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2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons to Go Hard on She-Cheetahs, as Lionesses Face Tough Task

Fola Badmus05 mins

The race for tickets to next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations, also to be staged in Morocco just as the last two editions, will be concluded in October with Cup holders and 10-time winners Nigeria up against the She-Cheetahs of Benin Republic, and Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses up against a mountain. The Lionesses, runners-up in 2014 in Namibia and in 2016 when Cameroon hosted (both times beaten by Nigeria in the final), must negotiate a tricky fixture against Algeria’s Lady Fennecs in the final qualifying fixture set for 20th – 28th October. Algeria is noted as a rising power in women’s football in the continent, as the Lady Fennecs finished in second place behind eventual winners Nigeria in their group in Morocco in July this year. They defeated Botswana by a lone goal, and drew 0-0 with both Tunisia and Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals. They took Ghana’s Black Queens to the rubber in their quarter-final clash before eventually bowing out 2-4 after a penalty shootout. The Indomitable Lionesses also failed to qualify for this year’s finals staged in Morocco, and lost 0-2 to Nigeria in a friendly match played in Abeokuta weeks before the finals. Benin Republic will host the first leg against Justine Madugu’s Falcons, before Nigeria play host to the return leg. Both matches have to be concluded within the window of 20th – 28th October. To reach the final round of the qualification series, Benin Republic defeated Sierra Leone’s senior women’s team 5-2 on aggregate, winning 2-1 in Togo and 3-1 in Monrovia, as both teams had to play their home matches on away ground due to absence of any CAF-approved match venue in both countries. Senegal’s Lionesses, who reached the quarter-finals in Morocco last month before losing to South Africa on penalties after 0-0 in regulation and extra time, face a daunting task against Cote d’Ivoire senior girls in the final round. The winners of 11 final qualifying fixtures will join hosts Morocco in the final competition that has been scheduled for March 2026, and from where all four semi-finalists will pick tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil. Two additional slots are available for Africa through a play-off tournament, as was the case before the 2023 finals in Australia and New Zealand. Just as was the case in Down Under, the final competition in Brazil (set for 24 June – 25 July 2027) will have 32 teams. However, world football-ruling body FIFA has increased the numbers of teams for the final competition to 48, starting with the 11th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, to be co-hosted by Mexico and the United States of America. 2026 WOMEN AFCON FINAL ROUND FIXTURES Angola Vs Malawi DR Congo Vs South Africa Tanzania Vs Ethiopia Namibia Vs Zambia Burkina Faso Vs Togo Algeria Vs Cameroon Egypt Vs Ghana Kenya Vs Gambia Benin Republic Vs Nigeria Cape Verde Vs Mali Senegal Vs Cote d’Ivoire

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PSG to Face Barca in Champions League, Real Madrid Draw Man City & Liverpool

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Liverpool and Manchester City will both come up against Real Madrid in this season’s Champions League, while title-holders Paris Saint-Germain were handed a tough list of opponents in Thursday’s draw, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso’s Real will play City at home and take on Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield in what will be two of the standout fixtures of the league phase. Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who finished first in the league phase last season only to be eliminated by PSG in the last 16, will also play Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Qarabag of Azerbaijan at home. In addition, they must go to Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille and Turkish champions Galatasaray. City, who won the Champions League in 2023, will welcome Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Italian champions Napoli and Galatasaray to the Etihad Stadium. As well as Real, they will also visit Villarreal, Monaco and Norwegian newcomers Bodo/Glimt. PSG will entertain Bayern and go to Barcelona, while the French club also have home fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Luis Enrique’s team went on to win the Champions League last season but only after struggling amid some difficult games in the league phase, in which they finished 15th. They have no obviously straightforward fixtures this time, as they also face Atalanta at home, as well as Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Athletic Club away. What is the Champions League format?Every team now plays eight games against eight different opponents in the new format of Europe’s elite club competition, which was introduced last season. All 36 clubs are pooled together into one league rather than split into groups. The top eight teams advance to the last 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th go into the knockout round play-offs. The bottom 12 teams are eliminated. Other fixtures to look out for will include Barcelona visiting both Chelsea and Newcastle, while Arsenal entertain Bayern and Atletico and must also go to Inter Milan and to Bilbao. Tournament newcomers Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, who ousted Celtic on penalties in the play-off round, will host Real and travel to London to play Arsenal. Minnows Pafos of Cyprus will visit Chelsea and face Bayern at home. UEFA is not expected to announce specific fixture dates until Saturday, but the first round of games will take place across three days from September 16th to 18th. The eighth and final matchday is scheduled for January 28th. This season’s Champions League final will take place in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, on May 30th next year, with UEFA announcing on Thursday that the game will kick off at 18:00 local time rather than the usual 21:00. Who qualified for the Champions League?Below is the full list of 36 teams that qualified for the league phase, arranged in the Pots that were used in the draw: Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona. Pot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge. Pot 3: Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille. Pot 4: FC Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Newcastle, Pafos, Kairat Almaty.

