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Hosts Morocco storm into AFCON semis with win over Cameroon

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Tournament hosts Morocco sealed their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari secured a convincing 2-0 victory over five-time winners Cameroon in Rabat.

Backed by a vociferous home crowd in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco came flying out of the blocks against the Indomitable Lions. A string of threatening deliveries into the box put Cameroon under immediate pressure, but captain Nouhou Tolo stood firm at the back to keep David Pagou’s men on level terms.

Morocco continued to probe for an opener, and their attacking intent was rewarded in the 26th minute when Diaz directed Ayoub El Kaabi’s downward header beyond Devis Epassy for his fifth goal of the tournament.

Armed with the momentum, the Atlas Lions could’ve doubled their lead before half-time, as Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi fired a pair of efforts narrowly wide of the near post.

Grateful to only be one goal behind, Cameroon dominated possession at the start of the second period as they searched for a route back into the contest. However, it was Morocco who remained the more threatening of the two sides in the final third, with Ezzalzouli glancing a close-range header onto the roof of the net.

At the other end of the pitch, attacking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Kofane were unable to affect proceedings, as substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou headed well wide from six yards.

Having kept the Indomitable Lions at arm’s length, Morocco found their all-important second goal with 16 minutes remaining, when Ezzalzouli’s cross into the box found Saibari, who took one touch to compose himself before firing a superb left-footed finish into the far corner.

That killed off any hopes of a Cameroon comeback, as Morocco navigated their way through the closing stages to set up a semi-final date with either Nigeria or Algeria, while extending their unbeaten run to 22 matches (W20, D2).

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Police Arrest 46 In Connection With ‘Attack’ On Obi’s Convoy

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Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested 46 suspects in connection with the attack on the convoy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.


Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, who announced this on Wednesday, said investigation is still ongoing as key leaders of the youths involved in the incident are being trailed.

He warned that the police in Benue State will not allow any act of political intolerance as the general election approaches.

The commissioner said the command would continue to take necessary steps to identify all those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.

The development followed the blockade of Obi’s convoy on his way to Yelwata, where he was billed to meet and commiserate with victims of the June 2025 attacks.

Trouble started a few meters away from the airport when Obi’s convoy ran into a roadblock on the two-lane Makurdi-Gboko federal highway.

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Thierry Henry hails Rodri as ‘another Busquets’ for Barcelona

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Former Barcelona star Thierry Henry believes the summer signing of Rodri could drive his old team to another level this season.

On the back of captaining Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tittle this summer, Rodri informed Manchester City of his desire to return to his native country for the 2026/27 campaign, as he entered into the final year of his contract.

The former Atletico Madrid man rejected City’s attempt to convince him on a renewal and he also opted against a bold move to Real Madrid.

His focus was Barcelona and the chance to pair up in midfield with La Roja teammates Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal – as the Catalans eventually secured a €60M up front transfer deal.

Hansi Flick has looked to ease him into match action, following a minor back operation in August, but Henry is in no doubt who he is reminded of by Barca’s new No.16.

“I don’t know if he’s better than Busquets or not, because that’s a whole other discussion, but I never thought I’d see another Busquets.

“I’ve seen him, now I’m seeing another one. Busquets never won a Ballon d’Or, but neither did Xavi or Iniesta. What I’m trying to say is that this guy, if he’s fit and I hope he doesn’t get injured, completely transforms your team.

“They won 5-0 at the weekend in Valencia and didn’t concede a single counterattack. That’s what he brings to the table, that’s why this team will be so dangerous.”

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Chelsea line up January transfer offer on Alex Scott

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Chelsea are ready to test Bournemouth’s resolve over keeping Alex Scott for the rest of the 2026/27 season with a January transfer bid.

The Blues actively pursued a move for the England U21 international during the summer transfer window, but Bournemouth stood firm, with Marco Rose thanking the club owners for not selling his midfield star.

Bournemouth were also looking to secure a fee in the region of £100M, which was above Chelsea’s budget, prior to selling Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125M.

Despite missing out on a deal for him ahead of the new campaign, Chelsea are undeterred in their interest, and reports from TEAMtalk claim they will file a January offer, to get ahead of possible rivals next summer.

With a contract in place until 2028, Bournemouth remain in a strong negotiating position over Scott’s possible exit, but Chelsea are unlikely to go above £75M.

Bournemouth may also prefer to wat until the end of 2026/27 with ex-Cherries boss Andoni Iraola also eyeing him for a move to Liverpool.

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