International Football
Cote D’Ivoire Down Uruguay, Algeria And South Africa Share The Spoils In Thriller –
Algeria and South Africa battled to a pulsating 3-3 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday night in the FIFA Series, igniting passion among fans on the final day of the international break.
Yassine Benzia stole the spotlight with a brace for the hosts, finding the net in the 22nd and 70th minutes, while Yassine Brahimi added to the tally in the 53rd minute.
However, South Africa’s resilient response, spearheaded by Themba Zwane’s strikes in the 34th and 45+5 minutes, alongside Ikram Reiners’ goal in the 66th minute, ensured an electrifying deadlock that thrilled the spectators.
Meanwhile in another FIFA Series game, Egypt lost 4-2 Croatia in Cairo with Rami Rabia and Mohamed Abdel Moneim scoring for the Pharaohs.
Elsewhere, the Marrakech Stadium witnessed a fierce duel between Uganda and Ghana, culminating in a captivating 2-2 draw.
Jerome Opoku and Jordan Ayew struck early for the Black Stars, countered by Stephen Mukwala’s penalty and Mohamed Shaaban’s late equalizer for Uganda, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
In France, Senegal clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin, with Sadio Mane converting a crucial penalty in the 59th minute to secure the win.
Meanwhile, reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire continued their impressive form, overcoming Uruguay 2-1 in Lens, France, courtesy of goals from Matías Oliveira and Guilla Doy.
However, it was disappointment for Nigeria as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Mali in Marrakech, with Bilal Toure and Kamouri Doumbia finding the net for the victorious Malian Eagles.
In other fixtures, Burkina Faso drew 1-1 against Niger, Morocco played out a goalless stalemate with Mauritania, and Togo settled for a 1-1 draw against Libya.
The enthralling array of friendly matches showcased the competitive spirit and talent across the African footballing landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Results of African friendlies on Tuesday 26th March
Algeria 3-3 South Africa
Egypt 2-4 Croatia
Burkina Faso 1-1 Niger
Morocco 0-0 Mauritania
Togo 1-1 Libya
Uganda 2-2 Ghana
Senegal 1-0 Benin
Côte d’Ivoire 2 -1 Uruguay
Mali 2-0 Nigeria
-CAF
International Football
Two Moroccan football players lost at sea, says club official
Two Moroccan players from top-flight soccer side Ittihad Tanger have been missing at sea since Saturday after strong currents drifted their small yacht, a club official said on Sunday.
They were in a group of five players from the club who went cruising off the northern city of Tangier when strong currents and heavy winds drifted their yacht away as they were swimming in deep waters, club deputy president Anass Mrabet told Reuters.
“Three players have already been rescued on Saturday, while research is still ongoing for the missing Salman Harraq and Abdellatif Akhrif,” he said.
The players did not have buoys on them when they jumped from the small yacht to swim, he said citing recounts by rescued players.
While Akhrif, 24, is already a full member of the squad, Harraq, 18, was about to move up to the senior team this year, Mrabet added.
Ittihad Tanger have been in the Moroccan top flight since 2015 and won the league title for the first and only time in their history in the 2017-18 season. However, they have struggled in the lower half of the standings in recent years.
-Reuters
International Football
FIFA launches ‘Football Manager’ World Cup with $100,000 in prize money
FIFA will host its first ever FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager this year to crown the best virtual manager on the highly-popular video game, world soccer’s governing body said on Thursday.
FIFA is partnering with Sports Interactive, the developers of the game that has sold millions of copies and has also been used by several football clubs to scout players and opponents thanks to its extensive database.
Players will compete for $100,000 in prize money in the final event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
“This competition requires participants to demonstrate a profound understanding of football strategy and tactics,” said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is the ambassador for the esports event.
“Success demands not only mastery of game mechanics but also in-depth football knowledge, making this format a fascinating blend.”
FIFA said in the inaugural year of the event, selected member associations will be invited to be represented at the final event.
Member associations from all six confederations are expected to be invited while players can sign up on FIFA’s website.
-Reuters
International Football
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio robbed at gunpoint
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint at his home in northern Italy while watching his country’s match against Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament on Thursday, local police said.
Burglars broke into Baggio’s house near Vicenza, hit him on the head with a gun butt and locked him and his family in a room while they stole jewellery, watches and cash, daily Il Corriere della Sera reported. It said he suffered a deep wound.
“Luckily, the violence I suffered only resulted in a few stitches, bruises and a lot of fear. Now it is to overcome the fear,” Baggio was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA.
Baggio, 57, played for clubs including Juventus (JUVE.MI), opens new tab, AC Milan and Inter Milan. He also played 56 times for Italy, scoring 27 goals, and is widely seen as one of his country’s all-time greats.
After the robbery, Baggio, widely known as the “divine ponytail”, was treated at a local hospital where he received stitches for the head wound, Italian media reported.
Italy lost to Spain 1-0 on Thursday and now must avoid defeat by Croatia to guarantee progression in the tournament.
-Reuters
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