27.8 C
Lagos
Thursday, April 9, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 36

Special Delivery Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins

Editor
-
0
Special Delivery Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins

 To give referee instructions to CM Punk and Drew McIntyre on Syfy!

 

WWE Seth Rollins Render Edit 2023 by LastBreathGFX on DeviantArt

 

With animosity boiling between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, Seth “Freakin” Rollins entered the fray and became the Special Guest Referee for the SummerSlam match between The Best in the World and The Scottish Psychopath.

 

Next week, the three Superstars will meet inside the ring for a confrontation that is sure to be filled with vitriol and venom as Rollins will deliver his Referee Instructions to Punk and McIntyre.

 

What will happen during the encounter?

 

WWE Seth Rollins Wallpapers - Wallpaper Cave

 

Raw Preview: Quick Hits

Lyra Valkyria teams with Katana Chance and Kayden Carter to take on Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark

 

 

Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark mean business.

 

The trio has been battling in various matches against Lyra Valkyria, Katana Chance, and Kayden Carter, and now the two sides will combine for an epic Six-Woman Tag Team Match.

 

How will this new group fare against their formidable opponents?

 

Xavier Woods looks to take down Karrion Kross

 

 

Next week, Xavier Woods and Karrion Kross will write a vicious next chapter in their rivalry.

 

Woods has been battling The Final Testament’s leader for the past month, losing his tag team partner Kofi Kingston to the vicious group a few weeks ago.

 

Woods has defeated Kross in the past but came up short against Kross, Akam, and Rezar in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with Otis and Akira Tozawa last week.

 

Can Woods finally be rid of his nemesis?

 

Gunther prepares for SummerSlam with match against Finn Bálor

 

 

As Gunther prepares for his SummerSlam title match against World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest, The Ring General will face Priest’s ally Finn Bálor.

 

These two dominant European Superstars have never clashed, setting the stage for what is sure to be a thrilling battle.

 

Can Bálor derail the King of the Ring Winner’s plan to take the World Heavyweight Title from Judgment Day?

 

Find out next week at 8/7 C on Syfy!

 

Twists and turns dog Osimhen transfer

Editor
-
0
Twists and turns dog Osimhen transfer

As Arsenal and Chelsea reenter the race to sign Napoli striker

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Victor Osimhen’s intention to move from the Diego Armando Maradona stadium this summer continues to be dogged by twists and turns as the Napoli superstar’s want-away saga drags on.

 

With a whopping £113m release clause to activate the striker’s move from Napoli standing in the way of prospectors, the embers of interest continue to flare and frost in rapid session.

 

Once heavily courted by Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United the enthusiasm from these Premier League big spenders has all but evaporated.

 

PSG who went into overdrive to purchase the Nigeria international has equally suspended their interest just as Arsenal, is reported to have again galloped into the frontline for Osimhen’s signature.

 

Napoli remained steadfast in their commitment toward adequate pre-season preparations with a well-deserved four-goal win against Egnatia of Albanian, but the Nigerian forward was not listed for the game by the Partenopei.

 

Osimhen’s omission from Napoli’s team on Sunday afternoon could be a clear sign of an imminent move to pasture anew.

 

The Standard claims that an agreement is set in stone for the Super Eagles striker to depart Naples this summer if the right fee is paid by a serious buyer.

 

Antonio Conte is now in charge at Napoli after signing a three-year managerial contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at the beginning of the summer.

 

Aware that Osimhen is already one foot out of Napoli, the conventional wisdom is that Conte would prefer a reunion with Chelsea reject Romelu Lukaku.

 

The former Italy boss is now hoping to match Luciano Spalletti’s 2022-23 Serie A championship success with the Partenopei.

 

However, despite the twists and turns in Osimhen’s likely transfer this summer, Napoli director Giovanni Manna has dropped a hint that the Nigerian will leave Naples this transfer term.

 

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Manna said: “We aimed to provide the coach with a competitive team from the first days of training camp to immediately tackle the championship.

 

“There will be movements, as there is still a month of the market left, and we might make some additions. This is a process, a project starting this year with the coach at its center.

 

“We share a strategy with the club, and we are calm and clear-headed. We will not make any reckless moves but will make decisions that support our technical and tactical ideas.”

