SPORTS

Salah the star African performer in Europe

Published

7 years ago

February 5, 2018

Mohamed Salah was the star African performer in Europe at the weekend, netting twice to close within one goal of Harry Kane in the English Premier League leading scorer race.

The Egypt sharpshooter and 2017 African Footballer of the Year twice gave Liverpool the lead in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, whose second equaliser came from Kane.

Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang — third behind Salah and Senegalese Sadio Mane in the Footballer of the Year poll — scored on his debut as Arsenal triumphed 5-1 against Everton.

ENGLAND

MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool)

The Egypt winger struck twice, including a stoppage-time goal, but Liverpool were denied as Tottenham rescued a 2-2 draw at Anfield. Salah punished a mistake from defender Eric Dier to put Liverpool ahead with a cool finish in the third minute. He restored Liverpool’s lead with a superb solo effort — his 21st league goal this term.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (Arsenal)

He marked his Arsenal debut with a goal in the Gunners’ 5-1 demolition of Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund for a club record £56 million (about $79.1 million/63.5 million euros) last week and didn’t waste time making a good impression on his new fans. He capped a lively performance by scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal with a cool finish late in the first half, although replays showed he was fortunate not to be flagged offside.

WILFRIED BONY (Swansea City)

The Ivory Coast striker has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious injury in a 1-1 draw at Leicester. Former Manchester City star Bony tore a cruciate ligament in his knee after coming on as a second-half substitute.

AHMED HEGAZI (West Bromwich Albion)

The Egypt defender scored his first goal since August, but it wasn’t enough to boost his side’s hopes of avoiding relegation as they lost 3-2 at home to Southampton. Hegazi put Albion in front with a fourth-minute header from Chris Brunt’s cross.

VICTOR WANYAMA (Tottenham Hotspur)

Wanyama set up a dramatic finish at Anfield with an incredible 25-yard piledriver into the top corner for Tottenham’s first equaliser 10 minutes from time. The Kenyan had been on the pitch only a minute before smashing home his first goal of an injury-plagued season.

RIYAD MAHREZ (Leicester City)

Algerian Mahrez was again absent from the Leicester squad in a 1-1 draw against Swansea after his displeasure at the Foxes’ refusal to let him move to runaway league leaders Manchester City last week.

MOHAMED DIAME (Newcastle United)

Senegalese midfielder Diame headed home his second goal of the season to earn Newcastle a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace to lie just a point above the relegation zone.

SPAIN

EMMANUEL BOATENG (Levante)

The 21-year-old Ghanaian marked only his fourth La Liga start with his first goal in the Spanish top flight against floundering champions Real Madrid. Boateng latched onto a loose ball to coolly slot in Levante’s first equaliser of a 2-2 draw and cap an enterprising individual display.

ITALY

KALIDOU KOULIBALY (Napoli)

Bottom club Benevento were awarded a penalty for Senegalese defender Koulibaly’s clumsy tackle only for it to be revoked by VAR (video assistant referee) due to an earlier offside position. Napoli won 2-0 to stay top of the Serie A table.

AFRIYIE ACQUAH/MBAYE NIANG/JOEL OBI (Torino)

Ghanaian Acquah equalised and was sent off as Torino settled for a 1-1 draw against European qualification rivals Sampdoria. Acquah levelled in the 25th minute before being red-carded for a second bookable offence after 75 minutes. Senegalese Niang missed a chance to pull Torino ahead three minutes after Acquah’s goal, but his lob was off target. He was substituted to his obvious displeasure and Nigerian Obi went off injured.

GERMANY

SALOMON KALOU (Hertha Berlin)

Once again, the Ivory Coast veteran rescued a point for Hertha when he headed home a second-half equaliser for his eighth Bundesliga goal of the season in a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim. It was the fourth time this season that Kalou, 32, pulled Berlin level after also netting in draws against Bayern Munich, Freiburg and Augsburg.

FRANCE

KEITA BALDE (Monaco)

The Senegal international endured a night of contrasting emotions as Monaco came from two goals down to beat Lyon 3-2. Balde used his strength to hold off a series of defenders and drill in a low strike to cut the deficit on 31 minutes that helped spark his side’s recovery. But his role in the fightback ended prematurely as he was sent off for a second yellow card shortly before half-time for a wild challenge on Ferland Mendy, having been booked minutes earlier for kicking the ball away in frustration.

SPORTS

Ademola Lookman Named African Footballer Of The Year, Barbra Banda Picks Up Women’s Award

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2024

Reporter

Ademola Lookman named African Footballer of the Year | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, 27, was awarded the prestigious African Footballer of the Year title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This happened at their awards ceremony on Monday.

Lookman’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned him this honour. Particularly, his remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final is where his Italian club, Atalanta, triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin this past May.

Additionally, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in the year. He helped the team reach the final in the Ivory Coast.

During the tournament, Ademola Lookman scored three goals.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said.

“Four years ago my career fell down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

Lookman won the African Footballer of the Year award, surpassing strong contenders such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

When the stars align, they spell 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧. 🌟

Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year! 🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/xtHxJozThj

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

A panel of national team coaches and captains determined the award, though the voting tallies have not been released yet.

This achievement makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian player to win the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen.

He joins a distinguished list of past Nigerian winners, including Nwankwo Kanu (who won twice), Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Rashidi Yekini.

In other award categories, Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named African Women’s Player of the Year.

Shining bright as always! 🌟

𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 is the Women’s Player of the Year after a season of stellar performances!#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/OIhXql2dgf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

Despite being excluded from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals due to gender eligibility issues, Banda was cleared by FIFA to compete in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and went on to play in this year’s Paris Olympics.

Men’s awards:

Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (NGR)

Club Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)

Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)

Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (CIV)

National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)

Best X1: Andre Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR)

Women’s awards:

Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)

Club Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (FAR Rabat/MAR)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)

Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)

Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)

National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Club of the Year: TP Mazembe

Best XI: Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW)

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Harry Maguire Says Manchester United’s Win Over City Is The Start Of A ‘Positive Journey’

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Harry Maguire speaks on win over Man City by Man United | fab.ng

Harry Maguire, 31, expressed optimism following the dramatic victory over Man City by Man United. He called it a “statement” win that will boost the team’s confidence.

The victory comes as United continues adapting to a new system under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The match at the Etihad saw Man City initially take the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s precise header, putting them on track for a crucial win. However, United’s resilience shone late in the game.

Captain Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 88th minute, converting a penalty earned by Amad Diallo. Moments later, Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure the win for United.

The result marked Ruben Amorim’s biggest success since taking over from Erik ten Hag last month. Furthermore, it signals growing momentum as Man United adjusts to his strategies and tactics.

Maguire highlighted the impact of such a win in fostering belief and unity within the squad as they navigate the transition under their new manager.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season for us and not much for our fans to cheer about,” said defender Maguire.

“It was a great performance in the end to come here and have 50-50 of the ball, have the same amount of shots as them.

“It’s not been like that in recent years, so it’s an improvement but still a long way to go.”

AMAD DIALLO PUTS MAN UNITED AHEAD IN THE 90TH MINUTE! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Q3I684gEDz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest ruthlessly exposed Manchester United’s defensive frailties this month. This inflicted painful Premier League defeats that have left the once-storied club languishing in an uncharacteristic 13th place.

“Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. So to come here and to put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we’re going and where Ruben’s going to take us,” said Maguire.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a positive journey.”

Manchester United’s triumph exposed Manchester City’s ongoing performance crisis. This further extends their winless streak to eight defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Rubén Amorim, the newly appointed manager, has already witnessed two of those losses since taking charge. This includes a notable period that included his remarkable 4-1 Champions League victory with Sporting Lisbon before his move to Manchester.

His transition to Man City has coincided with the team’s continued struggles. Also, it highlights the challenging period the club is currently experiencing.

“I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work,” Maguire said of the new manager’s impact.

“But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner.”

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Barcelona’s Dominant Victory: Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win Over Mallorca

Published

2 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Reporter

Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win for Barcelona Mallorca | fab.ng

A second-half brace by Raphinha played a pivotal role in the Blaugrana’s success as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to four points.

They did this with a commanding 5-1 victory over Mallorca, breaking a three-match winless streak in the league.

After a surprising home defeat to Las Palmas, Barcelona needed a strong performance against an in-form Mallorca side. Determined from the outset, Hansi Flick’s team applied early pressure.

Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres capitalised on a defensive error, nudging the ball past Leo Roman to score his second goal of the season.

Buoyed by this early breakthrough, Barcelona continued to dominate. Torres nearly added a second, but Roman’s sharp reflexes kept the scoreline in check.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal missed a crucial opportunity, firing wide when well-positioned in the box.

Despite Barcelona’s dominance, Mallorca remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off just before halftime.

Pablo Maffeo unselfishly set up Vedat Muriqi, who tapped in from close range to level the score. This goal highlighted Mallorca’s resilience and set the stage for an intense second half.

Mallorca - Barcelona match stats

Raphinha Takes Charge in the Second Half

Barcelona resumed with renewed intensity after the break. Torres and Raphinha both came close to restoring the lead.

Their pressure finally yielded a penalty when Johan Mojica fouled Yamal in the area. Raphinha confidently converted the spot-kick, notching his 15th goal across all competitions.

The Brazilian forward continued to lead Barcelona’s attack. In the 60th minute, Yamal delivered a stunning trivela cross, which Raphinha expertly finished, extending Barcelona’s lead to 3-1.

This goal underlined their attacking prowess and tactical cohesion.

With momentum firmly on their side, Barcelona sealed the win with two late goals. Frenkie de Jong capitalised on a loose ball to score, demonstrating perfect positioning.

Minutes later, he assisted Pau Victor, who easily slotted home, making it 5-1. These late strikes not only secured the win but also extended Barcelona’s unbeaten streak against Mallorca to 17 matches (15 wins, 2 draws).

This dominant performance reaffirms Barcelona’s title credentials. Their blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, highlighted by Raphinha’s brilliance, sends a clear message to their LaLiga rivals.

Check out more sports news here.