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Following his crucial contribution to the penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace, Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is looking forward to seeing Chelsea eliminated from the competition.

Following a 1-1 draw with Palace at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners advanced to the semi-finals on Tuesday after Kepa saved Maxence Lacroix’s spot-kick.

Before moving to north London in the offseason, Kepa could now prevent his former side from placing in the first major final of the current campaign. He spent seven years with the Blues.

Kepa, who has made three of his three League Cup appearances thus far, said: “We have to fight against good teams right now, and that’s what we want.”

Both semi-finals are significant matches, and it will be difficult, but we will do it well, and we will be prepared.

The first of two legs will be played at Stamford Bridge on January 14 and the second will be played at the Emirates on February 3.

Before Marc Guehi’s late equalizer, the Gunners were on course to advance to the semi-finals for the third time in the Premier League leaders’ defense had been breached in or after the 90th minute.

READ ALSO: Arsenal Can Qualify For League Cup Semi-Finals After beating Crystal Palace 3-0

We’ve conceded in a few games in the last minute, so we need to take that into account,” Kepa, who is serving as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, said.

The 31-year-old Spaniard continued, “But we are in the next round and we’re happy. We put in a lot of effort. In the first half, we ought to have scored a couple. Our performance was excellent. The second half ended up being more like 50-50.

They were incredible penalties, thanks to the guys. They kept us engaged and gave me the chance to save.

You must be strong and focused emotionally because, after the penalty is awarded in the final second, you must focus entirely on your penalty takers and save. Therefore, it required a shift in perspective, and it succeeded.

Senegal’s eagerly awaited Africa Cup of Nations bid was highlighted by Nicolas Jackson’s 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles made their opening match against Tanzania harder by coming home with a 2-1 victory.

As Morocco’s first round of group games continued, often in torrential rain, Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo both won.

Morocco’s chances of capturing the title on home soil are perhaps greatest, but Senegal, who won it in 2022, are in doubt. The Lions of Teranga defeated Botswana in their Group D opener in Tangier.

Jackson, who is currently a loanee at Chelsea’s Bayern Munich, scored either side of half-time, with Cherif Ndiaye completing the score late in the second half.

Given that Senegal is 119 places above Botswana in the world rankings, the outcome of both teams’ first match of the tournament was predictable.

The 75, 000-seat stadium, which is the biggest by number of the nine being used for the tournament in Morocco, was greeted by heavy rain as the teams entered the stadium.

Before the opening goal at 40 minutes, Iliman Ndiaye, Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Sadio Mane, who were all two-time African players of the year, were all on par to break Senegal’s deadlock.

Ismail Jakobs, who was born in Germany, and Jackson, who is from Germany, combined for the goal, with the latter pulling the ball back after the latter finished.

Jackson doubled Senegal’s lead just before the hour mark thanks to a flowing midfield move and quick, crisp passing that followed. Cherif Ndiaye put the finishing touches on the cake with a smart finish at the conclusion of another excellent team move.

“The players performed the job,” he said. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw remarked, “We know how crucial it is to start well in a tournament.”

“You could see how desperate the young people were for victory,” the lads said. They did a fantastic job.

At Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Senegal and DR Congo, who defeated Benin 1-0, are tied for third place overall.

A Cedric Bakambu effort was later dismissed for offside early in the second half, but Spartak Moscow’s Theo Bongonda pounced to score the winner 16 minutes later.

[/url],]AFCON 2025] Six Important Takeaways From the Nigeria vs. Tanzania Game

cruise to Tunisia

It was a very challenging match, according to the source. Although I had no idea what Benin was like, Bongonda remarked.

DR Congo qualified for the 2026 World Cup if they beat New Caledonia or Jamaica in a play-off in March, where they were semi-finalists at the previous competition. They also hope to qualify.

The teams now renew their rivalries in Tangier on Saturday, while Botswana and Senegal will look to open their accounts as they face off in the same day as they do so, having defeated Senegal to top their group for World Cup qualifying.

The 2024 AFCON runners-up got off to a winning start in Fes despite being wasteful in front of goal. Nigeria came to Morocco to make amends for their World Cup defeat.

Victor Osimhen, a star striker, was one of the ones who scored but could have scored a hat-trick with better finishing.

Akor Adams hit the crossbar before Semi Ajayi, a three-time African champion, nodded in Alex Iwobi’s cross-bar in the closing minutes of the game.

Soon after half-time, Tanzania’s opponents Charles M’Mombwa scored the winning goal, but they were unable to build on that to claim their first-ever AFCON victory.

Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African player of the year, did not disappoint, as his rising shot from just outside the box made it 2-1.

Tunisia, who have won the group stage 3-1 against Uganda at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, will host Nigeria’s next Group C game on Saturday.

The 2004 champions’ Elias Achouri scored twice for FC Copenhagen, either side of half-time. Denis Omedi’s late consolation for Uganda was Denis Skhiri’s early lead, while Ellyes Skhiri had given them an early lead.

Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle, said Friday’s Old Trafford performance against Manchester United will not be important.

With five of their last six games played against United and four of their final five Premier League encounters since losing 2-0 to the Red Devils in the 2023 League Cup final, Howe’s men have won five of their previous six games.

However, Howe responded, “I don’t know, if that Wembley reverse had served as a catalyst for his team.”

Although that was painful, I believe you simply go against your own best efforts. The team I’m playing against has both of my strengths and weaknesses.

The process is the same, you just attack the game, then try to highlight those weaknesses and try to protect yours, so it doesn’t really change. You don’t really look at the name or who you’re playing as such. ”

The former Bournemouth manager continued, “Our record against Manchester United in recent games doesn’t count for anything in this game.”

They have improved and have been very effective in the games, even the one at Aston Villa, where I thought they were very strong and put together a strong performance. ”

After letting two slip in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Chelsea, Newcastle finished 10 places and 24 points ahead of Manchester United last season. However, they will be three points adrift of their hosts for the Boxing Day game.

In a standout first half performance, record signing Nick Woltemade added both goals to strengthen his friendship with Newcastle’s devoted and devoted supporters.

According to Howe, “You can see that when he scores, he has a really strong connection.” You can tell that he and the crowd are truly happy for him and happy to watch his celebrations.

On Saturday, I thought it was his best game for the team. I enjoyed his performance especially in the first half.

You could tell from his return that the team really needed in terms of his linking play: he was slightly lower on the pitch, he assisted us in constructing the ball through the thirds, but most importantly, he was there when the ball arrived in the box. ”

After a less-than-stellar opening victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has urged calm and calm. He claims that the most crucial goal, which is three crucial points, has been achieved.

Ndidi characterized the first game of a major tournament as a test of rhythm, fitness, and mentality, as well as the well-known difficulties that accompany it.

After the Super Eagles beat the Taifa Stars on Tuesday, the midfielder said, “It was a good game.”

The tournament’s opening game always goes this way, with momentum and all, but it was really, really good. Which three points are the most crucial to us?

In the 2-1 victory, Nigeria set the tone and displayed signs of the attacking intent they had hoped for.

The Six Key Takeaways From The Nigeria vs. Tanzania Game can be found HERE.

The Super Eagles were under pressure and struggling to maintain their previous dominance in the second half, which turned out to be more demanding. However, the three-time African champions were assured of taking all three points at stake by their performance on the night.

Ndidi was open about the game’s outcome, apologizing for the team’s performance after the break but offering his condolences.

“The pace was good, and the first half was good. Maybe we were a little worn out in the second half or something. Although it didn’t go as planned, we did a very, very well react. The Besiktas midfielder praised the team, saying, “I’m proud of them.

Questions have been raised about the team’s defensive resilience as a result of Nigeria’s record of 13 straight games without a clean sheet. However, the former Leicester City player has shied away from panic.

Ndidi firmly stated, “I’m not worried at all.” The three points are ours. That is crucial.

When asked whether the current team could match or even surpass Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON record, Ndidi expressed optimism.

With the decisive penalty shoot-out save, Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix’ miserable evening came to an end thanks to Kepa Arrizabalaga, the team’s champion in the League Cup quarter-finals.

With 10 minutes left, Lacroix’s own goal gave Arsenal the lead at the Emirates Stadium before Palace’s stoppage-time equalizer was snatched by Marc Guehi in a 1-1 draw.

The shootout saw both teams score their first seven penalties in the process.

Arsenal won 8-7 after Kepa dived to save Lacroix’s effort after William Saliba converted the team’s eighth kick.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who infamously refused to be substituted before Chelsea’s League Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester City in 2019, had a cathartic moment.

In the Blues’ 2022 League Cup final shootout defeat to Liverpool, Kepa also missed a spot kick.

Chelsea and Manchester City will play the Gunners in the semi-finals over two legs in January and February, while Newcastle will face holders Chelsea in the other last four game.

We should have scored many more goals, they said. It can always happen that you concede when you don’t play the games, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

“We had some outstanding individual performances. Kapa’s level of commitment to the group is incredible.

I believe that Kepa managed to save one penalty because the players were so composed during the penalties. We are at our desired destination.

Arsenal, who are chasing their first trophy since the FA Cup’s 2020 triumph, are reaching the semi-finals of the competition for the second time in a row.

Before any of their current squad members were born, the north Londoners have only won the League Cup once, with their most recent triumph occurring in 1992-1993.

Arteta’s men will turn their focus back to the title race with home games against Brighton and third-placed Aston Villa to wrap up 2025 after celebrating Christmas on Thursday.

Arsenal’s main objective for the season is obviously to win their first English title since 2004. However, winning the League Cup in March would give the team a significant boost.

The team that defeated Everton on Saturday made eight changes, but it still had a strong lineup that included Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Jesus, and William Saliba.

Jesus, who injured his left knee’s anterior cruciate ligament in January, made his first start in 345 days of action following his earlier this month substitution against Club Brugge.

READ ALSO: Arsenal defeats Everton to stay top despite winning at Man City.

Kepa redemption 

Arsenal should have taken a lead early on thanks to Noni Madueke, another of Arteta’s changes, but Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez twice turned him down.

With another excellent save, Benitez plunged to his left to prevent Jesus’ close-range header, and Madueke was able to repel him.

Arteta must have been perplexed as to whether Arsenal would ever achieve the breakthrough by the time Jurrien Timber headed wastefully over from 10 yards.

In the second half, Arteta sent on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, who both immediately made an immediate impact with a cross that Jesus nipily wide.

In the 80th minute, Arsenal finally broke the deadlock.

As Saka’s corner created chaos and Lacroix, under the pressure of Saliba, poked past Benitez as he attempted to clear, a Gunners set-piece did the damage, not for the first time this season.

Arsenal, however, scored with their first shot on target in the 95th minute, giving them a taste of their own set-piece medicine.

Jefferson Lerma headed Guehi’s free kick home from close range after Adam Wharton’s free kick was headed down.

Kepa came out on top as Arsenal’s savior in the shootout, despite numerous nerveless penalties.

Nigeria may not have put the game beyond doubt on the scoreboard, but their 2-1 win over Tanzania sent a powerful message to the continent.

The Super Eagles’ first Group F game of AFCON 2025 featured a lineup that dominated the proceedings and displayed flashes of the kind that make them legitimate title contenders.

Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman scored the goals that merited a deserving victory over them.

The AFCON Quest starts in 2025 with Nigeria’s Super Eagles flying past Tanzania.

Lessons from the AFCON Clash between Tanzania and Nigeria

Here are six lessons learned from the Group C clash.

Nigeria Show Dominance &nbsp

After failing to make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles were under pressure at the start of the competition. However, they played as a unit that was determined to respond when faced with Tanzania.

The entire story was not adequately captured by the scoreline. Nigeria spent a lot of time camped out in the opposition half, controlled possession, and set the pace. Their overall dominance made them more likely to be a favorite to win the AFCON title in addition to Group F.

Midfield Control Was Foundation, &nbsp

Midfield helped Nigeria regain its dominance of the game. Alex Iwobi assisted in linking midfield and attack play, while Captain Wilfred Ndidi provided balance and leadership.

The Taifa Stars struggled to settle for or launch effective counter-attacks because of the Super Eagles’ consistent winning of second balls and quick recycling of possession.

The Dynamic was altered by Chukwueze’s energy, &nbsp.

Eric Chelle’s choice to omit Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and give Samuel Chukwueze a start was crucial to that.

The loanee from AC Milan defended the request with a creative and energetic display. Chukwueze was involved in the majority of Nigeria’s dangerous moments and injected pace into midfield.

Tanzania struggled to move, and Zuberi Masudi’s excellent save gave him the lead.

Osimhen Fails To Find The Target

Despite having a dominant lead, Nigeria struggled to convert a number of chances, especially in the first half, when they could have scored three goals up.

Victor Osimhen, a striker for Galatasaray, was guilty of some poor finishing in the match despite the Tanzanian defense’s efforts to marshal him at times.

His inability to find the back of the net kept Tanzania in the game longer than expected, which the Super Eagles must improve if they want to win the tournament.

Still A Concern Regarding Defensive Frailties

What initially appeared to be a comfortable game for the Super Eagles turned tense in the second half after Tanzania found an equaliser despite Osimhen’s difficulties in scoring. Reported defensive issues resurfaced for a team that has a worrying habit of conceding avoidable—often late—goals.

Nigeria’s back line struggled to recover after a costly turnover by Zaidu Sanusi in a dangerous area. A clever piece of play by the Taifa Stars allowed Tanzania to break through the defense and defeat Stanley Nwabali in goal, which was unfortunate for the central defensive pairing of Calvin Bassey and Samuel Ajayi.

The incident served as a reminder that, despite Nigeria’s unquestionable potential ahead, defensive concentration will continue to be a problem as the tournament progresses.

Tanzania’s goalkeeper kept it respectable.

Tanzania can credit Zuberi Masudi with preventing a more severe defeat, despite Nigeria’s impressive performance. His crucial interventions, particularly those that denied Chukwueze, prevented the scoreline from fully reflecting the play’s balance. It served as a reminder that a strong opposition will need to be effective in front of the goal.

Tunisia’s focus shifts to Nigeria during AFCON: