Nigerian set up AFCON final against hosts Ivory Coast

Nigerian set up AFCON final against hosts Ivory Coast

Substitute forward Kelechi Iheanacho and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali played key roles as Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final thriller. The three-time champions will face hosts Ivory Coast, who dominated the Democratic Republic of Congo but had to settle for a 1-0 win in Abidjan, in the final on Sunday. Nigeria triumphed after a 1-1 draw following extra time in Bouake […]

February 8, 2024 12

Sport

Knives out for Klinsmann after South Korea’s ‘shameful’ Asian Cup exit

Jurgen Klinsmann's position as South Korea coach came under intense pressure on Wednesday after what local media called a "shameful" and "humiliating" Asian Cup semi-final defeat to Jordan. The Koreans crashed out 2-0 to a team ranked 64 places below them in the world and they failed to muster a shot on target despite boasting Son Heung-min in attack. The German Klinsmann, who came into the tournament vowing to […]

February 7, 2024 2

Sport

Pochettino won’t lose his hair over Chelsea crisis

Mauricio Pochettino insists he won't lose his hair because of Chelsea's dismal form as the under-fire Blues boss called for perspective over their slump. Pochettino's side head to Aston Villa for an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday reeling after successive heavy defeats. Chelsea lost 4-1 at Liverpool, then slumped to a chastening 4-2 home defeat against Wolves on Sunday. Pochettino was jeered by angry Chelsea fans during […]

February 7, 2024 4

Sport

Southampton book Liverpool tie in FA Cup, Coventry to face Maidstone

Southampton booked an FA Cup fifth round tie against Liverpool with a 3-0 win over Watford on Tuesday, while Coventry's 4-1 victory against Sheffield Wednesday secured a date with history makers Maidstone. Saints forward Sekou Mara struck twice in the fourth round replay at St Mary's to secure the prized trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Championship high-fliers, unbeaten in their last 24 games in all competitions, took […]

February 7, 2024 3

South Africa

Tah strikes late to send Leverkusen to German Cup semis

Jonathan Tah scored in the 90th minute to send Bayer Leverkusen through to the German Cup semis, with a 3-2 win at home over Stuttgart on Tuesday. League leaders Leverkusen came from behind twice against an impressive Stuttgart, securing victory in the dying moments for the third time in their past five matches. With the match headed for extra time, star midfielder Florian Wirtz curled in a superb cross for […]

February 7, 2024 5

Sport

Dybala fires Roma to third straight win under De Rossi

Paulo Dybala scored twice as Roma eased to a 4-0 thumping of Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday to notch a third straight Serie A win under Daniele De Rossi. The capital club, who sacked former coach Jose Mourinho last month, moved back within one point of fourth-placed Atalanta in the Italian top flight table to boost their Champions League hopes. De Rossi's only previous role as […]

February 6, 2024 6

Sport

AFCON: Nigeria star Osimhen doubt for semi-final

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen is a major doubt for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa in Bouake on Wednesday, team officials said. Napoli striker Osimhen did not fly Monday with the rest of the squad for Bouake due to abdominal discomfort, a statement issued by Super Eagles spokesman Babafemi Raji said. "Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of […]

February 6, 2024 9

South Africa

AFCON: Semi-final with Nigeria will be tough – South Africa legends

Neil Tovey and Mark Williams, key figures when South Africa won their lone Africa Cup of Nations title, believe defeating 2024 semi-finals opponents Nigeria will be "tough". Bafana Bafana (The Boys) and the Super Eagles meet in the central Ivory Coast city of Bouake on Wednesday with a place in the February 11 final on the line. Nigeria are favourites for several reasons, including a perfect past record […]

February 6, 2024 10

Sport

Foden hat-trick hauls Man City within two points of Premier League lead

Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden is enjoying his best season at Manchester City after the England international's hat-trick beat Brentford 3-1 on Monday to leave the Premier League's top three separated by just two points. City move alongside Arsenal on 49 points, two behind Liverpool, but Guardiola's men have a game in hand to move out in front. The defending champions became the first side in Premier League history […]

February 6, 2024 3