 

According to Yahoo Sport, Napoli is keen to add Romelu Lukaku in a deal with Chelsea over Osimhen, with the Partenopei determined to conclude their move for the Belgium forward.

 

Lukaku is expected to report for training at Chelsea’s Cobham headquarters this week after two seasons out on loan at Inter and Roma.

 

The 31-year-old Belgian will train with other Chelsea teammates who were not on the tour to the United States, in addition to defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has been placed on transfer.

 

 

Mauritania stuns Nigeria in Beach Soccer

Editor
-
0
Mauritania stuns Nigeria in Beach Soccer

 As eight nations secure AFCON Egypt 2024 slots

 

 

Mauritania has made history by qualifying for their first-ever CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024, set to take place in Egypt later this year after all the eight countries to play at the tournament, secured their spots, CAFonline reports.

 

The Mauritanians sealed their place in dramatic fashion on Sunday, eliminating two-time champions Nigeria on away goals after a thrilling 6-5 victory in the second leg of their qualifier.

 

The result marks a significant shift in the landscape of African beach soccer, with Nigeria now missing out on their third consecutive tournament.

 

The Super Sand Eagles, who won the competition in 2007 and 2009, had seemed on course for qualification after a 5-4 away win in the first leg.

 

However, Mauritania’s resilience and determination saw them overturn the deficit in a match that will long be remembered in the annals of their footballing history.

 

While Mauritania’s qualification has stolen the headlines, defending champions Senegal once again demonstrated their dominance in the discipline.

 

The Lions of Teranga, seeking their eighth continental title, cruised past Guinea with a comfortable 5-1 victory in the second leg, following a 9-3 win in the first encounter.

 

The cumulative 14-4 scoreline underlines Senegal’s status as one of the favourites heading into the tournament.

 

In other qualifying matches, Ghana secured their return to the competition after a two-edition absence by defeating Côte d’Ivoire 5-2 in Abidjan, securing a 10-5 aggregate win.

 

The Black Sharks’ comeback was particularly impressive, having trailed 2-1 at the end of the first period before dominating the latter stages of the match.

 

Malawi edged out Burundi in a high-scoring tie that ended 15-14 on aggregate, while Mozambique comfortably dispatched Seychelles with a 9-4 aggregate victory.

 

Morocco benefited from Angola’s withdrawal to qualify automatically, as did Tanzania following Uganda’s forfeit after the former won the first leg 6-1.

 

As the continent’s attention turns to Egypt for the upcoming championship, all eyes will be on Mauritania to see if they can continue their fairy-tale run on the beach while Senegal will be looking to extend their impressive record in the competition.

 

List of countries qualified for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt (host country)

Ghana

Morocco

Mauritania

Malawi

Mozambique

Senegal

Tanzania

 

NBA Final G2: Kidd deploys off-court tactic

Editor
-
0
NBA Final G2: Kidd deploys off-court tactic

Mavericks’ Jason Kidd Throws Shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum

 

Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Image credit: Getty Images/Heavy.com

 

Ahead of Game Two of the NBA Finals, Dallas Mavericks head Jason Kidd deployed an off-court tactic in hopes of throwing off Boston Celtics‘ star Jayson Tatum, Collin Loring reports for Heavy.com.

 

Asked about going against Jaylen Brown, who had 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 2 assists in Game One, Kidd labeled him the Celtics’ best player.

 

“Jaylen’s their best player,” Kidd said on June 8. “Looking at what he does defensively, he picked up Luka full court, got to the free throw line, he did everything and that’s what your best player does.”

 

The true intention of Kidd’s comment isn’t lost on anyone. Tatum is widely, if not unanimously, viewed as Boston’s best player.

 

Dallas’s head coach is attempting to frustrate him with his comments.

 

Kidd wants Tatum touching the ball more in Game Two, aggressively seeking shots to prove the comment invalid.

 

He had just 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting in Game One. The Mavericks want him to shoot his team out of it.

 

It’s unlikely Kidd’s comments get the desired result. It’s not the first time Tatum’s heard such a narrative. And it won’t be the last.

 

Especially if the rest of the NBA Finals continues along the trends of Game One.

 

Tatum Responds to Kidd

 

Tatum met with reporters after Kidd. So there was an opportunity for the media to ask him about the comment. His response was characteristically professional.

