Sport Archives - Page 6 of 16

UCL: Saka on Bench, Madueke starts for Arsenal at Atletico Madrid

April 29, 2026 by admin

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has to make do with a place on the bench for his team’s Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, with Noni Madueke selected on the right flank. England international Saka returned from an Achilles tendon injury as a substitute as the Gunners beat Newcastle to go back top of the Premier League on Saturday. Viktor Gyokeres starts up front for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Metropolitano Stadium, with Kai Havertz out injured. Eberechi Eze is on the bench after a knock and Arteta has opted for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, over Leandro Trossard. Like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid have never won the Champions League and Diego Simeone’s side are back in the semi-finals after a nine-year absence. The Argentine coach opted for Ademola Lookman on the left wing after the Nigeria international recovered from a minor niggle. Marcos Llorente starts at right-back with veteran Koke paired with Johnny Cardoso in the centre of midfield. Veteran Antoine Griezmann leads the line for the Rojiblancos alongside Julian Alvarez, recently linked with Arsenal. The second leg will be played in London on Tuesday, May 5. Starting line-ups: Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) Jan Oblak; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Koke (capt), Johnny Cardoso, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez Coach: Diego Simeone (ARG) Arsenal (4-3-3) David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard (capt); Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli Coach: Mikel Arteta (ESP) Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED) AFP

EPL: John Stones Announces Man City Departure After 10 Years

April 28, 2026 by admin

England defender ,John Stones has confirmed he will depart Manchester City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on his 10-year stint with the club. The 31-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones helped City secure multiple major honours, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, reflecting on his journey, Stones said he had achieved everything he set out to accomplish at the club. “It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. “I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve,” he said. Stones was one of the early signings under manager Pep Guardiola and credited him for playing a major role in his development. He evolved into a versatile defender under Guardiola, even stepping into midfield roles during key matches, including City’s 2023 Champions League triumph. Despite his success, Stones’ later years at City were affected by injuries, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. He featured sparingly in the current campaign but remained an experienced presence within the squad. Stones’ departure marks another significant change in the City squad as the club continues to evolve. He leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a crucial role in their domestic and European dominance. With his exit confirmed, attention will now turn to his next destination as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

Salah will get Fitting Liverpool Farewell Despite Injury, says Van Dijk

April 27, 2026 by admin

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is certain Mohamed Salah will get the send-off his glittering career deserves, even if injury prevents the Egyptian from playing again for the Reds. Salah, who will leave Anfield after nine years at the end of the season, was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. Liverpool are awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the problem, but with just four games of the campaign remaining, the 33-year-old may not feature again this season. “If you get injured at this stage of the season, especially in the situation he is in, there is only two more home games left for him. It’s a combination of feelings that go through your mind,” said Van Dijk. “He will get the send-off regardless. I don’t think that is the thing at this point, we shouldn’t think too far ahead. “Knowing Mo, he is a quick healer and with the right people around him, let’s see.” Salah has scored 257 goals in 440 appearances since his arrival in 2017, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt in Liverpool’s list of leading goalscorers. The winger has been integral to the club’s rise back to the top of English and European football, winning the Champions League and two Premier League titles among a clutch of trophies. Salah also scooped the players’ player of the year award a record three times and was the Premier League’s top scorer on four occasions. AFP

La Liga: Elche Extend Atletico Madrid’s Loss Streak in 3-2 Home Win

April 22, 2026 by admin

Atletico Madrid’s struggles continued on Wednesday as they slipped to a 3–2 defeat against struggling Elche in La Liga, marking their seventh loss in their last eight games across all competitions. The Champions League semi-finalists, who host Arsenal next Wednesday in Europe, could not bounce back from their Copa del Rey final defeat on penalties by Real Sociedad last weekend to build morale. Diego Simeone’s side are comfortable in fourth in La Liga and the coach played mostly a reserve side to rest his star names after the draining cup final. Nicolas Gonzalez struck twice for the visitors but Elche prevailed with a brace from Andre Silva and a goal from David Affengruber, boosting their survival hopes. Argentina winger Gonzalez opened the scoring after Rodri Mendoza backheeled the ball to him on the edge of the box. Elche pulled level when Affengruber prodded past Jan Oblak and then the defender was instrumental in his team’s next goal. Atletico played an hour with 10 men after Thiago Almada was dismissed in the 30th minute for pulling back Affengruber inside the area after losing the ball to the Elche man. Silva sent Oblak the wrong way from the spot to put the hosts ahead, but Atletico levelled almost immediately through a superb effort from Gonzalez. The winger just managed to keep the ball in, lifted it over Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro and headed home. Affengruber desperately hacked the ball away but a VAR review decided it had crossed the line. Silva won it for Elche with 15 minutes remaining, blasting home from close range after Oblak had saved Affrengruber’s header at a corner and the defender managed to get the ball back into the danger area. Victory takes Elche provisionally 15th, two points above the drop zone. AFP

