Sports

AFCON: Rwanda Rely on Home Advantage to Challenge Super Eagles

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2024

The Rwanda national team, Amavubi, is banking on the advantage of playing at home to gain an upper hand over Nigeria in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Tuesday.

This belief is widely shared among the team’s coaches and players, with head coach Frank Torsten Spittler reinforcing it after their 1-1 draw against Libya at the 11 June Stadium in Tripoli on September 4.

Spittler praised his team’s performance against Libya and acknowledged the tough challenge ahead against Nigeria, who currently lead the group after a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

“We know our next game against Nigeria won’t be easy, but we hope to make the best of our home advantage. Every point counts, and this draw with Libya boosts our confidence,” Spittler told Rwandan outlet The New Times.

The coach expressed concerns over his team’s recent inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities but remains optimistic about their progress.

Rwanda demonstrated resilience in Libya by equalizing after falling behind, with Innocent Nshuti scoring in the 47th minute to level the score against Sobhi Al Dawi’s early goal for the home side.

Sports

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League

Published

18 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.

Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.

The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.

Sports

Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia

Published

18 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.

On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.

Sports

Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce

Published

18 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.

Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.