Sports
How Mane Rescued AFCON Draw For Senegal Against DR Congo
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Sadio Mane’s equaliser earned 2022 champions Senegal a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations clash on Saturday.
Cedric Bakambu had given the Leopards the lead just after the hour mark in Tangiers but Al Nassr forward Mane replied soon after and the result ensures Senegal stay on top of Group D with one round of matches still to play.
Both teams have four points but Senegal have a superior goal difference before their final group match against Benin on Tuesday.
Benin have three points after a 1-0 victory earlier Saturday in Rabat against Botswana, who are bottom without a point or a goal scored.
Sebastien Desabre’s Congolese side were seeking revenge after a dramatic defeat in the last meeting of the nations, in World Cup qualifying in September.
Senegal came from 2-0 down to win that encounter 3-2 in Kinshasa, a result which allowed them to go on and top their group to secure a place at next year’s finals in North America.
DR Congo were therefore forced to settle for second place but can still make the World Cup if they win a one-off play-off against either New Caledonia or Jamaica in Mexico in March.
Senegal, fresh from beating Botswana 3-0 and seen as perhaps the biggest threat to Morocco’s chances of winning the title on home soil, had more of the possession and more chances on the day.
However, the Leopards took the lead in the 61st minute when Theo Bongonda — scorer of the only goal in their opening win against Benin — had a shot at the end of a fine move parried by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Real Betis striker Bakambu pounced to convert the loose ball.
But Senegal were only behind for eight minutes, their equaliser coming after a superb run by teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger Mbaye, who was born in France and represented them up to Under-20 level, recently committed his international future to Senegal, for whom he qualifies through one of his parents.
He replaced Ismaila Sarr just after Bakambu’s opener, and made the leveller from a penetrating run down the right.
Mbaye burst away from Arthur Masuaku, who appeared to injure himself going to tackle, and then saw his shot blocked by Lionel Mpasi, but Mane was on hand to score.
It was a 10th AFCON goal for former Liverpool superstar Mane, who is appearing at his sixth tournament.
AFP
Egypt have become the second African country to qualify for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Pharoahs beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Emam Ashour opened the scoring in the first half, before Mohamed Hany’s own goal levelled the game in the 55th minute.
It’s a first ever World Cup knockout win for Egypt and they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde next.
Morocco were the first African team to progress into the Round of 16 and they will take on co-hosts Canada.
Six countries from the continent have already been eliminated.
FIFA is considering switching the 2026 World Cup last-16 match between co-hosts Mexico and Egypt to a 7pm BST kick-off time on Sunday, due to thunderstorms in Mexico City.
The game, which will be played at the Azteca Stadium, was initially scheduled to start 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday).
Latin America broadcaster Claro Sports reports that due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in the area, the match has been moved to an earlier time.
Andres Vaca, a commentator for Mexico’s official World Cup broadcaster TUDN, has also announced that the kick-off time for Mexico vs England has moved to the earlier time.
FIFA has yet to officially confirm the switch.
Former Liverpool F.C. manager Jürgen Klopp is set to become the new head coach of the Germany national football team after indicating his willingness to take over following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann.
The German Football Association confirmed on Friday that it has begun the process of appointing a new coach after parting ways with Nagelsmann in the aftermath of Germany’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The federation said discussions with Klopp would commence after he signalled his readiness in principle to accept the role.
In a statement, the DFB said it would now seek talks with Klopp regarding the vacant position following Nagelsmann’s departure.
Nagelsmann stepped down after Germany’s shock elimination by Paraguay in the Round of 32, bringing an end to his tenure as national team coach. The decision followed discussions with DFB officials after the team’s early World Cup exit.
Klopp has been out of frontline coaching since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after nearly nine years in charge, during which he guided the club to both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.
The 59-year-old is currently serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football. However, reports indicate that he has a verbal agreement that would allow him to leave the role should he accept the opportunity to coach Germany.
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