Barcelona Need Real Leaders to Make Flick’s UCL Dream Happen

April 21, 2026 by admin

FC Barcelona will need strong leadership on the pitch to stand any real chance of achieving coach Hansi Flick’s ambition of winning the UEFA Champions League, the German said on Tuesday. The 61-year-old was speaking a week after his Champions League dream was dashed for a second successive season — this time ousted in the quarter-finals by La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. Flick — whose side went out in the semi-finals last season to Inter Milan — guided Barcelona to the domestic double last term and his charges are on course for retaining their league title, they are nine points clear of Real Madrid with seven games to play. “It is not an excuse but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available,” he said at his press conference on the eve of their league match with Celta Vigo. “Against Atletico, we were missing Frenkie (de Jong) and Raphinha. “Last year, we had Inigo (Martinez), who was a great leader. “We need these types of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the Champions League, and to show the way.” Flick added that the team, largely made up of players who came through the club’s youth system, were “young” and must “learn” from each defeat in order to progress. “I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market,” he said. Flick would not go into any further detail on the type of forward Barcelona will be looking to recruit, nor on his future, even if he hopes his “contract is extended” in what he repeated would be his “last job”. AFP

Ghana Appoints Former Real Madrid Coach Carlos Queiroz as Head Coach

April 13, 2026 by admin

The Ghana Football Association has named Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026. This was announced in a statement by the Ghana Football Association on Monday. The Portuguese tactician, who previously handled Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal and Iran, will lead Ghana at the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. “The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the statement read. Queiroz brings considerable World Cup pedigree to the role. He guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 tournament, led Portugal to the knockout rounds in 2010, and was in charge of Iran at the 2014 and 2018 editions. He has also held coaching posts in Egypt, Oman, Japan and Qatar. “Coach Queiroz begins work immediately to prepare the Black Stars for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026,” the statement added. Ghana are drawn in a group with England, Panama and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada.

UCL: Atletico Beat 10-man Barcelona 2-0 in Quarter-Final First Leg

April 8, 2026 by admin

Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s goals earned Atletico Madrid a commanding 2-0 lead over 10-man Barcelona in a tense Champions League quarter-final first leg clash on Wednesday. The La Liga leaders were on top in the all-Spanish tie at Camp Nou before Pau Cubarsi was sent off for bringing down Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone, who was through on goal. Alvarez whipped home the free-kick and Sorloth doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining to give Atletico a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals. Diego Simeone’s side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions. “We have things to improve and learn from… we’re happy for the win but there’s a long way to go,” Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann told Movistar. “We’re very far from the semis, we’re 90 or more minutes away… we’re confident but keeping our feet on the ground.” Barca, semi-finalists last season, need to make a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid if they are to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015. “It will be tough there but if anyone can do it, it’s us,” Barca defender Ronald Araujo told Movistar. “We’ve got great players, quality, personality — we will look for the comeback.” Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals in March and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in a space of a fortnight. Barcelona started well with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, their main threat down the left. On the right flank Atletico tried to suffocate teenage star Lamine Yamal with defensive numbers, allowing Rashford more room. The first chances fell to the England international, who scored against Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, but Musso denied him. At the other end Alvarez, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent months, tested Joan Garcia. The busy Rashford, constantly escaping beyond Nahuel Molina, volleyed narrowly wide and then rolled a shot into the bottom corner but it was disallowed for offside against Yamal in the build-up. Even though the 18-year-old was up against three Atletico defenders he produced some superb skill to break free of their shackles, but Robin Le Normand blocked his shot. Veteran Atletico midfielder Koke was fortunate to stay on the pitch after fouls on Dani Olmo, Pedri and Yamal were only punished with a yellow card, to Barca supporters’ fury. Hansi Flick’s side were controlling the game with Atletico talisman Griezmann quiet against his former team, but a moment of clumsiness from Cubarsi dramatically gave the visitors the upper hand before half-time. The 19-year-old centre-back, chasing Giuliano Simeone as he ran through on goal to reach a ball in behind Barca’s defence from Alvarez, clattered the Atletico coach’s son from behind. Although referee Istvan Kovacs only produced a yellow card for Cubarsi, he upgraded it to a red after a VAR review. Worse was to come for Barca, with former Manchester City striker Alvarez whipping the free-kick into the top corner. Sorloth doubles down Barca coach Flick took action at half-time, withdrawing the quiet Robert Lewandowski and the booked Pedri for energetic midfield tandem Gavi and Fermin Lopez. It helped the hosts continue to battle well with 10 men, as Barca kept generating chances for Rashford. Yamal sent the forward through on goal but after rounding Musso could only hit the side netting. Le Normand brought down Yamal on the edge of the box and Rashford’s free-kick was tipped over by Musso. It was against the run of play again that Atletico snatched their second. Griezmann and Matteo Ruggieri combined and the latter crossed for target man Sorloth, who outmuscled Gerard Martin and fired past the helpless Garcia. Barca tasted defeat at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025 — and Atletico coach Simeone won at the stadium for the first time in his 14-year career at the helm of the Rojiblancos. Musso later saved from Joao Cancelo and Yamal, but Barca could not pull a goal back, leaving the five-time winners in a tough spot ahead of the second leg next Tuesday.

PSG Beat Liverpool 2-0 in Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg

April 8, 2026 by admin

Holders Paris Saint-Germain took a 2-0 lead over Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final tie as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in Wednesday’s first leg in the French capital. Doue’s deflected strike looped over Giorgi Mamardashvili to give PSG the lead before Kvaratskhelia’s cool finish put Luis Enrique’s team in a strong position ahead of next week’s return leg at Anfield. Details later…

FIFA Approves Okonkwo’s International Switch from England to Nigeria

April 7, 2026 by admin

The International Federation of Association Football has officially confirmed goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s change of international allegiance from England to Nigeria, making the 24-year-old Wrexham shot-stopper eligible to represent the Super Eagles. The approval was documented on FIFA’s Change of Association platform on April 6, 2026. Checks by PUNCH Online on Tuesday show Okonkwo’s new national association listed as the Nigeria Football Federation on the FIFA website, replacing his former allegiance, The Football Association Ltd of England. Born on September 9, 2001, in Camden, London, to Nigerian (Igbo) parents, Okonkwo stands at 1.98–1.99m tall and began his career in Arsenal’s academy at age eight. He represented England at youth level between 2015 and 2019, featuring for the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 teams. But he has never featured for the senior Three Lions team, clearing the path for the switch under FIFA eligibility rules. Okonkwo is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for Wrexham in the EFL Championship following a permanent move from Arsenal. He has impressed this season with consistent performances and key saves, helping the club compete in the second tier of English football. His form has drawn attention as a potential high-quality addition to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options. The switch followed discussions with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year. However, administrative procedures ruled him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Okonkwo’s move adds depth to the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping options, which currently include Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye.

Seven Eritrean Players Abscond in South Africa after AFCON Qualifier

April 6, 2026 by admin

Seven players from the Eritrea national football team have failed to return home after their side secured a historic victory over Eswatini national football team. A source close to the squad told the BCC on Monday that while part of the team travelled back via South Africa after the match, the seven players are believed to have absconded. The development comes shortly after Eritrea’s 2–1 win in Eswatini, which secured a 4–1 aggregate victory and a return to the qualifying group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 19 years. Sources said only 10 members of the 24-man squad were based in Eritrea, and just three of those players—including team captain Ablelom Teklezghi—have returned to the country. Although the whereabouts of the missing players remain unclear, reports indicate that some may have been seen in South Africa. Among those who failed to return are goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and veteran winger Medhanie Redie. The incident has cast a shadow over what had been a celebrated achievement for the team, with Eritrea’s state-owned media remaining largely silent on their return. Sources said plans for a reception to welcome the victorious squad were cancelled following news of the players’ disappearance. Images shared by officials showed some players and staff being received by embassy representatives and members of the Eritrean community in Cairo, Egypt, during a stopover. However, only those who later travelled on to Asmara were present. The situation reflects a broader pattern involving Eritrean athletes, with several previous cases of players failing to return home after international competitions. In 2019, seven players from the Eritrean under-20 team went missing after a regional tournament in Uganda. In 2015, 10 senior players refused to return following a World Cup qualifier in Botswana. Earlier incidents include 15 players and a team doctor granted asylum in Uganda in 2013, and in 2009, nearly the entire senior team failed to return from a trip to Kenya.