

At the Pantami Stadium, visiting Akwa Ibom played out a 1-1 draw with Gombe United, just as the encounter between Abia Warriors and Sunshine Stars ended in a goalless stalemate at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

 

At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United defeated visiting Plateau United with a 2-1 goal margin in their Northern Derbywhile the Southern Derby between  Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Remo Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium ended 2-0 to the advantage of 3SC of Ibadan.

 

Fixtures & Results

 

In their South versus North Derby, Bendel Insurance annihilated Doma United 4-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, just as Southern Powerhouse Bayelsa United defeated the Superstars from the North Kano Pillars by 2 goals to 1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

 

Enyimba FC mauled Niger Tornadoes FC by 3 to 1 goals at the Enyimba Stadium in Abia.

 

Video: Zaniolo silences his critics

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Video: Zaniolo silences his critics

With equaliser in West Ham-Aston Villa

 

 

Italy striker Nicolò Zaniolo scored his second Premier League goal this season and silenced critics in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw against West Ham on Sunday, Lorenzo Bettoni reports for Football Italia.

 

The Azzurri striker has been struggling with playing time in the second part of the season, but he kept Aston Villa’s top-four hopes alive with a goal against West Ham at minute 79 on Sunday.

 

The ex-Roma striker was introduced as a substitute from the bench at minute 63 and scored barely 15 minutes later.

 

He briefly celebrated by putting his finger in front of his lips to silence critics, as fans and the media have heavily criticized him over the last few months.

 

 

Top Athletes for Madojiemu U-15 Event

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Top Athletes for Madojiemu U-15 Event

Benin City to roar to life on April 25, 2024

 

Youngsters are ready to burn Benin Tartan Tracks with Spikes in April
Youngsters can’t wait to burn the Benin city Tartan Tracks with their Spikes in April

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Strong indications point to the appearance of elite Athletes in the 4th edition of Princess Mabel Madojiemu U-15 Championships, which is billed for April 25, 2024, in Benin City.

 

According to the director of the competition, Mutiu Oluwa, the elite runners, for the first time, would be drawn from U-17 and U-18 who had previously participated in the U-15 competition. He reiterated that these elite athletes had to be incorporated into the competition to provide enough competition to keep them busy.

 

The AthIetes will compete in 100/200m, long jump along with their U-15 counterparts.

Oluwa also stated that the waivers didn’t change the name of the competition, adding that it would only make competitions more exciting and competitive.

 

More schools from neighboring states and Local government areas are getting registered for the 2-day AthIetics Championships, making it a mini-Zonal event.

The initiator and sponsor of the U-15 boys and girls championships, Princess Mabel Madojiemu, said the grassroots Athletics championship has a special place in her heart, and nothing will stop her from showing love and care for up-and-coming talents.

 

The Board member of Edo State Sports Commission said, “This is my dream, I was once like these Youth, searching for competitions, If help had not come my way, probably, the would would not have heard my name today, Olympics, Africa Games and Commonwealth Games would have eluded me. Therefore, I appeal to Nigerians to also come forward to assist in sponsoring these talented kids.”

 

The Olympian and former quarter-miler assures that the 4th edition would improve the previous editions in many ways.

 

Chukwueze scores first Serie A goal

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Chukwueze scores first Serie A goal

Sends message to Milan fans, Pioli and Pulisic

 

Samuel-Chukwueze-Milan-Newcastle-celebrate-Image-Credit-Football-Italia

Samuel Chukwueze hopes to score ‘more goals’ for Milan fans. Still, he is aware Stefano Pioli ‘can’t put on the bench’ Christian Pulisic, who has been impressive for the Rossoneri in 2023-24, Lorenzo Bettoni reports for Football Italia.

 

The Nigeria international scored his first Serie A goal on Sunday in a 3-1 win over Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi.

 

“I am thrilled. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” the Nigerian winger told DAZN, as quoted by Milannews.

 

“These first few months were not easy, but I’ve continued to work hard. Winning was necessary, and I wanted to keep scoring to help the team.

 

“I must continue working hard because they signed me to score goals. I trust the coach and his plans for me. I need to remain focused and continue working hard.”

 

What Chukwueze said after scoring first Serie A goal

 

Chukwueze was asked to describe his first months at Milan.

 

“They were not easy, as the player in my position [Pulisic] is doing well and scoring many goals,” he replied, smiling.

 

“The coach can’t put him on the bench, but I continue to work. Today’s goal means a lot to my confidence. I must continue to work and be focused on the future.”

 

Pulisic scored in Milan’s last four games, including Sunday’s win in Verona. The USMNT captain has netted 12 goals with the Rossoneri this term.

 

Lastly, Chukwueze told Milan fans: “Thanks, I hope to score more goals for you.”

 

Chukwueze and Pulisic stats this season

 

Chukwueze joined Milan from Villarreal in a €20m deal last summer, but prior to today’s match, he had only scored two goals in 22 appearances across all competitions. Both his goals came in Champions League matches, including one away at Newcastle in December 2023.

 

Pulisic, on the other hand, has already bagged 12 goals in 39 matches across all competitions, setting a new personal record for goals scored in a single campaign.

 

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