 

“We understand that people try to drive a wedge between us,” Tatum told reporters on June 8. “I guess that’s a smart thing for Jason to try to do. But we’ve been in this position for many years, of people trying to divide us, saying that one of us should be traded and one’s better. So it’s not the first time.”

 

Brown, too, met with reporters. He nearly ignored Kidd’s comment altogether.

 

“It’s a team game and we’re trying to focus on that,” Brown said. “And, you know, everybody has their own opinions.”

 

Veteran center Al Horford had to smile when he heard about Kidd’s comment.

 

“Jason Kidd, I see what he’s doing,” Horford said. “I see what he’s doing. Jaylen Brown is an unbelievable player. Very special for us.”

 

Brown and Tatum have been a duo since 2016. The Celtics went 47-17 this season when both played. Boston is 13-2 this postseason, and only three wins away from earning the team’s first championship since 2008.

 

Porzingis Shines in Return to Floor

 

Tatum is averaging 25.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in the playoffs. Brown is averaging 24.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals.

 

Neither player had a bigger impact in Game One than Kristaps Porzingis.

 

Returning after a 10-game absence due to a calf strain, Porzingis came off the bench on a minutes restriction in Game One.

 

He showed no signs of rust, putting up 11 points in his first 6 minutes on the floor in the first quarter. Porzingis set the tone for the Celtics from the jump and finished the night with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

 

He told reporters postgame that keeping it simple was the secret in his return to form.

 

“So whether it’s playoffs, regular season or whatever, I know how to do this,” Porzingis said on June 6. “That’s it, just having that confidence, going out there whatever, first round or finals, just going out there with full confidence and giving what I have to the team.”

 

Game Two will again be on Boston’s home floor at TD Garden.

 

Brown, Porzingis, and Tatum will look to take a 2-0 series lead before heading to Dallas for Games Three and Four. And to not let Kidd’s comments prevent them from recreating their Game One dominance in the process.

 

 

Mavericks expected to elevate their game

Editor
-
0
Mavericks expected to elevate their game

Colin Cowherd makes a prediction about game 2 of NBA finals

 

 

Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics put on a clinic in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Ernesto Cova reports for The Cold Wire.

 

The Dallas Mavericks never knew what hit them, struggling to keep up with them on the offensive end of the floor and failing to defend the perimeter as well.

 

The Celtics led by as many as 29 points at one point in the game, and outside of a brief stretch in the third quarter when they managed to get back to within 8 points, it was never actually close.

 

With that in mind, sports analyst Colin Cowherd believes Game 2 will actually be way more competitive and closer.

 

Talking to Jason Timpf, he stated that he thinks the referees will allow both teams to be more physical at this point, adding that the Mavs must be way more aggressive and put bodies in front of Celtics players to establish their dominance.

 

The Celtics had a great night shooting the basketball, but they can’t count on their three-point shooting to bail them out throughout the course of an entire series.

 

The Mavericks are a much better team on defense than they showed in Game 1, but they will also need to be better at feeding off each other and trusting one another on offense.

 

Having just eight assists in a game is unacceptable, especially on a night when Kyrie Irving couldn’t get his shot to fall, and their stars must get everybody involved and going if they want to stand a chance of winning this series.

 

 

Indomitable Lions maul Blue Sharks

Editor
-
0
Indomitable Lions maul Blue Sharks

Cameroon 4-1 Cape Verde: Roars to top of Group D

 

Enzo Gianni Tchato Mbiayi Image credit: CAFonline

 

Cameroon delivered a scintillating performance as they roared to a resounding 4-1 victory over Cape Verde in their 2026 African World Cup qualifier at the Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia on Saturday, CAFonline reports. 

 

The Indomitable Lions showcased their attacking prowess, surging to the top of Group D with an impressive seven points, level with Libya but boasting a superior goal difference.

 

The hosts wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Michael Ngadeu opening the scoring in the 13th minute.

 

The powerful header from the center of the box was expertly assisted by Moumi Ngamaleu, setting the tone for Cameroon’s offensive onslaught.

 

Captain Vincent Aboubakar doubled the lead in the 25th minute, finishing clinically from the center of the box after another precise assist from Ngamaleu.