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Real Betis in Talks Over Permanent Move for Manchester United’s Antony

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Real Betis have opened negotiations with Manchester United over a permanent deal for winger Antony, following his successful loan stint with the La Liga side last season. Sky Sports News understands that United are not interested in sanctioning another straight loan and have made it clear in discussions that they are seeking a permanent transfer. Antony, 25, is reported to favour a return to Betis and has turned down other offers in order to prioritise the move. The Brazilian impressed during his six-month loan spell in Seville, scoring nine goals in 24 starts and becoming a fan favourite. He initially joined Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £86 million, reuniting with then-manager Erik ten Hag. While his start at Old Trafford showed promise, Antony has struggled for consistency and a regular place in the starting XI under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, with a resolution expected before the close of the transfer window.

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Everton 2-0 Brighton: Jack Grealish stars at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Toffees win in new stadium opener

Everton 2-0 Brighton: Grealish Stars as Toffees Celebrate New Era at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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Jack Grealish delivered a statement performance on his home debut for Everton, assisting both goals in a 2-0 victory over Brighton as the Toffees marked their first Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in style. Goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner, combined with a late penalty save from Jordan Pickford, ensured a perfect start to life at their new riverside home and got David Moyes’ side off the mark for the new campaign. Grealish the Architect After a disappointing loss to Leeds on the opening weekend, Everton bounced back emphatically — thanks in large part to summer signing Jack Grealish, who registered two assists and was named Player of the Match. Grealish’s first moment of magic came in the 24th minute, weaving past his marker before delivering a precise low cross that Ndiaye converted with confidence. It was Ndiaye’s second landmark goal in as many matches, having scored the final goal at Goodison Park. In the 52nd minute, Grealish played a key role again, setting up James Garner, who rifled home a thunderous strike from 20 yards to double the lead. “It was positive for the manager as well,” Moyes said post-match. “Jack gave us something different — composure, creativity, and ball retention. He carried the ball really well and was decisive in the final third.” Brighton Waste Chances, Welbeck Misses Penalty Brighton had their opportunities — and plenty of them. Kaoru Mitoma struck the crossbar early on, while Danny Welbeck missed from close range and later squandered a chance to bring his side back into the game from the penalty spot. Matt O’Riley also saw an effort saved after intercepting a poor back-pass from James Tarkowski, and Jan Paul van Hecke struck the post in a chaotic first half for the visitors. The penalty — awarded after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was penalised for handball — was poorly taken by Welbeck, with Pickford guessing correctly and saving comfortably. Special Day at the Hill Dickinson Stadium The occasion was about more than just three points. With fans exploring Everton Way and posing with commemorative granite stones, the stadium — framed by stone walls and dockside views — offered a sense of history and hope. Architect Dan Meis had called for the new home to become “a bear pit”. Judging by the atmosphere, it’s well on its way. “The crowd gave us everything today,” said Moyes. “To have that backing from the first whistle in a new home — it means a lot.” Player Ratings Everton: Pickford (7), O’Brien (6), Tarkowski (5), Keane (6), Garner (7), Gueye (6), Iroegbunam (7), Dewsbury-Hall (6), Ndiaye (7), Grealish (8), Barry (6).Subs: Beto (6), Alcaraz (6), McNeil (5), Armstrong (N/A). Brighton: Verbruggen (5), Wieffer (6), Van Hecke (6), Dunk (6), De Cuyper (5), Baleba (5), Ayari (6), O’Riley (6), Minteh (7), Mitoma (7), Welbeck (5).Subs: Hinshelwood (6), Kadioglu (6), Gomez (6), Gruda (N/A).

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Fulham 1-1 Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes Misses Penalty Before Emile Smith Rowe Cancels Out Controversial Opener

