SPORTS
See Brothers Who Played Together At AFCON
Published
1 year agoon
The Ayew brothers are AFCON veterans with six tournaments under their belt, but they’re not the only siblings who’ve shone on Africa’s biggest stage!
Four incredible brother duos from Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Zambia left their mark on AFCON history. They showed the world the power of family bonds in football, filling the tournament with memories of teamwork and skill.
Andre, Ibrahim, and Jordan Ayew
The Ayew family is football royalty in Africa! Brothers Jordan and Andre, sons of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, have both played for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) five times, with the 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast being their sixth!
They’ve been a dynamic duo on the field since the 2012 AFCON, where they helped Ghana reach the semifinals. And who can forget their amazing run to the 2015 final, where they fell just short against Ivory Coast in a nail-biting penalty shootout?
But the Ayew family’s footballing talent doesn’t stop there! Another brother, Ibrahim, played alongside Andre in the 2010 AFCON, and their sister Imani is also a pro footballer. Talk about a family legacy!
So, next time you watch the AFCON, keep an eye out for the Ayew brothers; they’re sure to put on a show.
Kolo and Yaya Toure
The Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya, are legends in African football history, especially when it comes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Their incredible teamwork and talent on the field helped Ivory Coast reach new heights in the competition.
Their partnership lasted for six AFCON tournaments, starting in 2006 and ending in 2015. They were key players in Ivory Coast’s runs to the final in both 2006 and 2012, although they sadly lost to Egypt and Zambia, respectively.
Just when it seemed like the Toure brothers might retire without ever winning the AFCON, they achieved the ultimate triumph in their final tournament together. In 2015, in Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast emerged victorious, with Yaya proudly lifting the trophy as captain.
The Toure brothers’ incredible skills and dedication left a lasting impression on AFCON and fans everywhere. Their story is a testament to the power of teamwork, family, and never giving up on your dreams.
Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan
In the hall of fame of Egyptian football, the names Ibrahim and Hossam Hassan shine bright. These identical twins not only played together for the national team but also left an unmatched legacy in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), proving the power of family and teamwork in this beautiful game.
Hossam, the Goal-Scoring Machine:
Remembered as one of Africa’s greatest strikers, Hossam Hassan racked up an impressive 11 goals in the AFCON and retired as Egypt’s all-time top scorer with a whopping 68 goals. He even led Egypt to victory in three AFCON tournaments (1986, 1998, and 2006).
Ibrahim, the Defensive Wall:
Though not a goal-scoring machine like his brother, Ibrahim Hassan was a rock-solid defender who made 131 appearances for Egypt. He played alongside Hossam in three AFCON tournaments but sadly didn’t get to experience the joy of lifting the trophy.
Together on the Pitch…
Despite their differing paths to glory, the Hassan brothers remain a symbol of familial bonding and football excellence in Egypt and Africa. Their story inspires not only aspiring footballers but also anyone who values the power of family and teamwork in achieving their dreams.
Christopher and Felix Katongo
Meet Christopher and Felix Katongo, two brothers who changed the face of Zambian football forever. Their talent, dedication, and teamwork helped take the national team to new heights, especially in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
These dynamic brothers shared the field at five AFCON tournaments, kicking things off in 2006 and playing together until 2013. Their contributions came from both ends of the pitch; Christopher’s attacking skills and Felix’s midfield magic made them a force to be reckoned with.
But 2012 is the year that truly etched their names in history. That year, Zambia stunned the entire continent by winning their first-ever AFCON title in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The Katongo brothers played a key role in this unforgettable victory.
Christopher’s performance was so outstanding that he was named Player of the Tournament and finished as the joint-top scorer with three goals. Although the Golden Boot ultimately went to teammate Emmanuel Mauyka, Christopher’s impact on the team was undeniable.
The Katongo brothers’ story is not just about football skills; it’s also about the power of family and representing your country with pride. They showed the world that teamwork and dedication can overcome any obstacle, even on the biggest stage in African football.
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More Brothers Making AFCON History
The brothers above were not the only ones that made the AFCON history. Below are some other families who left their mark:
The Gyan brothers (Asamoah and Baffour) and the Kingston brothers (Laryea and Richard) both had members play in the tournament.
The Kone brothers (Arouna and Bakary) and the Kalou brothers (Bonaventure and Salomon) saw family members play for the Elephants, though never at the same AFCON.
Alain and Bertrand Traore played for the Stallions in 2015 and 2017.
Peter and Adam Ndlovu are legends. They became the top scorers in the Warriors’ history, though they only played in one AFCON together (2004). Sadly, Adam died in a car accident in 2012.
These brothers show the power of family bonds and a shared passion for football! They inspire players and fans alike across Africa.
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John McEnroe Says He Can Be The Commissioner Tennis Needs Amid Doping Crisis
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January 8, 2025By
ReporterRecent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’s reputation, but John McEnroe believes that appointing a single commissioner for the sport would significantly enhance the clarity and transparency surrounding doping cases.
Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March for trace amounts of the anabolic androgenic steroid clostebol, but an independent tribunal cleared him of any wrongdoing by accepting his explanation of unintentional contamination.
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The ITIA, responsible for managing tennis’s anti-doping program, stated that both cases involved “inadvertent breaches of the rules.”
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“In my opinion, tennis is cleaner than any other sport. Now that doesn’t mean there are not issues.”
John McEnroe emphasised that the confusion surrounding the timing of information release significantly exacerbates the situation.
The confusion is such as the delayed public disclosure of Sinner’s positive test at the Indian Wells tournament in March until just before the US Open in August.