 

Cape Verde briefly threatened a comeback when Jamiro Monteiro netted from close range in the 37th minute, but the Indomitable Lions swiftly restored their two-goal cushion.

 

Aboubakar confidently converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Cape Verde’s defense was caught napping, ensuring Cameroon took a 3-1 lead into the halftime break.

 

The second half saw no let-up from the rampant hosts, as Nouhou Tolo headed in from the center of the box in the 54th minute, assisted by Ngadeu, making it 4-1 and effectively sealing the victory for the Indomitable Lions.

 

Cape Verde made several substitutions in a bid to claw their way back into the match, but Cameroon’s defense remained resolute, thwarting any potential comeback.

 

The final stages witnessed a flurry of substitutions and bookings, with Carlos Baleba and Jackson Tchatchoua of Cameroon receiving yellow cards.

 

The comprehensive victory propels Cameroon to joint top of Group D alongside Libya, setting the stage for their crucial clash against Angola in Luanda on Tuesday.

 

Meanwhile, Cape Verde, who host Libya in their next match, will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.

 

 

Anthony Joshua has ‘Chink in his armor’

Editor
-
0
Anthony Joshua has ‘Chink in his armor’

Has a glaring weakness that Daniel Dubois can exploit, claims Barry McGuigan

 

McGuigan thinks Dubois has the punching power to cause Joshua real problems Credit: GETTY

 

Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan has insisted that Daniel Dubois can exploit a ‘chink in Anthony Joshua’s armor’, George Glinski reports on TalkSport.

 

The 26-year-old is the frontrunner to box Joshua in his next fight on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.

 

Queensberry chief Frank Warren recently informed talkSPORT that the pair are currently in talks to face each other later this year in a fight that could be for the IBF heavyweight title.

 

Dubois defeated Filip Hrgovic on the unprecedented Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs 5 cards two weeks ago to pick up the IBF ‘interim’ belt and may end up being elevated to full champion if the major sanctioning body strips Oleksandr Usyk.

 

This is dependent on the IBF’s ruling over Usyk’s request for an exception to allow him to hold onto the belt for the Tyson Fury rematch on December 21, rather than face his mandatory challenger next.

 

Regardless of whether the all-British showdown is for a title or not, Dubois will feel like a world champion if he topples AJ.

 

‘Triple D’ opens up as a heavy underdog with the bookies, but McGuigan insists that if he can land flush on Joshua’s chin, then it could be ‘Goodnight Irene’.

 

“If he gets through to Joshua’s chin then it’s game on,” wrote McGuigan in his column with the Mirror.

 

“Joshua is the more complete fighter, marginally quicker. And he has rebuilt impressively since he lost for the second time to Usyk.

 

“There is, however, still a chink in his armor first exposed by Andy Ruiz that makes him vulnerable to the kind of power-packed by Dubois.

 

“Most would still take Joshua to win. But nothing is a given if Dubois can back up his Hrgovic victory with another mature performance.”

 

Joshua’s chin has regularly been called into question since his knockout defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019.

 

The two-time unified world heavyweight champion was decked four times en route to one of the biggest upsets of the 21st century at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

 

Yet it remains the sole stoppage loss on his 28-3 record.

 

There have been multiple instances of Joshua being hurt over the years – most notably against Dillian Whyte and Wladimir Klitschko.

But he has also proved time and time again that he can recover and come back firing.

 

 

Iga Swiatek up for French Open three-peat

Editor
-
0
Iga Swiatek up for French Open three-peat

Analysis: Sizzling ‘queen of clay’ sinks Jasmine Paolini

 

 

Iga Swiatek became just the third woman in the Open Era to win three straight French Open titles with an emphatic 6-2 6-1 victory over first-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Ben Knaton reports for Sports Mole.

 

Already proudly sporting the ‘queen of clay’ label after her Roland-Garros triumphs in 2020, 2022, and 2023 – not to mention her successes in Madrid and Rome this year – the world number one suffered the first break of the match but was irrepressible thereafter.

 

Joining Monica Seles and Justine Henin as the third woman to triumph in three consecutive French Opens, Swiatek is now a four-time Roland-Garros winner and five-time major champion, subjecting the 12th seed to a merciless masterclass in the French capital.

