Category: Sport News

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Argentina Stages Comeback to End Egypt’s World Cup Run

Egypt’s remarkable World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end in the round of 16, where they suffered a 3-2 defeat against defending champions Argentina, despite holding a two-goal advantage.

Hossam Hassan’s team initially took control of the match, going ahead 2-0 with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico. However, Argentina rallied in the closing minutes to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Ibrahim kicked things off in the 15th minute, scoring with a header from a corner delivered by Marwan Attia. Just before halftime, Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a penalty from Lionel Messi, keeping Argentina at bay as they sought to level the score.

In the second half, Zico had a goal disallowed by VAR, but he found the back of the net in the 67th minute after a swift counterattack involving both Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan. Argentina struck back in the 79th minute with Cristian Romero heading in from a Messi cross. Just four minutes later, Messi equalized, and Enzo Fernández clinched the win with a goal in stoppage time.

This defeat marked the end of Egypt’s deepest World Cup run to date. They managed to draw with Belgium and Iran, celebrated their first-ever World Cup victory against New Zealand, and triumphed over Australia in a penalty shootout to reach the knockout stage.

With this loss, Egypt’s unbeaten streak at the tournament came to a close, as they exited following their historic performance. Argentina will now face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Stats

  • Mostafa Shoubeir, who repelled a spot-kick from IR Iran’s Mehdi Taremi in the group stage, became only the fourth goalkeeper to save two penalties in games in one World Cup. The 26-year-old emulated Pole Jan Tomaszewski, American Brad Friedel and another Pole in Wojciech Szczesny.

  • Enzo Fernández scored the 3,000th goal in World Cup history.

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina

Argentina is the clear favourite in this knockout match, but Egypt has shown they can challenge stronger teams and will aim for an upset at the Atlanta Stadium. As the defending champions, Argentina has won every match in the tournament so far, although they needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the last round. (Photo Credit Egypt FA)

Icon Lionel Messi leads the attack and is having a great World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister provides balance and creativity in midfield. Argentina is expected to have most of the ball and will try to stretch Egypt’s defence.

Egypt reached the Round of 16 after a disciplined performance and won against Australia in a penalty shootout in the last round. Mohamed Salah is their main attacking threat and will be key for counterattacks. Egypt will likely defend tightly and focus on quick transitions and set pieces.

Key battle

The key matchup is Messi vs Salah. Both captains can change the game with a moment of brilliance, making this an exciting tie in the Round of 16.

Prediction

Argentina has more squad depth, better control in midfield, and more experience in knockout games. Egypt has a strong defensive organisation to make it tough, but Argentina should have enough quality to move forward.

Route to the final

The winner of this clash meets the victor of today’s later game between Switzerland and Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Mohamed Sankoh joins Danish Superliga side Randers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh joins Danish Superliga side Randers

Danish Side Randers FC has signed 22-year-old Dutch-Sierra Leonean striker Mohamed Sankoh from VfB Stuttgart in Germany on a four-year contract.

Hailing from Sierra Leonean parents, Sankoh grew up in the Netherlands and started his football career at KRSV Vredenburch. He then continued developing at Sparta Rotterdam. After that, he moved to Stoke City in England and to VfB Stuttgart in 2020.

Football director Søren Pedersen is happy with Sankoh’s arrival, “Mohamed is an exciting and fast striker. He brings speed and power to our team. His ability to make deep runs can stretch the opponent’s defence and create space for his teammates. He is a constant threat near the goal.

We see him as a strong offensive player. He works hard for the team and knows how to attack open spaces. He has what it takes to turn chances into goals. We are thrilled that Sankoh is now part of our team, says Søren Pedersen.”

At just 22, Sankoh has already gained valuable experience from several international teams, including loan spells in the Netherlands and Italy. He mostly played for VfB Stuttgart’s second team in Germany’s third division, but has also made his Bundesliga debut. His loans have helped him gain experience, including playing 49 games in the top Dutch league.

Sankoh has also represented the Netherlands at youth level and was part of the Dutch U17 national team that won the European Championship in 2019.

Sankoh is excited to wear the light blue jersey of Randers FC: “I feel great about signing with Randers. The welcome has been wonderful, and I am ready to put everything into this club. I can’t wait to start training,” says Sankoh.

He adds, “I already sense it’s a great environment for growth. The staff will help me improve, which is exactly what I need to take the next step.”

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card

Folarin Balogun can play for the US national team in their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. FIFA has confirmed that his red-card ban for one game has been suspended.

The 25-year-old striker got a straight red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. This usually means a one-game suspension under FIFA rules, but that decision has now been overturned.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, vehemently noted that FIFA’s has reached unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.

Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.

We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal

Wigan Athletic has signed Sierra Leone international Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace, pending approval from the Premier League, EFL, and FA.

The 20-year-old will join Gary Caldwell’s team for the entire 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season.

Mustapha has been with Palace since age nine, progressing through their Academy and scoring 16 goals with 17 assists in 57 appearances for their U18 and U21 teams.

He was named Palace’s U21 Player of the Season for 2024/25, netting 11 goals and providing seven assists. He has also had loan spells at 1. FC Nürnberg and West Bromwich Albion.

On the international stage, he has played three times for Sierra Leone, including a debut against Chad in 2024.

Mustapha expressed excitement about joining Wigan, stating he believes he can grow and make an impact. Head coach Gary Caldwell praised Mustapha’s skills and potential, emphasising the importance of support from staff and fans.

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three AFCON finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Race heats up as Caf invites bids for three Afcon finals

Even before the invitation for official bids for the next three Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after 2027 was announced, interested hosts had already been in the race.

A total of seven countries have already placed their names in contention for either the 2028 Afcon or the 2032 and 2036. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved the tournament from bi-annual to every four years.

After Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host in 2027, another East African nation, Ethiopia, had already filed to bid for the 2028 edition, according to the state broadcaster EBC, which announced it back in January.

However, the Ethiopian bid is not without challenge, as a joint campaign from four Southern African countries, led by South Africa, is also underway, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

This bid could pose a threat to Ethiopia, potentially preventing a back-to-back East African hosting. However, with four countries in a joint bid is a first, and its size could also be a weakness.

Senegal and Egypt have both shown an interest in the 2032 event, but the Egyptians have also hinted at being keen to stage the 2036 finals.

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch
by Abdul Karim Kargbo

Morocco March Into History with Dominant 3-0 Win Over Canada, Set Up France Rematch

Morocco has once again made football history, becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.

The Atlas Lions’ latest achievement further strengthens their reputation as one of world football’s rising powers and highlights the success of years of strategic investment in football infrastructure and youth development.

After a hard-fought first half, Morocco took complete control following the restart. Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi inspired the victory with two superb second-half goals, the opener coming from a brilliantly rehearsed free-kick routine orchestrated by Achraf Hakimi. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win and send the North Africans into the last eight in style.

The victory has now set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against France after Les Bleus edged Paraguay 1-0 to book their place in the last eight. The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to end the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Morocco will be eager to gain revenge and continue their remarkable journey, although there are concerns over the fitness of leading scorer Ismael Saibari, who was forced off in the first half with a suspected injury.

For Canada, the defeat brings an end to their World Cup campaign after four matches despite a spirited display on home soil. Morocco, however, once again showcased the tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing that have become the hallmarks of their success. With another quarterfinal appearance secured and a mouthwatering rematch against France awaiting, the Atlas Lions now carry the hopes of an entire continent as they chase an unprecedented place in the World Cup semifinals.

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after win over Canada
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half, helping Morocco to book their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. Their second consecutive time after reaching this stage in Qatar in 2022.

Ounahi played well against Canada in Houston, giving the Atlas Lions full control before Soufiane Rahimi scored the third for the North Africans. The key second goal came in the 82nd minute, disappointing Canadian fans. Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz made a fantastic pass to Ounahi, who scored calmly.

Ounahi had already scored his first goal just after halftime, in the 49th minute, breaking the tie. Canada tried hard to equalise, but Ounahi’s goals, combined with Díaz’s skill, made it difficult for Canada in the last minutes of this tense Round of 16 match.

The Atlas Lions made history as Africa’s first semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, and after shrugging off a slow start with a strong second-half showing here, they can now look forward to a Boston quarter-final on 9 July against the winners of the France-Paraguay tie.

Canada 0-3 Morocco

Morocco goals: Ounahi (50, 82), Rahaimi (90+8)

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Colombia remain unbeaten as they seal World Cup last-16 spot with win over Ghana

Colombia kept their perfect record in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Ghana to advance to the Round of 16. With a commanding display over Ghana at Kansas City Stadium, they demonstrated they might be tough tournament rivals.

Ahead of Portugal, they topped Group K and turned too hard for the Black Stars. First-half scorer Jhon Arias guarantees a following round match against Switzerland.

Ghana’s Thomas Partey almost scored early with a long shot, but Colombia rapidly gained control, motivated by their encouraging supporters. Rising down the right side, Luis Suarez, who took over for the hurt Jhon Cordoba, set up Arias for a flawless corner net finish.

Ghana was fortunate at halftime not to be down by more goals. From inside the box, Luis Diaz missed an opportunity and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made an excellent save against Johan Mojica’s header.

Though it was rejected for a tight offside, Diaz scored in the 56th minute. Later, when he aimed right at Ati-Zigi when he was uninvited in the box, he lost yet another opportunity.

Colombia was content with one goal as their defence remained impenetrable, and Ghana was not permitted any shots on target. Targeting a quarter-finals berth against Switzerland, Colombia will compete again on July 7 in Vancouver.

With their movement and passing, I believe Colombia controlled the game more effectively. This wore us down and made it challenging to pick up the ball and advance. Though we pushed with heart and worked to generate opportunities, our last passes fell short of the standard necessary in this game. Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, said that the better team generally won.

Colombia 1-0 Ghana

Colombia goal: Arias (14)