Sports
Appollis’ Penalty Sends South Africa Past Zimbabwe Into AFCON Last 16
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Oswin Appollis converted a late penalty to give South Africa a 3-2 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Zimbabwe in Marrakesh on Monday, and qualification for the knockout stage.
Bafana Bafana must wait until Wednesday to know who they will face on Sunday in the round of 16. It is likely to be either defending champions Ivory Coast or five-time winners, Cameroon.
Egypt, which rested stars like captain Mohamed Salah with first place already assured, topped Group B with seven points after a 0-0 draw against Angola in Agadir.
South Africa finished with six points, Angola two and Zimbabwe one. Angola could squeeze into the knockout stage as one of the best four third-placed teams.
In Marrakesh, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, South African Patrice Motsepe, was among a small but boisterous crowd that saw Bafana Bafana establish an early foothold.
Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi reacted late to a low sixth-minute shot from Appollis and grasped the ball just before it crossed the line.
A minute later and South Africa were ahead thanks to rising star Tshepang Moremi in the clash of southern Africa neighbours.
The ball was played across the pitch just outside the box to Moremi. He unleashed a goal-bound shot that took a deflection off Divine Lunga and looped over 40-year-old Arubi into the net.
Falling behind motivated Zimbabwe, and they deservedly levelled on 19 minutes thanks to the individual brilliance of Tawanda Maswanhise from Scottish Premiership club Motherwell.
Maswanhise gained possession inside the South African half, dribbled past two opponents and fired the ball wide of captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner.
The equaliser rattled South Africa. Bronze medallists at the 2024 AFCON, they were fortunate not to fall behind as the match reached the half-hour mark.
A Zimbabwe free-kick was floated into the goalmouth and unmarked Munashe Garananga should have done better than head over from close range.
South African frustrations at being unable to dominate flared just before half-time. Already-cautioned Sipho Mbule argued with the Moroccan referee, risking another yellow card and a red.
As was the case in the first half, South Africa began the second period aggressively. They regained the lead on 50 minutes through Burnley striker Lyle Foster.
The Premier League player raced after a headed back pass to slow-reacting Arubi, then outjumped the veteran goalkeeper to nod the ball into the net.
It was the second goal of the tournament for the 25-year-old after his winner against Angola. He is the only South African currently playing in a major European league.
Maswanhise was a constant threat and came close to scoring again midway through the second half. He bent a shot from the edge of the box on to a post.
After soaking up pressure for some time, Zimbabwe equalised on 73 minutes when Aubrey Modiba conceded an own goal.
A superb long pass from substitute Tawanda Chirewa found Maswanhise, whose shot was parried by Williams. The ball rebounded, struck Modiba and rolled into the net.
Appollis then netted from an 82nd-minute penalty to give Bafana the lead for the third time, which they successfully retained.
AFP
Sports
Ex – Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is expected to leave Monaco amid talks over a possible contract termination.
The former World Cup winner joined the Ligue 1 side last summer after he was permitted to return to professional football after a doping suspension.
Pogba signed a two-year contract that was set to run until the end of the upcoming season, but a new injury setback has disrupted his plans.
The French midfielder collapsed in severe pain in his leg during a training session, accelerating Monaco’s decision to terminate his contract, according to L’Equipe and Nicemartin.com.
Pogba only returned to training last week but sustained the thigh injury in a small-sided game and was scheduled for an MRI this week.
The club will now try to reach an agreement with Pogba and his representatives over paying out his deal, which expires next summer.
Pogba was allowed back into football in March 2025 after his doping ban was reduced on appeal.
He had already left Juventus after having that contract terminated by mutual consent in December 2024.
Monaco was his route back into the game but he only managed to play in six matches last term due to persistent injury problems.
Katsina State was thrown into mourning on Tuesday after the tragic death of Katsina United Football Club player, Chinedu Ozor, who collapsed during a pre-season friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The promising footballer, who recently joined Katsina United from Kano Pillars FC, reportedly suffered a medical emergency during the encounter and was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, Katsina, where he was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Reacting to the heartbreaking incident, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed profound shock and sadness over the untimely passing of the young player, describing the loss as a devastating blow to the football community and the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Governor Radda said the tragedy was especially painful as Ozor had been preparing to begin a new chapter of his career with Katsina United.
“The sudden death of Ozoh Chinedu is deeply shocking and heartbreaking. It is particularly painful that a young footballer with a promising career has lost his life at such a time,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Katsina United Football Club, the player’s teammates, coaches, management, supporters, his former club Kano Pillars FC, and the wider Nigerian football community.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, I extend our condolences to the family of Ozoh Chinedu, Katsina United FC, his teammates, coaches, management, supporters, Kano Pillars FC and the entire football community,” he added.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the country’s football fraternity, with tributes expected to pour in for the late midfielder, whose career was widely regarded as one of great promise.
Ozoh’s sudden passing has once again highlighted concerns over player health and emergency medical preparedness in competitive football, as the football community mourns the loss of a talented athlete whose life and career were cut short.
Sports
Countries That Qualified For 2027 Women’s World Cup As Cameroon Beat Nigeria In Quarter- Final
Cameroon on Sunday secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after edging Nigeria’s Super Falcons 1-0 in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final encounter.
The victory also sent the Indomitable Lionesses into the WAFCON semi-finals, securing their qualification for next year’s global tournament in Brazil.
The 2026 WAFCON doubles as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning the continent’s automatic tickets to the tournament.
Cameroon join Algeria and Morocco, who had already sealed their places after reaching the semi-finals on Saturday.
Brazil will host the 2027 tournament, while the remaining qualifying places are being determined through continental competitions across the various confederations.
See full list of countries that qualified:
Host:
Brazil
AFC:
Australia
China PR
Japan
Korea DPR
Korea Republic
Philippines
CAF:
Algeria
Cameroon
Morocco
Concacaf:
None yet
CONMEBOL:
Argentina
Colombia
OFC:
New Zealand
UEFA:
Denmark
France
Germany
Spain
More teams are expected to secure qualification as the various continental qualification campaigns conclude.
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature 32 teams.
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Ex – Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is expected to leave Monaco amid talks over a possible contract termination.
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