 

While there was no famed bagel for Swiatek, the 23-year-old’s status as French Open champion was never in doubt, and here, Sports Mole analyses Swiatek’s exhilarating performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

 

 

Characteristically aggressive from the off, Swiatek reeled off some early backhand and forehand winners to seal an immediate hold to 30 and bring up a first break point in Paolini’s opening service game, but the Italian survived as a Swiatek backhand clipped the net tape and landed wide.

 

The forehand then began to fail the world number one in the third game, where Paolini drew her in with a drop shot and fashioned two unexpected break points, taking her first opportunity as a forehand on Swiatek’s second serve landed long.

 

The Pole had six unforced errors to her name from the opening three games, being broken gave her the kick she needed to revert to type, immediately breaking back with a stunning backhand winner on Paolini’s second serve.

 

Targeting the 12th seed’s backhand then started to work a treat for the reigning champion, who backed up the break and then established a 4-2 lead on an untimely double fault for the Italian, who was now facing the Swiatek that usually graces the Roland-Garros courts.

 

Working Paolini across the court expertly, Swiatek moved one game away from taking the first set with a forehand volley at the net and concluded the opener ruthlessly, breaking to love as an off-balance Paolini sent a forehand into the net.

 

While the three-time winner committed one more unforced error than Paolini in the first set, she struck 10 winners compared to the 12th seed’s three and won a staggering 75% of return points on her opponent’s first serve.

 

Picking up where she left off in the first set with a slick hold to 15, Swiatek benefitted from another double fault from Paolini in the second game, as the crowd did their utmost to revive the dejected Italian.

 

Their efforts briefly worked as she saved two break points – including one with an ace – but the 28-year-old quickly crumbled, sending two shots into the net and shanking a horrendous forehand long and wide to gift Swiatek a 2-0 lead.

 

The Pole’s fourth Roland-Garros coronation was seemingly just a matter of time, as she stormed into a 3-0 lead with a love hold and continued her surge to glory with the double break, blasting an unstoppable cross-court backhand past Paolini on the Italian’s second serve.

 

Even though the writing was on the wall for Paolini at 0-4 down, she belatedly found a higher gear in the fifth game – getting to 30-30 thanks to a crisp forehand winner and backhand volley at the net – but her resurgence was short-lived as Swiatek moved one game away from glory.

 

Serving to stay in the match, Paolini avoided falling to the same 0-6 fate as many of Swiatek’s victims with a stunning forehand winner into the corner, affording a raised fist towards her box in what looked to be a final eye-catching contribution.

 

The 28-year-old raised fleeting hopes of prolonging the final by getting to 30-30 as the world number one tried to serve for the title, but in the end, it was one step too far for Paolini, who could only return a rapid Swiatek serve long on match point before the Pole broke out into her trademark celebration.

 

 

Pick of the stats – Swiatek exhibits returning dominance

Neither Swiatek nor Paolini was overwhelmingly dominant on serve during the one-hour and eight-minute showdown, firing just one ace apiece and landing fewer than 70% of their first serves, but the statistics underlined the champion’s returning mastery.

 

Indeed, she won over 60% of points behind both Paolini’s first and second serves and took five of the nine break points presented to her, while Paolini was one for one in that regard but was just unable to wear down the Pole’s defenses after drawing first blood early.

 

Swiatek responded to that quick break with a remarkable 10-game winning sequence and ended the final with 18 winners compared to just seven for Paolini while striking 13 unforced errors as Paolini registered 18.

 

Furthermore, the world number one has extended her perfect record in major finals to 5-0, while also becoming just the second woman to win Madrid, Rome, and Roland-Garros in one season, following in Serena Williams‘s footsteps.

 

 

SmackDown: The Bloodline on the rampage

Editor
-
0
SmackDown: The Bloodline on the rampage

Stands tall after destroying Kevin Owens and The Street Profits

 

 

After Kevin Owens and The Street Profits defeated The Bloodline by disqualification in a Six-Man Tag Team Match, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa brutalized their opponents. Plus, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles agreed to an “I Quit” Match at WWE Clash at the Castle, LA Knight took on Carmelo Hayes, Piper Niven vowed to defeat WWE Women’s Champion Bayley and so much more.

