Sports
Man Utd Held By Chelsea In First Post-Ten Hag Premier League Game
Moises Caicedo’s strike denied Manchester United victory in their first Premier League game since sacking Erik ten Hag as Chelsea claimed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim later his month, sprinted down the touchline in celebration after Bruno Fernandes put United in front from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.
Caicedo quickly replied for the Blues, who edge above Arsenal on goal different into fourth.
A point leaves United still down in 13th, six points off the top four.
Amorim was not in attendance as he prepares to take charge of Sporting Lisbon for the one of the final times against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
United were far more competitive than in 3-0 demolitions by Liverpool and Tottenham at home this season, but showed many of the same flaws that cost Ten Hag his job.
Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a 5-2 demolition of an under-strength Leicester in his first match in charge to reach the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.
Still a hero among the United fans from his days as a prolific striker, the Dutchman’s name was chanted in a buoyant pre-match atmosphere.
However, a Chelsea side that have lost once in nine Premier League games, provided a much stiffer test for a United side still short on confidence.
Noni Madueke came closest to opening the scoring for Chelsea in the first-half when he headed Cole Palmer’s corner off the post.
It took United time to find their feet as an attacking force but they were unfortunate not to go in front just before half-time.
Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar with a cushioned volley in the last action of a disappointing first 45 minutes from both sides.
Pedro Neto’s burst of pace nearly gave Chelsea a dream start to the second period but the Portuguese winger’s shot flew just past the far post.
The Blues remain overly reliant on Palmer for inspiration.
The boyhood United fan, who began his career at Manchester City before joining Chelsea last year, was kept quiet by Van Nistelrooy’s pairing of Casemiro alongside Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
Before kick-off only Southampton had scored fewer than United’s eight Premier League goals in nine games this season.
The lack of efficiency in front of goal that Ten Hag often bemoaned was in evidence again.
Garnacho wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring from Fernandes’ cut-back with a tame effort that looped into the arms of Sanchez.
United were gifted the chance to break the deadlock when Robert Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hojlund inside the box.
Fernandes kept his cool to send the Spanish international goalkeeper the wrong way and spark wild celebrations from Van Nistelrooy.
United’s joy was short-lived as Chelsea hit back within four minutes.
A corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Caicedo connected a sweet strike to fire into the bottom corner.
Chelsea should have struck again moments later when substitute Enzo Fernandez spooned over with Andre Onana stranded.
It was United who came closest in a frantic finale when Garnacho’s acrobatic effort flew just over.
AFP
Senegal on Sunday clinched the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a tense 1–0 extra-time victory over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The final was marked by controversy late in regulation time after the Democratic Republic of Congo referee, Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo, awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time following a VAR review. Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a corner kick.
Furious over the decision, Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Thiaw, leading to a 13-minute standoff. Captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded his teammates to return to the field.
Morocco failed to capitalise on the opportunity as Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, allowing Senegal to push the match into extra time.
The breakthrough came in the fourth minute of extra time when Pape Gueye fired home a stunning strike following a swift counterattack initiated by Mané. Senegal then held firm to silence the home crowd and secure the trophy.
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.
Here is a list of AFCON Winners Since 1957
2025 – Senegal
2023 – Côte d’Ivoire
2021 – Senegal
2019 – Algeria
2017 – Cameroon
2015 – Côte d’Ivoire
2013 – Nigeria
2012 – Zambia
2010 – Egypt
2008 – Egypt
2006 – Egypt
2004 – Tunisia
2002 – Cameroon
2000 – Cameroon
1998 – Egypt
1996 – South Africa
1994 – Nigeria
1992 – Côte d’Ivoire
1990 – Algeria
1988 – Cameroon
1986 – Egypt
1984 – Cameroon
1982 – Ghana
1980 – Nigeria
1978 – Ghana
1976 – Morocco
1974 – DR Congo
1972 – Congo
1970 – Sudan
1968 – DR Congo
1965 – Ghana
1963 – Ghana
1962 – Ethiopia
1959 – Egypt
1957 – Egypt
Senegal stunned Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win in a game marred by ugly incidents following a controversial penalty award.
Several Senegal players walked off the pitch in disgust and clashes erupted among their supporters after Morocco were given a spot-kick in injury time at the end of normal time.
The game restarted after a delay of almost 20 minutes but Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, taking the final to extra time where Gueye scored before Senegal held on to win the continental title for the second time.
[Vanguard]
The Federal Government has congratulated the Super Eagles for defeating the Pharaohs of Egypt to clinch the third position in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris on Saturday in Abuja.
“On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, I congratulate the Super Eagles on winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Their performance throughout the tournament was a source of pride and joy for our nation.
“They have upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart, skill, and resilience. From the group stages to the final whistle in Casablanca, they showed courage, unity, and belief in one another.
“They didn’t just play; they inspired millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
“Securing a bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s remarkable record in AFCON history, where the Super Eagles have now continued their strong legacy at this level.
“The way they competed, especially against strong teams, showed discipline and an unbroken fighting spirit,” Idris said.
He thanked the coaches, support staff, and every player who wore the green and white jersey for their dedication and sacrifice.
The minister noted that they faced challenges with determination and gave their best on every pitch.
“They reminded us that true strength lies in teamwork, belief, and pride in our nation, Nigeria. Their effort has shown that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African football.
“Although the ultimate prize may have eluded us this time, know that this bronze medal is earned with dignity and effort.
“It belongs to every Nigerian who cheered, believed, and stood by them throughout this competition.
“Celebrate this achievement with pride, and let it strengthen our resolve for future challenges.
“They have done well, and we are filled with gratitude and admiration for how they represented our nation.
“Congratulations, Super Eagles. Nigeria applauds you,” Idris said.
(NAN)
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