“That part I really don’t like,”he said.
Rennae Stubbs, a former player, current coach, and ESPN commentator, stated that players undergo frequent testing.
She further emphasised that a commissioner could play a vital role in enhancing transparency when a positive test occurs, particularly when a player’s reputation is at stake.
“We need a commissioner of tennis that actually gets out there and speaks on behalf of players to defend or not defend them,” she said.
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SPORTS
Taiwo Awoniyi’s First Goal Of The Season Seals Nottingham Forest’s Win Over Wolves
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1 week agoon
January 8, 2025By
ReporterTaiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to Premier League action. He scored in stoppage time to help Nottingham Forest crush Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 on Monday evening.
The Super Eagles striker completed his dramatic comeback from injury, finding the net for the first time in the 2024/25 season, precisely 324 days after a devastating setback had forced him to watch from the sidelines.
Forest manager Steve Cooper introduced Awoniyi in the 88th minute, and the Nigerian international seized his opportunity with both hands.
Morgan Gibbs-White orchestrated the decisive moment, threading a precise pass through Wolves’ defensive line.
Awoniyi, demonstrating his predatory instincts, latched onto the ball and dispatched it into the net with clinical precision, sending the City Ground into rapturous celebration.
The emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed Taiwo Awoniyi as he sank to his knees after scoring.
He reached for his shin pads, which carried a deeply personal message – the Bible verse James 1:17.
The passage reads, “Every good and perfect gift is from above,” and pressed them against his face in a poignant display of gratitude and relief.
This victory carried significant implications for Nottingham Forest’s remarkable 2024/25 campaign. The team has now strung together an impressive sequence of six consecutive Premier League victories.
This cemented their position in third place on the table. Forest’s 40-point tally matches Arsenal’s in second position. Meanwhile, Liverpool maintains a six-point advantage at the summit with a game still in hand.
Awoniyi’s goal served as the perfect exclamation point on Forest’s commanding performance, underlining their transformation into genuine title contenders.
The striker’s emotional celebration resonated throughout the stadium. Furthermore, it marks not just a personal milestone in his recovery journey but also symbolises Forest’s remarkable ascent into English football’s top flight.
Don’t miss the inspiring photos of his celebration! Watch the goal video below.
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SPORTS
NBA Roundup: Giannis Triple-Double Leads Milwaukee Bucks To Win Over Toronto Raptors
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January 7, 2025By
ReporterGiannis Antetokounmpo (30) recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, contributing 11 points, 12 rebounds, and a season-high 13 assists.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard (34) scored 25 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a decisive 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.
Antetokounmpo’s exceptional passing, including 10 assists in the first half alone, ignited the Bucks’ offence and propelled them to victory, snapping a two-game losing streak.
The Bucks had recently faced a challenging period, losing four of their last five games, all against teams with losing records.
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Bucks coach Doc Rivers praised Antetokounmpo’s playmaking abilities, stating, “Giannis’ passing set the whole tone for our team.”
“When your best player does that, it becomes contagious and the ball just moved,” Rivers said.
Bloody good passing from Giannis.
13 AST | 12 REB | 11 PTS pic.twitter.com/6LGIFIIK6h
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 7, 2025
The only downside for the Bucks was a cut Antetokounmpo suffered on his right little finger when he hit the rim on a block attempt late in the first half.
Rivers said it required stitches to stop the bleeding, but Antetokounmpo wanted to stay in a game in which he and Lillard were both able to rest the entire fourth quarter anyway.
Zach LaVine led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 114-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Chicago, scoring 35 points while also contributing 10 rebounds and eight assists.
The Bulls staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the third quarter.
Coby White played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 23 points. He drove for a go-ahead layup and followed it up with a powerful dunk, giving the Bulls a 113-110 lead with 15.9 seconds remaining. LaVine then sealed the win with a free throw.
The Bulls successfully countered another impressive performance from San Antonio’s star rookie, Victor Wembanyama. He recorded 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and an astonishing eight blocked shots.
DRIVE HOME SAFELY. BULLS WIN. pic.twitter.com/KSEoyyzCVs
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2025
In Detroit, Cade Cunningham orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Pistons.
They scored 32 points and dished out nine assists as they overcame an early 22-point deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-115.
Tim Hardaway Jr. ignited the Pistons’ fourth-quarter surge, scoring 11 of his 26 points during the final period. He drained back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Pistons a 109-106 lead with less than three minutes remaining.
The Trail Blazers mounted a late challenge, twice narrowing the deficit to just one point. Anfernee Simons’ three-pointer with 12 seconds left brought the score to 117-115.
However, Malik Beasley sealed the Pistons’ fourth consecutive win by making one of two free throws and securing a crucial steal.
Sealed the dub the Detroit way 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kGkHkHX1o5
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 7, 2025
The Phoenix Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
Coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to shake up the starting lineup by moving Bradley Beal to the bench proved successful. Beal ignited the Suns’ offence, scoring 25 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half.
The Suns trailed by as many as 12 points in the first quarter and entered halftime with a four-point deficit. However, their bench outscored the 76ers’ reserves by a significant margin, 54-7.
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Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points and 10 assists. And Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry due to injuries.
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Cole Anthony led the Magic with 24 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring 19 points. The Magic remain without their top four scorers: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner.
Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 24 points for the Knicks. The Knicks suffered their third consecutive loss after a nine-game winning streak.
In Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. dominated. He scored 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped their three-game losing streak with a thrilling 108-106 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Anthony Edwards fuelled the comeback, scoring 37 points for the Timberwolves.
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