International Football
Nigeria beat Mozambique to reach U20 AFCON quarter-finals
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria beat Mozambique 2-0 in Ismailia to qualify for the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night.
Ladan Bosso’s charges scored two sumptuous goals in the first half through Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad to secure second place in Group A.
The record seven time champions of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have 6 points while Senegal top the group with 9 points following their 4-0 thumping of host nation Egypt in Cairo.
The Nigerians dominated possession at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
Ibrahim Muhammad tested the Mozambican keeper with a speculative shot from distance after five minutes.
Kimiss Zavala was well positioned to gather the effort as the Young Os Mambas weathered the early Flying Eagles pressure.
Ladan Bosso’s charges continue to pile pressure on Mozambique with Haliru Sarki and Ibrahim Muhammad providing width to the Nigerian attack.
The Nigerians created half chances through Haliru Sarki whose half volley came off a Mozambican defender after 20 minutes.
Kimiss Zavala pulled a smart one handed save to deny Ayuba Abubakarr from giving the Flying Eagles the lead in Ismailia.
The lively Ibrahim Muhammad played in Abubakarr who controlled the ball with his back to goal before firing straight at Kimiss who made himself big.
Nigeria broke the deadlock through Samson Lawal on 32 minutes with a stupendous strike from distance to beat the helpless Kimiss Zavala.
The PRO Success Football Academy forward latched on to a quick interchange of passes between fullback Augustine Njoku and Haliru Sarki before beating Kimiss with a powerful strike.
The Flying Eagles doubled their lead four minutes before halftime through Ibrahim Muhammad’s sumptuous strike from outside the area.
Muhammad Aminu cut in from the left to release the Cartagena FC striker who had a touch to set himself before beating Kimiss to make it 2-0.
The second half was an even contest with Mozambique playing on the break while Nigeria ring changes to give playing time to other members of the squad.
Substitute Jude Sunday saw his ferocious effort turned over by the busy Kimiss Zavala ten minutes into the second half.
Another Nigerian substitute Olamilekan Adams forced a save from Kimiss as Ladan Bosso’s charges pushed more men forward.
The Young Os Mambas’ only real opportunity came late on through substitute Jose Rabelina Zavala close range effort.
The Flying Eagles join Senegal in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations while Egypt and Mozambique crash out.
Well-travelled Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte has been named as Guinea’s new coach, less than a month before their next round of World Cup qualifiers.
Duarte, 56, has twice previously coached Burkina Faso and taken charge of Gabon and Togo, while also coaching at clubs in Portugal, France, Tunisia, Angola and Saudi Arabia.
Guinea’s football federation gave no contract details when they made the announcement on Monday, but said they would be looking for Duarte to “restructure their national team”.
Guinea trail leaders Algeria by eight points in their World Cup qualifying group with four games remaining, leaving them with only a slim chance of qualification.
They play Somalia away on September 5 and then Algeria at home on September 8 in their next two qualifiers although a stadium ban means Guinea have moved their home game to Casablanca, Morocco.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Veteran coach Louis van Gaal says he has been cured of cancer and is keen for a return to the higher levels of the game.
The 73-year-old announced three years ago that he was suffering from prostate cancer, but told a Dutch television talk show, “I’m no longer bothered by cancer.”
When he announced his illness, Van Gaal was the coach of the Dutch national team, but he has not worked since the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
“Two years ago, I had a few operations. It was all bad then. But it all worked out in the end. I have check-ups every few months, and that’s going well. I’m getting fitter and fitter,” he said.
Van Gaal, whose career has included stints at Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, reiterated a lack of interest in returning to club management but said becoming the national coach of a top-tier country could tempt him back.
He now serves as a special advisor to Ajax.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
In a compelling twist of football destiny, Davide Ancelotti is stepping into his own spotlight as he begins his first head coaching role at Brazilian club Botafogo—just months after parting ways with his legendary father, Carlo Ancelotti, at Real Madrid.
The 35-year-old has been appointed as Botafogo’s new manager, the club announced on Tuesday, following the sacking of Renato Paiva. Davide, who has spent the last decade working alongside his father at some of Europe’s top clubs—including Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid—has signed a one-year deal with the Rio-based team.
This marks a significant milestone for the younger Ancelotti, whose career has long been shaped by his father’s influence, but who now faces the challenge of carving his own identity on the touchline.
The move comes shortly after both father and son departed Real Madrid at the end of last season, with Carlo taking over the Brazilian national team. Now, in a poetic alignment, father and son find themselves on different paths within Brazilian football—one leading the Seleção, the other steering the fortunes of a storied domestic club.
Botafogo’s decision to appoint Davide follows a controversial parting with Paiva, who was dismissed just days after their exit from the Club World Cup. Though he oversaw a stunning win over Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, a 1-0 extra-time loss to Palmeiras in the round of 16 proved to be his final act after just four months in charge.
As Davide Ancelotti begins this new chapter, all eyes will be on whether the son of one of football’s most decorated managers can step out from his father’s shadow—and perhaps, in time, build a legacy of his own.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers