Category sport-news

Arsenal held on for a seven-point lead in the Premier League despite drawing Nottingham Forest to 0-0 at the City Ground on Saturday.

After Manchester City lost 2-0 to local rivals Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off, the Gunners had a chance to increase their lead to nine points.

As Forest held out to increase their chances of survival, Arsenal were forced to pay for a poor first-half performance.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men are still in a strong position to put an end to a 22-year wait for the title.

Sean Dyche had criticized his team’s poor first-half performance against second-place Wrexham last weekend in the FA Cup.

READ MORE: Carrick’s first game in charge: Man Utd Stun Man City.

As the home team battled valiantly five points clear of the relegation zone, Dyche was able to get the response he needed.

Since the start of the year, City have been unable to put any pressure on Arsenal with four games without wins.

However, Arsenal couldn’t thwart a significant lead thanks to back-to-back goalless draws against Forest and Liverpool.

If Aston Villa defeats Everton on Sunday, they could close the gap at the top by four points.

In the opening period, the visitors had no chance on target.

Forest started to be stretched until Arteta fully flexed his strength off the bench in the second period.

Before the hour mark, Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard were all introduced at the break.

When Saka’s looping header from Declan Rice’s cross was brilliantly diverted behind by goalkeeper Matz Sels, it was the closest to breaking the deadlock.

Rice’s inviting free-kick delivery was too distracting for Merino to score.

With their 11th clean sheet in 22 league games, Arsenal could have at least come one step closer to the top.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt to claim bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties as the team’s hero. &nbsp,

After 90 minutes, the game ended goalless and crossed penalties. The Super Eagles won 2-4 after Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush’s efforts were saved by the Chippa United goalkeeper.

After suffering disappointments from shoot-outs that prevented them from competing in the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 AFCON final, the Super Eagles won in Casablanca.

In a play-off to advance to the World Cup intercontinental play-offs, Nigeria lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in November.

Then, three days later, they lost in the semi-finals of the AFCON to hosts Morocco.

Success won seven AFCON titles before falling short of the previous best-place finishers.

READ MORE: The Senegalese Hope Morocco Final Will Not Be Mane’s AFCON Goodbye.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ opening kick before Lookman scored, and Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi scored.

Before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored, Stanley Nwabali saved both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush kicks in the Premier League.

brick wall in Nigeria
TotalEnergies’ Man of the Match is Stanley Nwabali. #Football2Gether #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 twitter.com/IyGSiGMBHe

Three days prior, Egypt made six changes to the semi-final teams that lost to Senegal and Morocco, respectively.

The Pharaohs made their debut with Captain Salah, with Mohamed El Shenawy and Marmoush being the traditional first choices.

On the bench for Nigeria, Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both of whom were previous recipients of the annual African player of the year award, sat.

Most Moroccans backed Nigeria in a crowd that nearly ascended to the 45, 000-capacity Stade Mohammed V. When coach Hossam Hassan appeared on television and whenever Egypt gained possession, they whistled.

The great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both on national and club levels, is credited with giving the Super Eagles their support.

Goals were not permitted

On a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital, Nigeria and then Egypt both had dominance moments in a goalless opening half.

Onuachu deflected the ball past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir with his head before breaking the deadlock on 36 minutes.

However, a Moroccan referee’s VAR review revealed that Onuachu had unintentionally elbowed Hamdy Fathy. The Nigerian received a yellow card after the goal was blocked.

In the opening minute of the second period, Lookman found himself in the net in the net in the absence of Onuachu, who had been replaced by coach Eric Chelle. The goal was foreseen as being offside, though.

Following the break, Nigeria launched a number of attacks. Shobeir, the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir, was forced to make several saves following a generally uneventful opening half.

Salah never threatened, and the potential danger was quickly avoided when he did when Salah did cut in with the ball. As the play-off approached the hour mark to try to increase a blunt strike force, Marshmoush came on.

However, as the final ten minutes of the match progressed, Osimhen’s absence suggested that he might not have been fully fit.

Adams, Marmoush, and Marmoush both threatened to score in a flash, but neither was able to put the finishing touch on the board when the other players demanded it.

Egypt and Nigeria compete for third place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the latter aiming to take home the bronze medal for the first time.

In the semi-final, the Super Eagles were defeated by Morocco on penalties. Senegal, on the other hand, defeated Egypt.

Coach Eric Chelle has already chosen his starting lineup for the match, leaving out Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Your #SuperEagles will battle the Egyptian Pharaohs. #EGYNGA #AFCON2025 pic. twitter.com/6LB8YX4XZ8

The third-place matchup between Nigeria, who have won three times, and Egypt, who are seven-time winners, will be broadcast live on Channels Television.

A bit-by-bit update of the showdown between the heavyweights will appear on this page.

90+7: The game ends goalless and moves into penalties!

Semi Ajayi is replaced by 90+3′ Chidozie Awaziem.

Four more minutes have been added to 90 FIVE! Chidera Ejuke is Samuel Chukwueze’s opponent.

In the third-place AFCON 2025 play-off between Egypt and Nigeria, there is no goal after 80 minutes! #EgyNGA image twitter.com/p5zKoLFPAU

82′ Following a VAR review, the referee says there is no penalty for Nigeria for striking Akor.

Omar Marmoush’s 80′ falls, but the referee continues to play.

Nigerians who are 70 years old are patiently pursuing a breakthrough.

Bright Osayi-Samuel, age 63, is taken off! He has injuries. He succeeds Alex Iwobi!

Nigeria press continues, but the Super Eagles have yet to accomplish anything.

Oufa Shobeir quickly saves after shooting from range from 50 ft.

For Onuachu, Ademola Lookman, 46, arrives. The Atalanta man scores, but he is offended.

Half-time has ended with the whistle blaring. No end in sight yet!

45 The officials extended the game by four minutes!

39′ The referee overturns the game and sends Nigeria’s Paul Onuachu a yellow card following a VAR check.

Akor heads home after receiving another cross from 36′ Chukwueze!

Akor Adams, 35, attempts to dribble past, but the shot is blocked and a corner kick is made.

Mostafa Mohamed receives a long ball from Egypt’s Mohamed Hany at 34. However, the ball is blocked for a goalkick.

Just before the center circle, 32-year-old Raphael Onyedika fouls an Egyptian player.

An Egyptian counterattack is launched by Samuel Osayi at 29. From the resultant Nigerian attack, Bruno Onyemaechi crosses, but it directly hits the goalkeeper.

As Egypt’s tempo increases, Salah’s 28-foot kicks the ball.

After an Egyptian corner from Salah, who has been entreprising&nbsp, 24′ Nigeria clears their backline.

20′ It has been a slow buildup on both sides so far. One shot was made, and it was from Nigeria.

Stanley Nwabali was on hand to stop the danger when Mohamed Salah’s 18-footer makes an incisive pass that split Nigeria’s defense.

Akor Adams, 13, smashes his marker straight into the Egyptian goalkeeper!

10 ‘ Early pressure from Nigeria as we enter the opener door.

EGY 0–0 NGA#EGYNGA #AFCON2025

Semi Ajayi has been able to stop the North Africans’ attack despite 11′ Egypt trying to score a goal.

KICK-OFF!

Casablanca is playing a game. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic. twitter.com/SAqoYKocXl

1′ The action has begun!

“We are up and running,”

EGY 0-0 NGA #EGYNGA #AFCON2025

Samuel Chukwueze and Igho Ogbu will start for Nigeria in their third-place play-off match against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to coach Eric Chelle. &nbsp,

After scoring a penalty in Nigeria’s shootout defeat to hosts Morocco on Wednesday, the AC Milan loanee was criticized.

Chelle has given him the nod to face the Pharaohs despite critics who doubt his mentality during the shootout.

Calvin Bassey, who was suspended for the second yellow card of the tournament in the defeat to Morocco, will be replaced by Ogbu.

The 2023 Africa Player of the Year was listed among the substitutes despite Galatasaray’s Osimhen having played all of his matches for the three-time champions in Morocco. In the current competition, he has four goals.

Paul Onuachu will succeed him and lead Nigeria’s attack on the seven-time African champions.

Lookman starts off the bench, who has three goals and four assists overall. Akor Adams completes Nigeria’s attacking trio while Moses Simon takes the place of captain.

Read more about the Preview of Egypt vs. Nigeria, Team News, and the third-place match’s kickoff time.

Your #SuperEagles will battle the Egyptian Pharaohs. #EGYNGA #AFCON2025 pic. twitter.com/6LB8YX4XZ8

Although Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Wilfred Ndidi, Brentford’s captain, will be starting, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will also be benched.

Nigeria’s backbone hasn’t changed in the absence of Ogbu. Semi Ajayi of Hull City will play alongside him in the Super Eagles’ defense.

READ MORE: [AFCON Final] Senegal Raises Concerns Over Security, Ticketing, and Other Issues

The right and left tackle positions are taken up by Birmingham City’s Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olympiacos FC, respectively.

Stanley Nwabali, a player from Chippa United, is the 2013 AFCON champions.

Manchester City defeated 2-0 on Saturday to give Michael Carrick the dream start in his interim role as manager, a blow to their local rivals’ hopes of winning the Premier League title.

The inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma and their three offside goals kept Old Trafford’s dominance until the final 25 minutes to seal the victory.

Bryan Mbeumo scored the winning goal in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), and Patrick Dorgu, United’s only other win in eight games, sealed his comeback.

Victory places Carrick’s side in the top four, but North London will be as proud of their success as Arsenal, who just won their first league title in 22 years.

When they travel to Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s men can take a nine-point lead at the top.

The return of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo from their international duties at AFCON was a result of Carrick’s brave team choice.

Harry Maguire should have scored within the first two minutes of his first start in two months.

The centre-back climbed to meet Bruno Fernandes’ corner, but he slammed his header off the crossbar from close range.

READ ALSO: Senegal’s AFCON Final: Security, Ticketing, and Other Issues

Although Pep Guardiola named an inexperienced duo of Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov at center-back after being injured in his defense, City are expected to close the deal with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Without Donnarumma’s incredible goalkeeping prowess, City’s makeshift back line struggled to keep United at bay all afternoon and would have been embarrassed.

Midway through the opening period, the Italian made its first significant contribution to parry Dorgu’s effort.

Before the break, Donnarumma had already been defeated twice, but Diallo and Fernandes both scuffled offside before rounding the goalkeeper.

At half-time, Guardiola made a double substitution for Nico O’Riley and Raya Cherki to arouse their interest.

City’s title challenge has quickly faded as a result of their four-game winless run in the Premier League since the start of the year.

Donnarumma’s stunning double save from Casemiro’s follow-up effort and Diallo’s powerful strike kept Donnarumma out of the home side until the hour was up.

When City’s opening goal came in 25 minutes, a significant part in their own demise.

United jumped ahead in numbers thanks to Cherki’s subdued free kick, and Mbeumo fired low and hard beyond Donnarumma’s long levers.

As Rico Lewis was sleeping to steal the ball away at the back post, Cunha made the second play.

Guardiola substituted Erling Haaland 10 minutes into the game’s 10 minutes before the Norwegians could still compete in four different competitions and made an appearance to waive the white flag.

Diallo’s 90th minute header almost sealed a stunning individual display.

Mason Mount then rolled in Cunha’s cross with his first touch after replacing Fernandes, only for VAR to rescue them for offside once more.

City’s title aspirations had already been damaged, making Carrick’s victory in the Theatre of Dreams even more special.

On Saturday, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw stated that Sadio Mane’s last game at the Africa Cup of Nations would not be his last appearance there, saying the former Liverpool player would not want to leave.

“His decision is no longer his responsibility. On the eve of the final game against the host nation, Thiaw told reporters in Rabat that there is a whole community behind him and that they would like for him to continue.

Mane, 33, declared he would not participate in another Cup of Nations after the semi-final defeat to Egypt on Wednesday, which was the winner.

His comments suggested that he might end his international career entirely after the World Cup in June and July, when he will turn 34.

Read more about Senegal’s AFCON Final: Security, Ticketing, and Other Concerns.

In 2027, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are scheduled to host the next Cup of Nations.

“I believe he made his decision in the midst of the monment, and the country does not agree with me, and I do not at all agree with that,” said Thiaw, the national team’s coach.

“We want to keep him as long as possible,” he said.

Senegal won the Cup of Nations in 2022 for the first time in their history when the former Liverpool star scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Egypt.

The two-time African player of the year winner also participated in the team that lost to Algeria in the 2019 final; this will be Senegal’s third AFCON final after the previous three years.

Sadio is a remarkable player who “would have deserved to win a Ballon d’Or.” He is simply amazing, according to defensive player Moussa Niakhate.

He lacks a large ego, he claims. He simply works hard and cares about his country; this is his sixth AFCON, demonstrating his perseverance and longevity.

security concerns

The coach of Senegal expressed anger over the welcome his team received on Friday when they arrived in the Moroccan capital.

Since Tangiers, the port city in which The Lions of Teranga have been based since the start of the competition, made a trip to Rabat.

Late on Friday, the Senegalese Football Federation made a statement expressing “serious concerns,” including a “lack of adequate security” for the team’s arrival, which “put the players and staff in danger.”

Additionally, it expressed concern about the hotel the delegation received and the number of tickets given to their supporters for the final, and that they were unsatisfied that the Moroccan team had offered them a training pitch.

Thiaw resisted saying, “What happened yesterday was not normal.”

Anything could have happened, given the number there, they said. My players were in danger, I imagine.

That kind of interaction shouldn’t take place between two neighboring nations.

Morocco aims to capitalize on its home advantage to win the AFCON title for the first time in 50 years as the top two teams in Africa are paired up for the final, which is held in front of the top two teams in the FIFA rankings.

However, the semi-finalists for the 2022 World Cup are under enormous pressure to win.

The final step will be the most challenging, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said, “We dreamed of being here, and we are now,” Regragui said.

Senegal are a great team, and this is their third of four finals, but a final between the top two teams is fantastic for African football.

He continued, “It will be crucial how we handle the emotion of the occasion.” We can’t put too much pressure on ourselves.