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Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial first-half penalty as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham, with Emile Smith Rowe’s second-half equaliser cancelling out a contentious own goal that initially put the visitors ahead. United, under early pressure after a season-opening defeat to Arsenal, looked set to claim their first Premier League win of the season after Rodrigo Muniz inadvertently turned the ball into his own net just before the hour mark. But the goal sparked controversy, with United defender Leny Yoro appearing to push Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey in the back as he rose for the header that deflected in off Muniz. “He is lucky to get away with that,” said Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on co-commentary, while Bassey told the broadcaster: “When the ref looks back on it, he will be disappointed.” Penalty Miss Adds to United’s Frustrations The drama had begun earlier in the first half when referee Chris Kavanagh, following a VAR review by Darren England, awarded United a penalty after Calvin Bassey was penalised for fouling Mason Mount at a corner. However, in the same phase of play, Luke Shaw was also seen bundling over Muniz — an incident that went unpunished. As Fernandes stepped up to take the spot kick, he was inadvertently bumped by Kavanagh, disrupting his preparation. The United captain proceeded to blaze the penalty over the bar, aiming for the top left corner. “It upset me because the referee didn’t apologise,” Fernandes said post-match. “That’s what triggered me in that moment, but that’s not an excuse for missing the penalty.” Smith Rowe Salvages Point for Fulham Fulham grew into the game after falling behind and were rewarded for their persistence when Emile Smith Rowe, recently signed from Arsenal, coolly slotted home an equaliser in the 76th minute after a flowing move down the left flank. The result leaves Manchester United winless in their opening two Premier League fixtures, with pressure beginning to mount on new head coach Ruben Amorim. Match Stats What’s Next?

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Ruben Amorim: Manchester United will be different this season and I’m excited

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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes fans can expect a transformed team this season, powered by a dynamic new £200m attack and a renewed sense of belief at Old Trafford Ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Fulham on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports from 4pm, Amorim sat down with Sky Sports News to share his thoughts on the club’s evolution, his approach to criticism, and why this year feels completely different A new-look attack: Sesko, Cunha, Mbeumo After a difficult 2024/25 season in which United scored just 44 goals, only three teams scored fewer, United splashed nearly £200m this summer on forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo Amorim is already impressed “I felt Sesko was even better than what I was thinking,” he said, “He’s football-obsessed, and I believe he’s going to be our striker for many, many years” With Cunha and Mbeumo both offering versatility across the frontline and behind the striker, Amorim is confident this trio will provide the spark United lacked last season The spirit is different After finishing a disappointing 15th last term, Amorim admitted there were moments he entered matches with anxiety, This season, he says, the feeling is gone “Last year, sometimes I was worried going into games, but now I’m excited, it is completely different,” Amorim said “We suffered together so much last season, and that can bond people, The spirit is really good” He added that the arrival of new players, combined with the re-opening of the club’s training ground and a fresh internal culture, has revitalised the mood in the dressing room “The guys feel more free, They weren’t here during the very difficult moments, so they see something different” Responding to pressure: you have to be like a monk Amorim has already had to face scrutiny after goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a costly error in the season opener against Arsenal, leading to a 1-0 defeat Rather than dwell on mistakes, Amorim is trying to shield his players from the intense media spotlight “The only way to protect myself and my players is to tell them not to see anything, You have to be like a monk,” he said “Altay made one mistake, but last year he had very good performances, I try to tell that to the players and battle the narrative” The long-term plan: in three years, win the title While some fans are hoping for immediate success, Amorim is more measured in his expectations “We are not in a moment where we can say we’re fighting for the league,” he admitted “But success is winning titles, and we want to do that, Not necessarily this season, but in three years we want to win the Premier League” For now, his focus is on small steps, game-by-game preparation, entertaining football, and consistent performances “We want to dominate games, score goals, and not bore our fans, If we tick those boxes, we will be better” Super Sunday test vs Fulham United’s new-look side heads to Craven Cottage on Sunday looking to bounce back from the narrow defeat to Arsenal and kick-start their Premier League campaign With Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo leading the line, Amorim believes this season could be the beginning of something special “I’m really happy, not just with Sesko, but with Cunha, Diego Leon, and Mbeumo, We know we have the players, and now we’re building the base” Watch Fulham vs Manchester United

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Crystal Palace Manager Glasner Urges Board to Sign New Players Amid Eze Exit

Crystal Palace Manager Glasner Urges Board to Sign New Players Amid Eze Exit

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has issued a stark warning to the club’s board, urging immediate reinforcements to avoid slipping into a Premier League relegation battle. With star midfielder Eberechi Eze reportedly on the verge of a £67.5m transfer to Arsenal, Glasner expressed concern about the club’s lack of attacking options ahead of their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest, live on Super Sunday. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Glasner said: “Before we arrived, if I’d asked you who the most important players in Crystal Palace’s attack were, your answer would have been Eze and Olise. Now, both are either gone or unavailable — and they need to be replaced.” The Austrian continued: “I wouldn’t be sitting here if this club had been very successful before. For two years in a row, Palace have battled relegation — even with these two top stars. If we don’t act now and do the right things, then I’m worried. Things can go very quickly in the wrong direction in the Premier League. Especially when I see what’s happening around us.” Palace’s situation is increasingly precarious as they prepare for life without their most creative force. Michael Olise is still recovering from injury, and with Eze’s departure imminent, Glasner is calling for urgent signings before the transfer window closes.

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