 

SmackDown Results: Quick Hits

 

Kevin Owens and The Street Profits interrupted Tonga Loa’s Bloodline anointment ceremony 

 

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill def. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell 

 

 

Right from the opening bell, Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark made their way to ringside to view the action.

 

Hartwell and LeRae took down Belair with superb tag team offense, as Hartwell mocked Cargill with her pose.

 

When Cargill was tagged in, she dismantled Hartwell and LeRae.

 

Cargill and Belair wrapped up the non-title match with a unique tag team maneuver.

 

After the match, Fyre, Dawn, Baszler, and Stark ambushed the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but Belair and Cargill fended off their attackers.

 

Grayson Waller def. Johnny Gargano 

 

 

After Austin Theory’s battle with Tommaso Ciampa last week, WWE Tag Team Champion Grayson Waller took on Johnny Gargano.

 

In a thrilling back-and-forth match, Gargano hit a huge modification of a Canadian Destroyer.

 

 

With Waller taking a breather outside, The Aussie Icon used Theory as a shield as Gargano flew over the top rope.

 

As Gargano was distracted, Waller hit a flipping Unprettier to win the match.

 

 

Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles agreed to an “I Quit” Match at WWE Clash at the Castle 

 

LA Knight def. Carmelo Hayes

 

 

LA Knight squared off against Carmelo Hayes for the first time in a singles competition after the two traded verbal blows backstage in consecutive weeks.

 

Hayes had Knight scouted for most of the match but resorted to holding Knight’s tights to try for an underhanded win.

 

 

Knight, however, turned the pinfall attempt into one of his own, surprising Hayes to earn the victory.

 

 

Piper Niven vowed to put down WWE Women’s Champion Bayley in Scotland 

 

 

Kevin Owens & The Street Profits def. The Bloodline via disqualification 

 

 

Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa teamed together as a unified Bloodline for the first time, following Loa’s anointment ceremony earlier in the evening that was ruined by Kevin Owens and The Street Profits.

 

KO landed a huge Swanton Bomb on Sikoa, but he could only garner a two-count.

 

Just as Owens hit the Stunner on Sikoa, he was ripped out of the ring by the rest of The Bloodline, with everything breaking down until Montez Ford flew from the skies.

 

Sikoa then attacked with a steel chair, causing the disqualification.

 

 

The Bloodline viciously assaulted Kevin Owens and The Street Profits 

 

 

 

Lesotho stuns Zimbabwe in Johannesburg

Editor
-
0
Lesotho stuns Zimbabwe in Johannesburg

Mozambique edges Somalia in 2026 World Cup qualifiers

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Lesotho secured an important 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon to go top of Group C of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, CAFonline reports.

Mozambique and Kenya were also in action in Friday’s early group of Matchday 3 games with the sides keen on bolstering their chances of qualifying for the global tournament.

But it was in Group C where Lesotho pulled off the stunning victory over Zimbabwe at the Johannesburg Stadium in South Africa.

Rethabile Rasethuntsa opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 21st minute, giving them an early lead.

Jane Thaba Ntso doubled their advantage ten minutes later, putting the game beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.

With this impressive win, Lesotho now sits atop Group C with five points from three matches, while Zimbabwe languish at the bottom with just two points.

The other Group C match between Nigeria and South Africa is set to take place late Friday in Uyo, with both teams looking to make up ground on the group leaders.

Meanwhile, in Group G, Mozambique secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Somalia in Maputo. Alfons Amade put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, and Stanley Ratifo extended their lead in the 29th minute.

Somalia managed to pull one back through Ismail Shirwa in the 66th minute, but it proved a mere consolation as Mozambique held on for the victory.

This result sees Mozambique move level on six points with group leaders Algeria and Guinea, who have also played three matches.

Somalia, on the other hand, remains at the foot of the table with no points.

In Group F, Kenya and Burundi played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match held in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Duke Abuya gave Kenya the lead in the 72nd minute, but their joy was short-lived as Abdallah Sudi equalized for Burundi just 13 minutes later.

The draw leaves Kenya in third place with four points, just ahead of Burundi on goal difference.

As the qualifying campaign continues, Fridayt’s results will significantly impact the standings and the hopes of each nation to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

 

 

1...353637...240Page 36 of 240

© 2025 - All rights reserved.
Designed By Aceon Technology

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks