TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Thief steals Lana Del Rey’s laptop with unheard tracks and 200 page book manuscript

    Lana Del Rey has revealed a laptop containing songs from her upcoming album and a 200 page book manuscript was stolen from her car in a smash and grab.

    The 37-year-old singer spoke to her fans in a since deleted Instagram live clip saying her car had been broken into on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles a few months ago.

    The thieves smashed all the windows and made off with a rucksack containing her computer, multiple hard drives and a camcorder.

    She said: “The one time I left my backpack inside my car, someone broke all the windows and took it.

    “I had to remotely wipe the computer that had my 200 page book for Simon and Schuster – which I didn’t have backed up on the cloud.

    “And despite that, people are still able to remotely access my phone and leak our songs and personal photos. I loved the book that I lost with all of my heart and put a lot of passion into it.

    “I just want to mention that despite all of this happening, I am confident in the record to come – despite so many safety factors at so many different levels. I really want to persist and make the best record I can.”

    The singer added that she was “confident” the book and the album will eventually be released, but that she does have to effectively “start over” with both projects.

    She went on to urge fans not to listen to the stolen record saying, “please don’t listen to the music if you hear it, because it’s not coming out yet.”

    “Obviously I won’t ever leave anything in the car again, even if it’s just for a moment,” she added. “But we’ve had the same issues at the house, and it is a constant thing. And although I’m so grateful to be able to share all of the good stuff, I just also want to share that it has been a challenge.”

    The singer, who first hit the mainstream in 2012 with the album Born to Die, released two albums last year, Blue Bannisters and Chemtrails Over the Country Club.

    Unfortunately being a victim of this type of crime is nothing new for Del Rey who was had possessions stolen over the Christmas period in 2019.

    Source: SkyNews

  • Ipswich 1-0 Derby: Burns goal the difference between the two sides

    Wes Burns’ second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for high-flying Ipswich against ninth-placed Derby.

    The Wales international struck in the 67th minute when a Kayden Jackson effort bounced back off a post and he smashed the rebound home.

    Jackson had the opportunity to make the game safe for Town from the penalty spot late on, but Derby goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith saved his effort.

    The hosts had earlier penalty appeals turned down after Tyreece John-Jules went down in the box while under pressure from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who appeared to get a foot on the ball.

    The first shot at goal did not come until the second half, but Burns put the hosts in the ascendancy with 23 minutes to play.

    Wildsmith’s penalty save from Jackson in the 85th minute kept the game on a knife edge until the final whistle.

    Source: Livescore

  • Messi and Mbappe magic stuns Ajaccio

    Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe combined superbly to inspire Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-0 Ligue 1 win at Ajaccio on Friday.

    The defending champions were without the suspended Neymar, leaving it up to the two other stars on their forward line to send PSG six points clear at the top. They did so in style.

    Mbappe, who recently slammed reports of him wanting to leave the club as “completely false”, cut a frustrated figure for much of the game even after breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute.

    He was teed up by Messi for that opener before missing a series of chances to claim a hat-trick.

    However, a commanding PSG display was eventually reflected by the scoreline as Mbappe and Messi linked up brilliantly for the latter to make it 2-0 before the long-time Real Madrid target added further gloss with his second.

    Vincent Marchetti fired over as the hosts started brightly, but Ajaccio were punished for leaving Messi and Mbappe far too much space as the former Barcelona superstar played the France forward in for a routine finish.

    Yet joy soon turned to frustration for Mbappe, who wasted two gilt-edged chances to double PSG’s lead, blazing over on each occasion.

    Mbappe’s woes continued in the second half as he cleared the crossbar again, yet his profligacy was never likely to matter.

    He ensured it would not in a bewitching move with Messi for PSG’s 78th-minute second.

    Mbappe’s backheel return pass in their one-two was exquisite and Messi finished the move in fitting fashion by shifting the ball beyond the helpless Benjamin Leroy and tapping into an empty net.

    Messi then returned to the role of creator, teeing up Mbappe on the edge of the box, with Leroy left with no chance by a fierce finish into bottom left-corner.

    What does it mean? – PSG cruising through title defence

    While nearest challengers Lorient are at least giving the title race a veneer of competitiveness, PSG’s six-point lead over the Brittany club is not reflective of their dominance.

    They are now unbeaten in their last 21 games in Ligue 1, their joint-longest unbeaten streak, which they last set between May 19, 2018 and January 27, 2019.

    Mbappe makes his point

    Having had to deny transfer speculation and then deal with being booed in Paris at the Ballon d’Or ceremony this week, Mbappe made his point on the pitch.

    Though he could have had three more, his double made it 10 goals in 10 league games for Mbappe, putting him on pace to smash last season’s effort of 28 in 35. Six of his goals have been assisted by Messi, whose tally now stands at nine goals created.

    Quiet day for Donnarumma

    PSG have kept a clean sheet in three successive Ligue 1 games, a run of 342 minutes without conceding.

    There was rarely any danger of Gianluigi Donnarumma being beaten here, Ajaccio finishing the game with 0.2 expected goals.

    What’s next?

    PSG host Maccabi Haifa as they look to secure progression from Champions League Group H on Tuesday, before welcoming Troyes to the Parc des Princes a week on Saturday. Ajaccio visit Auxerre a day later.

    Source: Livescore

  • ‘Putuu’ is a gospel song, play it in churches- Stonebwoy

    Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy says his song ‘Putuu’ is a gospel song and people should feel free to play it in churches.

    Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Friday, October 21, the artiste said ‘Putuu’ is a prayer song for the Nation and it is very powerful.

    “It’s a prayerful song, my people. It’s a gospel song. Play it in the churches anytime you want.”

    The five-time Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year further explained that the inspiration for the song came during the Covid-19 period.

    “I actually got inspired during the COVID period. I came back from London and I had this instrumental I could feel something in instrumentals….

    “But when I finished, the song became a song for just me, because I know people might not understand Stonebwoy for this one. I mean, I’ve written songs for people, and I’m honest enough, sometimes I have songs that I know I have to give to people that I can’t sing. It’s nice, but I’m like, somebody else will deliver it better and it will fit,” the Bhim President noted.

    He continued: “But this particular song, I actually gave it to, you know, I called my wife, I played it, and a friend of ours came to the house, Aisha. Aisha Modi. So I’m like, listen to this song I have. What do you guys think about it? You know what? I’m skeptical about releasing it. I’m about to release an album anyway. But let me share it amongst us so that you guys can be enjoying it because it’s a new thing and let’s see how it goes.

    Aisha goes home and goes online with it and goes live with a song, the next minute. I’ve seen the song on Nigeria Blogs. So I woke up one morning and I actually mixed and mastered the song and released it straight up. Then we got ‘Putuu’. So, I’m grateful for that song,” Stonebwoy shared.

    The Dancehall musician also revealed that he has an upcoming album that will be dropping in March.

    Source: gbcghanaonline via Ghanaweb

  • Akufo-Addo lauds GFA for convincing European born players to join Black Stars

    President Akufo-Addo has commended the Ghana Football Association led by Kurt Okraku for working hard to secure the services of exceptionally talented Ghanaians born in the diaspora to switch nationality to play for the Black Stars.

    His comments follow the recent nationality switch of Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, Stephan Ambrosius, and Ransford Yeboah. Before that, Alexander Djiku, Tariq Fosu, Joseph Wollacott, Denis Odoi, Elisha Owusu, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, and Antoine Semenyo, among others have within the last couple of years switched nationality to play for Ghana.

    “I have a lot of confidence in the players that are being selected and I am happy that many of our Ghanaian players in the diaspora under your leadership are being brought in to play for the Black Stars,” President Nana Akufo Addo said in a meeting with the GFA Executive Council on Thursday.

    “I think you have done very well to go out there to convince them to come and play for us and it couldn’t have been any better so as Politicians, football administrators, let’s help them to settle and enjoy their trade.

    “Our bid is to create the right conditions for them to excel, that is what we have to do because undoubtedly Ghana football is among the best in the World,” he added.

    Source: Football Ghana

  • New Taylor Swift album Midnights smashes records on Spotify

    Taylor Swift has thanked her fans for “doing something mind blowing” as her new release broke the Spotify record for most-streamed album in a single day.

    The popstar’s latest offering, Midnights, sparked a surge of interest after it went live on Friday – and caused something of a stir with a couple of sweary lyrics.

    Less than 24 hours later, the music streaming giant announced that the album had amassed the most streams in a single day in the platform’s history.

    Reacting to the news, Swift wrote: “How did I get this lucky, having you guys out here doing something this mind blowing?!

    “Like what even just happened?!”

    It comes after Spotify users reported a huge spike in outages after the new album landed on the platform.

    Swift has described the record as the story of “13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life” and “a journey through terrors and sweet dreams”.

    It sees her turn away from the intimate indie songwriting of her two last albums, Folklore and Evermore, in favour of electronica, synth-pop and sometimes even hip-hop influenced beats.

    Swift has once again written most of the album with Jack Antonoff, lead singer of rock band Bleachers.In a post on her Instagram to mark the album’s release, she shared a photo of herself with her collaborators, and singled out Antonoff as her “co-pilot”.

    She said: “Midnights is a collage of intensity, highs and lows and ebbs and flows.

    “Life can be dark, starry, cloudy, terrifying, electrifying, hot, cold, romantic or lonely. Just like Midnights.”

    Source: SkyNews

  • Ex-president Hu Jintao escorted out of China party congress

    Chinese former leader Hu Jintao has been led out of the closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress.

    The frail-looking 79-year-old was sitting beside President Xi Jinping when he was approached and led away by officials. No explanation was given.

    After its week-long congress, the party is expected to confirm Mr Xi, 69, for a historic third term.

    The event, held in Beijing every five years, cemented his position as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.

    Hu Jintao, who held the presidency between 2003 and 2013, was on stage when two officials approached him. He said something to Xi Jinping, who nodded back.

    Then Mr Hu was escorted out of the Great Hall of the People.

    Earlier on Saturday, a new Central Committee of about 200 senior party officials was elected. Delegates rubber-stamped amendments to the party’s constitution endorsing Mr Xi’s ideas as guiding principles for China’s future.

    In his opening speech at the Congress last Sunday, he hailed the crushing of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong as a move from “chaos to governance”. He also reaffirmed China’s right to use force to seize the self-ruled island of Taiwan.

    Mr Xi currently combines the positions of general secretary of the Communist Party, president and head of the armed forces. He is also referred to as Paramount or Supreme leader.

    On Sunday he is expected to be officially confirmed for a third term as general secretary and to unveil his new leadership team.

    In 2018, he abolished the presidential two-term limit, paving the way for him to rule indefinitely.

    Source: BBC

     

  • World Cup 2023: England to battle Denmark and China

    European champions England will at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 face Denmark and China.

    The matches will be played in Australia and New Zealand.

    They will be joined by either Senegal, Haiti or Chile in Group D.

    The Lionesses will be based in Australia, with group games in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide.

    Republic of Ireland, making their tournament debut, are in Group B with co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and Nigeria.

    The World Cup takes place between 20 July and 20 August, 2023.

  • 7 persons arrested for illegal connection at Bekwai

    Seven individuals in the Bekwai municipality of the Ashanti Region have been found complicit in the stealing of power from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) through illegal connection.

    They were tracked down by the ECG Regional Taskforce mandated to check illegal power connections.

    The seven suspects in the illegal power connection include 4 females and 3 males.

    Leader of the ECG Regional Taskforce, Ing. Kwabena Acheampong, says the illegal connection has caused the ECG a lot of revenue loss, hence the constitution of the taskforce to tackle the menace.

    “We are moving from house to house checking illegality. People we have disconnected due to non-payment of electricity and have self-reconnected, people who have done illegal connections and are using our electricity for free.

    “We are creating awareness that when you use electricity, it is your civic responsibility that you pay for what you use,” he stated.

    The taskforce operates with the Police to facilitate the prosecution of suspects.

    One of the suspects, who is an assembly member, was arrested for self-reconnection.

    He was disconnected for owing electricity bills but says he reconnected with the intent of paying his debt the following day.

    “I owe bills but I have not paid in full so I did self-reconnection to pay later but it was not my intention to reconnect.”

    Another suspect says he reconnected thinking his cable disconnected by default.

    “Every time they disconnect, the meter is sealed. But this time, they left it opened so I reconnected. It was not deliberate,” he told Adom News.

     

  • Ofori-Atta blames Cedi depreciation on rush for dollars to import Christmas goods

    The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has explained that the current level of depreciation of the local currency may have been occasioned by a rush for dollars to import Christmas goods.

    According to Mr. Ofori-Atta, it is quite perplexing to see the level of the cedi’s depreciation.

    However, he has urged Ghanaians to not panic or put further pressure on the cedi as the currency continued its rapid slide against the US dollar in October.

    “…It’s quite perplexing to see where it’s going. Of course, typically in October, people are importing for Christmas and maybe there’s a rush for that (the dollar) but my expectation is that once we also conclude with the Fund (IMF), that will lead to the fund’s disbursement early next year to do that,” Mr. Ofori-Atta said in an interview with Asaase Radio.

    Thursday’s depreciation (as much as 9.5 per cent against the US dollar), the biggest in 22 years, took losses suffered by the Ghana cedi to nearly 52% this year, the worst performance among 148 currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

     

    Ofori-Atta blames Cedi depreciation on rush for dollars to import Xmas goods

    Mr Ofori-Atta was hopeful that the slide would be halted when the government reaches an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for economic support this year.

    “The support we are getting from countries like Germany and France, we are confident that we will get the resources needed, so we really would want people to know not to panic or be rushing in order to put pressure on the currency, I think it’s unnecessary and we are in good shape”.

    Ghana is hoping to receive as much as $3 billion under an IMF extended credit facility program to bolster its finances and regain access to global capital markets.

    He added that additional support from countries such as Germany and France would provide the country with the funds needed to halt the slide of the cedi.

     

  • Guardiola hopeful over Walker’s World Cup chances

    Pep Guardiola remains hopeful Kyle Walker will be fit to feature at the World Cup as he offered positive updates on fellow England internationals John Stones and Kalvin Phillips.

    Walker has not featured for Manchester City since suffering an abdominal injury in the Premier League champions’ 6-3 win over Manchester United earlier this month.

    The 32-year-old subsequently underwent surgery, leaving his chances of making the trip to Qatar in the balance and dealing Gareth Southgate another selection headache.

    Chelsea right-back Reece James also faces a race against time to make the squad, while Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in poor form this season.

    However, Walker offered hope to England supporters last week, telling BBC Radio 5 Live he was “confident” of returning to action before the tournament begins.

    Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, Guardiola offered an update on the condition of his England trio, saying: “I haven’t spoken to the doctors about Kyle.

    “Hopefully it can happen, if he’s selected, that he can go to the World Cup.

    “John has trained for the last two days with us, tomorrow, he’s on the list. Kalvin is incredible, he’s much better as well. They are recovering very well.”

    City fell to their first defeat of the campaign against Liverpool last Sunday, but are expected to get back on track against a Brighton side yet to taste victory under new boss Roberto De Zerbi (D2 L2).

    On Saturday, De Zerbi could become the first Premier League coach to fail to win any of his first five games at the helm since Scott Parker in April 2019, but Guardiola has backed him to have a “massive” impact in the competition.

    “I’m really happy he is here, I saw the last two games he had here, and he is already playing the way he wants to play,” Guardiola added. “His impact in England will be massive in the future.

    “He was counter-cultural in his country. In Italy, they mainly play in an incredible way which gave them a lot of success as a country, but he plays a completely different way to Italy.

    “His Sassuolo team was an incredible example that no matter the quality or investment that you have, if you believe in something 100 per cent, the way your team plays, you can do it.

    “He’s a really good example for every manager. At the start, it doesn’t matter about the results, what matters is the way you believe and the way you want to see your team playing football.”

    City have won their last nine Premier League home games, scoring at least three goals in each. There have only been two longer such runs in English top-flight history, both recorded by Aston Villa (12 in 1897 and 13 in 1930-31).


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Maradona-era record in sight as Napoli travel to in-form Roma

    Until now, Napoli have pretty much risen to every challenge this season as they aim to win the Scudetto for the first time since 1990.

    They sit top of the Serie A table after 10 games and are one of just two teams to not lose a game, with Luciano Spalletti’s men already beating Lazio and Milan away from home.

    While their past three league games – wins over Torino, Cremonese and Bologna – would have always been expected to yield Napoli victories, a slightly trickier run begins this weekend.

    Before the break for the World Cup, Napoli still have to face Rangers and Liverpool in the Champions League, plus high-flying Udinese, second-placed Atalanta, Sassuolo and, first up, Jose Mourinho’s in-form Roma in Serie A.

    Sunday’s trip to the capital poses a real threat to a historic achievement that is…

    … within touching distance

    While Napoli’s Champions League exploits – hammering Liverpool, Rangers and Ajax, twice – have attracted plenty of praise, the true extent of their form doesn’t appear to have really registered outside of Italy yet.

    However, they are undeniably on a remarkable run across all competitions.

    Napoli have won each of their past 10 matches, meaning they are just one victory away from equalling the longest such run in the club’s history.

    That 11-game winning streak was recorded between April and September 1986, the Diego Maradona era.

    Although the run ended in September, that was still the season Napoli won their first Scudetto.

    Kvaradona

    Napoli may not have a player of Maradona’s ilk this time, though supporters have certainly taken to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

    The Georgia winger only joined in pre-season, but his impact has been phenomenal.

    Already he has been involved in 13 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions, which is more than any other Serie A player.

    He heads into the weekend on a particularly effective run, too, having registered one assist in each of his past four games. The last Napoli player to have a better run (five games) was club great Lorenzo Insigne in early 2016.

    The ‘Kvaradona’ nickname is seemingly here to stay.

    Napoli’s versatile arsenal

    As good as Kvaratskhelia has been for Napoli this term, it wouldn’t be fair to say they’re completely dependent on him.

    In fact, the Partenopei have earned themselves a reputation for being adaptable and versatile.

    For starters, they’ve had 15 different scorers in Serie A this season, which is the joint-most with Bayern Munich across the big five leagues.

    And on top of that, Napoli’s 35 goals from set-pieces (including penalties) since the start of last season is more than any other Serie A team.

    Omens on Napoli’s side?

    Mourinho has Roma in good shape. They’re fourth in Serie A and go into the weekend having won each of their past three league games – they last managed four successive top-flight wins in August 2020.

    But their recent record – for what it’s worth – against Napoli is pretty poor, having only won one of their previous eight Serie A meetings, a 2-1 victory in November 2019.

    On top of that, Roma are winless in their past 12 home league games against teams in the top four at the beginning of the matchday, losing the three most recent examples.

    A Roma win will put them just a point behind Napoli, however. Regardless of the latter’s fine start to the season, they won’t be expecting a straightforward contest.

    Source: Livescore

  • It is a privilege to be linked with Barca, Neves says

    Wolves captain Ruben Neves said it is a “privilege” to be linked with Barcelona as any player in the world would want to join the Catalan giants.

    Neves is reportedly a target for Barca after catching the eye with some outstanding displays for Wolves and Portugal.

    The midfielder has been a revelation since arriving at Molineux from Porto in 2017, helping the club win promotion and establish themselves in the Premier League.

    Neves, who is under contract until 2024, expressed his pride that the Blaugrana could be keen to lure him to Camp Nou.

    He told Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11: “Who wouldn’t want to try Barcelona? I think it’s a common question for all players.

    “It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. Of course, it’s always a privilege for me to be associated with clubs of this calibre.”

    However, the 25-year-old says he is focused on turning Wolves’ fortunes around after a poor start to the season resulted in head coach Bruno Lage being sacked this month.

    He added: “I’m going to do my job here and I’m sure I have people working with me. I trust these people a lot for these situations.

    “I have to focus as much as I can on Wolves. Having a good time here, things will come naturally.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Lukaku set to make Inter return next week 

    Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has revealed that Romelu Lukaku will return from injury when Inter host Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League next Wednesday.

    With Inter bidding to secure qualification for the Champions League round of 16 next week, Inzaghi is keen to get Lukaku back.

    However, he will not feature at Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday.

    “He has been training partially in a group for two days. He has to regain his condition, but he is very motivated,” Inter head coach Inzaghi said. “Finally, after a very long time, he has overcome the injury.

    “He will not be with us tomorrow in Florence, [but] we try to bring him back on Wednesday. He has to find his condition, but after seeing him work, I am confident.”

    Lukaku scored 24 goals as Inter won the Serie A title in the 2020-2 season, and was expected to play a key role in another tilt at the Scudetto after returning on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

    However, a thigh injury has kept Lukaku sidelined since August, with the Belgium striker’s recovery taking longer than was initially expected.

    Inter finished just two points behind rivals Milan at the culmination of the Scudetto battle last season, but are already eight points adrift of leaders Napoli this campaign.

    Asked whether Inter could still play a part in the title race, Inzaghi added: “Now we have to look at the calendar, to be realistic.

    “There is a gap and they are racing ahead, now the goal is to recover points in the league and go through in the Champions League.

    “What matters most is to think game-by-game, now there are so many games missing until the [World Cup] break, and we have to get there in the best possible way.”

    Inter have won on their last two Serie A trips to Fiorentina; only once in their history have they won three successive away league games against the Viola (between 1977 and 1980).

    Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last 10 league meetings with Fiorentina (W5 D5), having lost five of their previous six games against them (W1).

     

     

  • Gavi wins Golden Boy award after securing Kopa Trophy

    Barcelona’s Gavi has won the Golden Boy award briefly after securing the Kopa Trophy earlier this week.

    The Golden Boy award is given to the best player in the world under the age of 21.

    Winning both prizes in the same year, he follows in the footsteps of team-mate Pedri.

    The 18-year-old saw off competition from the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham to land the Kopa Trophy.

    Gavi has become the third player to win the Golden Boy award while representing Barcelona, after Lionel Messi in 2005 and Pedri in 2021.

    At a press conference in Palermo on Friday, it was revealed that Gavi had beaten another 19 nominees – including that aforementioned trio – to land the Golden Boy prize, which follows similar rules to the Kopa Trophy.

    The teenager has been a revelation since breaking into the Blaugrana’s first team, scoring twice and providing six assists as he made 34 appearances in LaLiga last season.

    That form has seen the diminutive midfielder win 12 caps for Spain after becoming the youngest player to represent La Roja’s senior side in October last year.

    Barcelona had four players shortlisted for the award, with Ansu Fati and Nico Gonzalez – who is currently on loan at Valencia – joining Gavi and Pedri among the final 20 nominees.


  • Guardiola sorry for ‘vile’ Man City chants

    Pep Guardiola has apologised after Manchester City fans sang chants referencing football stadium tragedies against Liverpool, but he does not feel the rivalry between the clubs has become “toxic”.

    City suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Anfield on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah’s second-half goal enough to secure a 1-0 win for the Reds.

    However, the game was overshadowed by several off-pitch incidents.

    Guardiola alleged home fans threw coins at him; police said they were investigating an apparent attack on City’s team bus; and Liverpool criticised the conduct of some away supporters.

    The Reds accused City fans of singing “vile chants relating to football stadium tragedies” and vandalising the concourse with graffiti of a similar nature.

    Speaking ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, Guardiola said those responsible did not represent City and insisted the club’s recently established rivalry with Liverpool is not out of control.

    Asked whether contests between Liverpool and City had become “toxic” on Friday, Guardiola said: “I don’t think so, [not] from our side, I’m pretty sure of that.

    “I didn’t hear the chants. If it happened, I’m so sorry. It does not represent what we are as a team or as a club if this happened.

    “We can behave perfectly and [correct] our mistakes, without a problem.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Wait time for non-immigrant visa appointments reduced – US Embassy

    The United States Embassy in Ghana has revealed that the waiting time for appointments after non-immigrant visa applications are brought in has reduced.

    According to the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, it will now less than six months for appointments to be scheduled.

    Virginia Palmer revealed this in a video posted on the embassy’s official social media accounts on Friday, October 21, 2022.

    “That is down from two and half years when I arrived earlier this year. That is still too long but we are still taking steps to continue to reduce wait times, particularly for renewal,” she said.

    Addressing applicants, she explained that the plight of international students is also at the core of her office’s activities.

    She said the embassy has also “worked to ensure that students got accelerated processing to facilitate their education before the start of classes.

    “We processed a record 7,000 student visa cases in the last 12 months alone. That’s nearly 70% more than our previous record,” Mrs Palmer explained.

    The ambassador revealed that a total of 32,000 visa applications were processed in the past years alone.

    Against these numbers, more effort is being implemented to reduce the backlog of cases and reduce wait time further, per her assessment.

    Virginia Palmer is also cognisant of the need for Immigration Visa applications to get some attention, adding that “you can be assured that reducing wait times for immigration visas is very much on our minds.”

     

  • Serie A Matchday 11: Unbeaten Napoli face clash with resurgent Roma

    Unbeaten Serie A leaders Napoli are in irresistible form — but Jose Mourinho’s resurgent Roma will be aiming to stop the Partenopei in their tracks this Sunday.

    Elsewhere, it is second versus fifth as Atalanta look to preserve their own unbeaten run against a dangerous Lazio side.

    Meanwhile, reigning champions AC Milan can keep the pressure on at the top when they host mid-table Monza, who have put a little distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

    The Rossoneri’s city rivals Inter Milan travel to face Fiorentina, while inconsistent Juventus host Empoli.

    Game of the week: Roma vs Napoli (Sunday, 7.45pm)

    History appears to be in Napoli’s favour as they bid to extend their winning run in all competitions to 11 games in Rome.

    The visitors have lost just one of their last eight meetings with Roma (four wins, three draws).

    Additionally, Sunday’s hosts are winless in their last 12 at home in the league against opponents occupying a top-four spot at the beginning of the matchday (seven draws, five defeats).

    However, Roma are on a three-game winning streak in Serie A — and Mourinho will be keen to claim four victories on the trot for the first time since arriving in the Italian capital.

    These two sides are the league’s set-piece specialists, scoring more goals from dead-ball situations since the start of last season (35 for Napoli, 31 for Roma) than any other team.

    Atalanta vs Lazio (Sunday, 5pm)

    Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the leading assist provider in Serie A
    Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the leading assist provider in Serie A

    Atalanta also have an unbeaten run to protect — but Lazio will provide a stern test of their credentials.

    The hosts boast a strong record in this fixture having lost just one of their last 10 league games against Lazio (four wins, five draws) and have only claimed more Serie A victories in their history against Bologna (37) than the Biancocelesti (36).

    However, Atalanta have conceded more goals against Lazio since Gian Piero Gasperini took over (22) than they have against any other side — so expect another entertaining clash this time around.

    These two outfits top the league’s charts for minutes spent in leading positions (402 for Lazio, 397 for Atalanta) and will be hoping to extend their respective records on Sunday.

    AC Milan vs Monza (Saturday, 5pm)

    AC Milan have been one of Serie A's most dangerous teams going forward in 2022-23
    AC Milan have been one of Serie A’s most dangerous teams going forward in 2022-23

    AC Milan are third — three points off table-toppers Napoli — and will be keen to avoid a slip-up against Monza.

    Encouragingly for the Rossoneri, they have won each of their last six Serie A games at home against promoted sides without conceding.

    The last time Milan picked up seven wins from their first 10 league outings as reigning champions was 1992-93 — and they went on to retain the title that year.

    Monza may not expect to beat the holders but they can be encouraged by their season so far, with 10 points after 10 games. Only four promoted teams have been relegated from Serie A from that position in the last 20 seasons.

    Fiorentina vs Inter Milan (Saturday, 7.45pm)

    Inter are enduring a disappointing campaign, sitting seventh after 10 games — but are beginning to inch their way back up the table.

    The Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Saturday’s opponents Fiorentina (seven wins, five draws).

    Additionally, La Viola are in poor form, having won just three of their last 14 outings (six draws, five defeats) and have only scored eight league goals this term.

    Inter have both netted and conceded in each of their last nine Serie A away clashes though, with at least three goals scored in every match during that run (33 total).

    Juventus vs Empoli (Friday, 7.45pm)

    Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is joint-top of the Serie A goalscoring charts
    Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is joint-top of the Serie A goalscoring charts

    Juventus are also having a challenging season and will hope to elevate themselves above eighth by beating Empoli.

    The Old Lady have lost just one of their last 18 Serie A meetings with their next opponents (15 wins, two draws).

    This may be a low-scoring encounter, with Juventus managing five clean sheets this term — conceding only seven times — while Empoli have shipped just 11 goals.

    Max Allegri’s men rank third in the league for set-piece strikes with six — but Empoli have only conceded once from such situations this term, the joint-lowest tally in the division.

    The weekend’s other games

    Salernitana vs Spezia (Saturday, 2pm)

    Udinese vs Torino (Sunday, 11.30am)

    Bologna vs Lecce (Sunday, 2pm)

    Source: Livescore

  • Gerrard sacking not a shock to ex-Liverpool team-mate Carragher

    Jamie Carragher believes Aston Villa may have sacked Steven Gerrard because they feared the atmosphere at future games would become “toxic”.

    Villa acted shortly after Thursday’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Fulham, a sixth defeat in 11 games for a Villa side who have won just twice in the top flight this season.

    Carragher and Gerrard were long-standing Liverpool team-mates and remain close, to the point they had been discussing Villa’s upcoming games just days ago.

    However, Carragher was not surprised Villa opted for a change of head coach.

    Speaking on Sky Sports News, Carragher said: “I don’t think it was too much of a shock that the news came out. It was just whether the Aston Villa board would let Stevie take the [next] game because it’s so close around the corner on Sunday against Brentford.

    “But the reaction of the Villa fans, maybe they felt the crowd would be a little bit toxic on Sunday and better for all parties to part ways.”

    Carragher is intrigued to see whether Gerrard jumps back into a coaching role in the coming months, or whether he keeps his distance for a while.

    Gerrard enjoyed considerable trophy success at Rangers but could not replicate that with Villa, departing after just under 12 months at the helm.

    “I’m really not sure whether Stevie would go back in or wait 12 months,” said Carragher. “I spoke to him a few days ago about the upcoming games for Aston Villa, and he’s not daft, he knows the situation.

    “It will be really interesting, that’s not something I’ve spoken to him about, whether he’s the type of guy who wants to be manager for the next 20 years or he’s maybe picked certain jobs that really appeal to him. I think that’s what he’s done in the first few jobs that he’s picked.

    “Whether Stevie would drop down to the Championship, I’m really not sure.”

    Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said the sacking was a reminder of the “volatile” nature of being a Premier League boss, and he expects Gerrard to find another club before long.

    “I’m disappointed for Steve. I think he’s a very good manager,” Howe said at Newcastle’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham.

    “It just goes to show the short-term nature of everyone’s thinking. I’ve got no doubt on his quality and I’m sure he’ll be back very soon.”

    Villa on Friday announced the departure of five of Gerrard’s staff, including former Scotland captain Gary McAllister. He has left the club, along with Neil Critchley, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason

    They have put first-team coach Aaron Danks in temporary charge, meaning he will lead the side for the Brentford game.

    Chief executive Christian Purslow said Villa’s target “of continuous improvement” had not been achieved under Gerrard, adding: “The process of appointing a new head coach is under way and we will update supporters as soon as possible.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Ancelotti expects Kroos to sign new Real Madrid contract

    Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Toni Kroos will extend his stay at the club beyond his current contract.

    Kroos has been a core part of Los Blancos’ success in the past eight years, lifting the LaLiga title on three occasions and clinching victory in the Champions League four times – including last season.

    Now 32, and with fellow midfielder Luka Modric also in his twilight years, Madrid have looked to the future with the signings of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, but Kroos remains crucial for Ancelotti’s side.

    The Germany international has started seven of Madrid’s 10 LaLiga matches this season and, while his current deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign, Ancelotti expects him to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    “I’ve talked to him, he’s very calm. He’s going to think about it after the World Cup, in January or February. I think he’s going to continue,” he said in Friday’s press conference ahead of the clash against Sevilla.

    “His level is better than last year, he had physical problems at the beginning and then he did very well. He’s at a very high level.”

    Kroos is set to represent Germany at the World Cup in Qatar, which begins next month, where Ancelotti expects to see matches played with a higher level of intensity compared to the usual post-season tournament.

    “I think this part of the season helps, you can see a World Cup with much more intensity, they will reach the top,” he added.

    “In the previous ones they arrive exhausted to play the World Cup. Now they will arrive with a lot of energy.”

    Source: Livescore

  • GUTA suspends strike action

    The Ghana Union of Traders Association has suspended its six-day strike action against the government over high taxes.

    The Association on Wednesday closed their shops to also protest the continuous depreciation of the local currency.

    According to press statement signed by the General Secretary of the Association, Alpha A. Shaban, the decision comes on the back of a meeting with the King of the Ga State, Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who has promised to take the matter up to the appropriate authorities for urgent solution.

    The leadership of the Association also added that it will meet the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, and lay their grievances and recommendations before him.

    GUTA strike suspended

    “He [the President] then called for setting up of a working committee made up of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Security and GUTA, to swiftly come out with pragmatic measures to solve the challenges.”

    The President has also indicated that most of the Association’s recommendations will be factored in the ongoing IMF discussion.

    GUTA has thus called on traders who had participated in the strike action to reopen their shops today, as the Association’s leadership continues to pursue the process for immediate solution.

     

  • Bundesliga Matchday 11: Hoffenheim host resurgent champions Bayern

    Bayern Munich are hell-bent on clawing their way back to the Bundesliga’s summit — and fourth-placed Hoffenheim are the next obstacle in their path.

    Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, have dropped down the table after a poor run of form and will hope to correct that with a victory over struggling Stuttgart.

    And it is top versus bottom as surprise league leaders Union Berlin travel to face Bochum as they bid to remain ahead of the pack.

    Meanwhile, third-placed Freiburg will be looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat against Bayern when they host Werder Bremen.

    Game of the week: Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Bayern made a statement last Saturday as they leapfrogged Freiburg with a resounding 5-0 victory before following up that impressive performance with a 5-2 win at Augsburg in Wednesday’s DFB-Pokal tie.

    But since 2016-17, no side has picked up more Bundesliga points at home against the Bavarians than Hoffenheim’s 10.

    Meanwhile, Bayern are winless in their last three away games in the competition.

    However, Hoffenheim head coach Andre Breitenreiter has lost all seven of his Bundesliga meetings with FCB by an aggregate scoreline of 26-2 — no manager has a worse 100% losing record against a single club in the division’s history.

    Borussia Dortmund vs Stuttgart (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham roams across the pitch to get involved in various phases of play
    Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham roams across the pitch to get involved in various phases of play

    Dortmund have gone three Bundesliga games without a win and are in desperate need of three points to arrest their decline.

    On paper, a home fixture against Stuttgart — who only picked up their first league victory of the campaign last Saturday — looks to be a kind one.

    However, Dortmund have suffered 13 defeats and conceded 73 Bundesliga goals at home against Stuttgart — they only have a worse record against Bayern.

    Stuttgart, though, have failed to win any of their last 14 Bundesliga away fixtures (eight draws, six defeats) and have only triumphed in one of their last 21 such games (11 draws, nine defeats).

    Bochum vs Union Berlin (Sunday, 2.30pm)

    Janik Haberer has scored three goals for Union Berlin so far this season
    Janik Haberer has scored three goals for Union Berlin so far this season

    Bochum are enduring their worst-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign, with just four points after 10 games — and they face the league leaders next.

    The Bundesliga’s bottom club also have its worst defence (27 goals conceded) and its bluntest attack (nine goals scored). Meanwhile, Union boast the best defensive record in the division, shipping just six goals.

    Furthermore, the hosts have given away seven penalties already — an all-time Bundesliga record at this stage of the season.

    Meanwhile, Union are enjoying their best-ever start in the top flight, with 23 points from 10 games — far exceeding their previous best of 16 at this stage.

    Borussia Monchengladbach vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Saturday, 5.30pm)

    Eintracht Frankfurt are enjoying a fruitful season — they are the Bundesliga's second-highest scorers
    Eintracht Frankfurt are enjoying a fruitful season — they are the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorers

    This match pits sixth against fifth in what promises to be a close encounter.

    After enjoying a six-match unbeaten run against Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach failed to win either of last season’s encounters, losing 3-2 at home last December before sharing the spoils in their final outing on the road last term.

    Frankfurt have picked up more away points in the Bundesliga against BMG (53) than against any other side.

    However, Die Fohlen have won six of the last seven on their own patch in the competition (one defeat).

    Intriguingly, these two sides have the joint-best record in the Bundesliga for goals from set-pieces, with eight each.

    Freiburg vs Werder Bremen (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Third-placed Freiburg will be wounded after suffering a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern and will be hoping for a positive response against mid-table Werder Bremen.

    However, of teams in this season’s Bundesliga, Werder only have a better win percentage against Bochum (63%) than they do against Freiburg (55%).

    Additionally, the visitors have lost just one of their last 10 games against Freiburg in all competitions (four wins, five draws) and are unbeaten away from home in the Bundesliga this season (three wins, two draws).

    Freiburg have, though, won each of their last five Bundesliga home games against promoted sides — the longest such run of any team in Germany’s top flight.

    The weekend’s other games

    Mainz vs FC Cologne (Friday, 7.30pm)

    Bayer Leverkusen vs Wolfsburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Augsburg vs RB Leipzig (Saturday, 2.30pm)

    Hertha Berlin vs Schalke (Sunday, 4.30pm)

    Source: Livescore

  • Eddie Howe defends Newcastle United’s training camp in Saudi Arabia

    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has defended the club’s decision to return to Saudi Arabia for a warm-weather training camp, saying it was made from a “purely footballing backdrop”.

    The Magpies will travel to Riyadh from 4-10 December during the Premier League’s break for the World Cup, and will play Al-Hilal in a friendly.

    A Saudi-backed takeover of the club was completed in October 2021.

    The club previously travelled to Saudi Arabia in January.

    “We’ve made a football decision. We’ve looked at the World Cup break, what’s the best thing for the team,” said Howe.

    “The best thing for the team, I believe, is to take the team away like you would in pre-season, away from distractions, a chance to really train the group, enhance the team spirit with hopefully some good weather, so that’s what we’ve done.

    “We’ve made it from a purely footballing backdrop.”

    Newcastle’s ownership model has been controversial since Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over at the club last year, with human rights groups saying the move is an attempt to ‘sportswash’ the country’s image.

    Upon taking an 80% stake in the club, Newcastle’s owners had to provide “legally-binding assurances” to the Premier League that the state would not control the club despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also being the chair of PIF.

    In the summer, a pre-season friendly with Mainz went ahead despite fans of the Bundesliga club protesting that Newcastle was a “vehicle for asserting the interests of a regime that tramples on human rights”.

    After their trip to Saudi Arabia at the start of the year, Newcastle won five of their next six matches and the club hope the upcoming trip will have a similar effect.

    “When you look back to last year, our decision to go there and the benefit it had for the team and the results on our return were really good, so we got a few positive connotations from that,” added Howe.

    “Going back to our trip last year, the weather was very good, the facilities were first class, we were able to spend some quality time together to bond the group and really focus our energies on our battle to stay in the division.

    “The team spirit off the back of that trip was very, very good. Obviously we have that positive experience to fall back on and it’s helped with our decision this time.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo blames ‘heat of moment’ as he is dropped

    Cristiano Ronaldo says “the heat of the moment” got to him in the incident that led to Manchester United dropping him for Saturday’s game at Chelsea.

    The Portugal forward left Old Trafford before the end of Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham – for which he was an unused substitute.

    “I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented,” he wrote on Instagram on Thursday.

    “That’s not always possible.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

    He added: “Sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.

    “I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington [United’s training ground], support my team-mates and be ready for everything in any given game.

    “Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”

    United say the 37-year-old remains an important part of the squad but regard this as a disciplinary matter.

    The game he will miss at Stamford Bridge is a big one, with United just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

    Several media outlets are reporting he refused to come on as a late sub against Spurs.

    Ronaldo left the bench and walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute, even though United had only made three of their permitted five substitutions. He briefly went into the dressing room before leaving the stadium.

    Manager Erik ten Hag said afterwards that he would “deal with” the issue on Thursday.

    Ronaldo had also showed his displeasure at being substituted during Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Newcastle.

    Former England striker Gary Lineker said Ronaldo’s behaviour took attention away from United’s impressive performance against Spurs.

    “That is unacceptable – it is so poor,” Lineker said on BBC Match of the Day.

    Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams said: “It was a great night for Manchester United and here we are again talking about Cristiano Ronaldo – even though he didn’t play.”

    Former England defender Micah Richards said: “For one of the greats of the game to do that when your team are winning, making it about him, is disappointing.”

    Richards said Ronaldo’s behaviour was “disrespectful” and he should be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.

    “His manager had problems with him at the start of the season, during pre-season, and to then carry this on… I just think there is only one way this needs to go now,” Richards told BBC Radio 4.

    “They need to come to an agreement in January and they need to let him go. He is undermining the manager there, so I think it’s best if they just part ways.”

    Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said Ronaldo would have been aware such behaviour would create “headlines”.

    “It’s the first time I can say that I am disappointed with him. Normally I back him; I understand his situation,” Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “We are in transition. Manchester United are now five managers down the road since Alex Ferguson.

    “We have got Erik ten Hag in now who has very clear ideas about the way he wants to play football. We need understanding and time from everyone.

    “We don’t need distractions like that, and that’s a disappointment, I would say.”

    Source: BBC

  • Gauff dominates Trevisan to reach Guadalajara Open quarter-finals

    American teenager Coco Gauff showed why she deserves to be at this year’s WTA Finals with a commanding 6-0 6-3 victory over Martina Trevisan at the Guadalajara Open.

    The fifth seed clinched her maiden spot at the season-ending WTA Finals on Wednesday and backed that up by securing her third WTA 1000 quarter-final on Thursday.

    Gauff reeled off the first nine games of the match against Trevisan, where she triumphed in one hour and one minute. The 18-year-old came under pressure from Trevisan, who generated nine break points for the match but Gauff saved all bar one of them.

    World number one Iga Swiatek (47) is the only player to have won more matches this year in straight sets than Gauff (32).

    Gauff will face Victoria Azarenka in the quarter-finals after the Belarusian toppled 13th seed Madison Keys 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 in two hours and 13 minutes.

    Two-time Australian Open winner Azarenka swept aside Keys in 32 minutes in the third set after a titanic battle in the opening two frames, winning 26 of the 37 final-set points. Azarenka’s quarter-final appearance is her 34th since 2009, with only four players having more during the span; Agnieszka Radwanska (42), Simona Halep (39) and Caroline Wozniacki (36).

    Third seed Jessica Pegula advanced to the last eight with a 6-4 6-4 victory over former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.

    The American, who survived three match points against Elena Rybakina on Wednesday, trailed early against the Canadian but took control of the match. Pegula will face Sloane Stephens in the quarter-finals after she toppled 2022 US Open semi-finalist Caroline Garcia 7-6 (8-6) 7-5.

    On the day her WTA Finals berth was confirmed, seventh seed Daria Kasatkina lost 6-2 2-6 6-3 to Anna Kalinskaya in two hours and 14 minutes.

    Fourth seed Maria Sakkari fought back to win 5-7 6-3 6-3 over 14th seed Danielle Collins, while Marie Bouzkova copped a bagel before triumphing 0-6 7-5 6-3 over Liudmila Samsonova.

    Sakkari will next meet eighth seed Veronika Kudermetova who beat Jelena Ostapenko 6-4 6-4. Bouzkova will take on Kalinskaya in the last eight.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Serena hints chances of tennis return are ‘very high’

    Serena Williams says the chances of her returning to the tennis court are “very high”.

    Recently, she declared her intention to step away from tennis before the US Open last month.

    Though she deliberately avoided saying she would retire prior to the tournament, instead saying she planned to “evolve” away from the sport, many believed Williams’ third-round exit at Flushing Meadows last month was the last time she would be seen playing competitive tennis.

    Her defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic was met with the kind of fanfare that suggested she was calling it a day on an illustrious career that included 23 grand slam titles, the second most in history behind Margaret Court.

    But Williams implied she could yet step on the court again when speaking at a TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco on Wednesday.

    In quotes collected by the San Francisco Standard, Williams said: “I am not retired.

    “The chances [of me returning] are very high. You can come to my house and [see] I have a court.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Thiem beats Cerundolo for second time in a week in Antwerp

    Dominic Thiem saw off Francisco Cerundolo for the second time in the space of a week as he dug deep in the deciding set to win 6-1 1-6 7-5 at the European Open.

    The Austrian downed the Argentinian in straight sets six days earlier in Gijon but found this a sterner test of his capabilities against the sixth seed.

    Nevertheless, the former US Open winner shook off a second-set collapse and then responded to going a break down in the decider, winning four of the final five games to seal a quarter-final clash with favourite Hubert Hurkacz.

    He was joined in the last-eight by two more unseeded players, as David Goffin and Sebastian Korda recorded straight-set upsets over third seed Diego Schwartzman and fourth-ranked Karen Khachanov respectively.

    At the Stockholm Open, fifth seed Alex de Minaur made swift work of American J.J. Wolf, dispatching him in a 6-4 6-2 win to set up a quarter-final with Canada’s Denis Shapovalov.

    Defending champion Tommy Paul is out however, losing to Sweden’s Mikael Ymer, who recorded a 6-2 6-3 victory that earns him a clash with top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.

    Slippery court conditions contributed to a backlog in fixtures at the Napoli Cup, meaning first-round matches were followed by second-round encounters on Thursday.

    Nevertheless, second seed Matteo Berrettini made light work of Roberto Carballes Baena, winning 6-4 6-2.

    Roberto Bautista Agut, seeded third, slipped to a 6-4 6-4 loss to Mackenzie McDonald, with the American joining Berrettini in the last eight.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • USA Grand Prix predictions: Perez can fly the Red Bull flag

    After last year’s battle for Formula 1 honours went down to the wire, the drivers’ and constructors’ titles could be sewn up with three races to go if Red Bull can maintain their recent dominance at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

    Verstappen became a two-time world champion in the last round of the campaign in Japan, and the Dutchman will lead the charge again as Red Bull bids to wrap up the constructors’ title at the Circuit of the Americas.

    The all-conquering Milton Keynes outfit need just 26 more points to secure their first constructors’ title since 2013 and are well placed to get the job done with Verstappen, the 2/5 favourite with LiveScore Bet for a record-equalling 13th win of the season.

    With the 25-year-old driving in a different league to everyone else on the grid, he is tough to oppose as he goes in search of back-to-back wins in Austin.

    Red Bull rivals slipping further behind

    Last year’s edition of the United States Grand Prix produced a thrilling battle between title rivals Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the Red Bull driver just holding off the Brit to claim a vital win.

    Verstappen and Hamilton’s tussle produced the closest finish to a United States Grand Prix since the inaugural race in Austin in 2012, but this year’s renewal may not be as tight.

    Ferrari continue to save their best for Saturday and are 19/20 with LiveScore Bet to have the fastest car in qualifying. However, tyre wear has badly hampered their chances when it has come to race day recently.

    Tyre degradation is just the latest in a long line of issues to have dented the Scuderia’s prospects. It will be tough for Charles Leclerc, once considered a serious threat to Verstappen, to improve upon a run of one win in 15 races if the problem is not solved.

    Silver Arrows missing the mark

    Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton has struggled of late, failing to make the podium in his last five races
    Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has struggled of late, failing to make the podium in his last five races

    Red Bull’s other main challenger, Mercedes, appear to have taken a step back too with Hamilton failing to make the podium in the last five races.

    George Russell, who sits above Hamilton in the drivers’ standings, endured a frustrating Asian leg of the season and his chances of finishing runner-up to Verstappen in the title race look to have gone.

    The Silver Arrows are planning to introduce their final package of upgrades for the year in Texas, but the team does not expect them to have a significant effect when it comes to closing the gap on the Red Bulls.

    Prediction

    Red Bull have proven to be head and shoulders above the rest, and while the Circuit of the Americas usually provides plenty of great wheel-to-wheel racing, the final result could be a familiar one.

    While Verstappen has taken all the glory, team-mate Sergio Perez continues to have a solid year and at 19/20 with LiveScore Bet to finish in the top three may offer a bit of value in Sunday’s race.

    The Mexican has finished on the podium in nine of this year’s 18 races and should have taken a bit of confidence from his win in Singapore and runner-up spot in Japan.

    Further down the grid, Sebastian Vettel appeals at 5/6 with LiveScore Bet to post a third consecutive top-10 finish.

    The German, who will retire from F1 at the end of the season, is signing off strongly, making good use of an improved Aston Martin to claim sixth in Japan.

    The four-time world champion has a decent record in Austin, recording Red Bull’s only other win at the venue in 2013 and finishing in the points six times in seven appearances since that victory.

    Source: Livescore

  • Fury announces Chisora trilogy in December after AJ talks fall through

    Tyson Fury will press ahead with a trilogy fight with old foe Derek Chisora on December 3 after the collapse of negotiations for a prospective domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua earlier this month.

    The bout against Chisora, who Fury previously beat in 2011 and 2014, will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and represent 34-year-old Fury’s first fight since a routine sixth-round stoppage of another domestic rival, Dillian Whyte, in April.

    Fury’s promoter Frank Warren said: “I am thrilled to be delivering a Tyson Fury world title defence in front of the British fans in London.

    “Tyson clearly conquered America across his trilogy with Deontay Wilder and there is also huge demand to stage his fights from sites across the world.

    “Tyson wanted to fight in his home country again this year following his special night at Wembley Stadium in April. This brings us to the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a match against an old rival in Derek Chisora.

    “Derek, also a big favourite with British fans, has reinvented himself in recent years and Tyson has long stated his wish to fight him for a third time.”

    Warren reiterated Fury’s plan to take on Joshua’s conqueror Oleksandr Usyk in a unification fight in the first part of next year.

    The Ukrainian previously indicated he had no desire to fight before the new year.

    Warren added: “Tyson can’t afford any slip-up in this fight as he has the much-publicised undisputed match-up with Usyk in the new year which we’re really looking forward to.”

    Daniel Dubois will make the first defence of his version of the WBA title against Kevin Lerena on the undercard.

    Source: Livescore

  • Fury promises ‘war’ against Chisora with jibes to Usyk and Joshua

    Tyson Fury praised Derek Chisora for accepting a December 3 fight, aiming a not-so-subtle dig towards Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.

    The two heavyweights will go toe-to-toe at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Fury’s WBC belt on the line, after the Gypsy King was unable to secure an agreement to fight either Usyk or Joshua.

    That led to disappointment among fans, with the initial reception for a trilogy bout against Chisora not a positive one, but Fury always intended to fight before the end of the year and says his opponent has “balls” which others in the division lack.

    “You’ve got the so-called guys in the division, the ‘top guys’, we offer them fights but there’s no smoke. You offer it to Chisora, boom, he’s sat here opposite me,” Fury said in Thursday’s press conference.

    “The man has got balls. In today’s society, in this boxing game, there’s a lack of balls. You know who you are, these people who don’t want smoke.

    “With Chisora, he does what it says on the tin, he goes to war. We’re going to get a war. I did outbox him comfortably the second time, but his style has changed and so has mine.

    “When you’ve got two heavy forces colliding with two heavy bombs, someone is getting knocked out. If he lands a big punch on me, I’m getting knocked out. If I land a big swing on him, he’s getting knocked out.

    “The fans are going to win, 100 per cent. I promised Chisora for years that we would have a third fight. We’re going to put on a hell of a fight.”

    Promoter Frank Warren has outlined Fury’s future in the ring beyond the trilogy bout against Chisora, with a proposed unification bout against Usyk still planned for the first quarter of next year.

    “If Tyson comes through December 3, he’s going to fight Oleksandr Usyk and after that he may wind up fighting Joe Joyce,” Warren told TalkSport.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Fury considering Morecambe takeover to ‘throw millions’ at League One club

    Tyson Fury is considering becoming the new owner of Morecambe to throw “millions” at the League One club.

    The WBC world heavyweight champion already has his ‘Gypsy King’ brand embroidered on the Shrimps’ shorts.

    After it was announced Fury will face Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a trilogy fight on December 3, the unbeaten 34-year-old revealed he is mulling over a takeover of the club in the seaside town where he lives.

    He told talkSPORT on Thursday: “Quick question, I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.

    “So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them.”

    Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan replied: “By invest you mean throw it at them, invest is the wrong term.”

    Fury said: “Yeah, basically throw it at them and keep them going up. I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club.

    “I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”

    Jordan asked Fury: “You know how to make a small fortune in football?”

    The world champion responded: “Start off with a bigger one! It’s the same as being a boxing promoter.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Davis to remain Wolves caretaker until 2023

    Wolves have confirmed Steve Davis will remain as caretaker head coach until 2023 as their search for a permanent boss goes on.

    Davis assumed caretaker duties after Bruno Lage was sacked earlier this month with the club in the relegation zone, before former Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui reportedly rejected the job.

    Since taking over as caretaker, Wolves have lost two of their three matches, though they did claim victory over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest between those two defeats.

    The announcement comes after earlier reports that Queens Park Rangers’ Michael Beale had turned down Wolves’ approach to take over at Molineux.

    In a statement on the club’s official website, chairman Jeff Shi: “In the short time Steve and his team have been in interim charge of the first-team, we have already seen improvements to the group.

    “We have no plans to rush our search for a new permanent head coach and will not compromise in any way our approach to appointing the person we believe to be the perfect fit for our club, our squad and the role of head coach at Wolves.”


    Source: Livescore

  • MLS: Gabonese Bouanga leads LAFC to Western Conference final

    In the United States, El Trafico stirs up strong feelings, the Los Angeles derby kept all its promises on Thursday (Oct 20) with Gabonese international Denis Bouanga in the limelight.

    He opened the scoring for LAFC against the Galaxy of Mexico’s Chicharito

    The new squad in Beckham and Zlatan’s former club of drew level thanks to French-Senegalese Samuel Grandsir

    But winger Denis Bouanga was in fine form. Well served by Ghanaian Kwadwo Opoku, The Panther scored his first double since he started playing in the Major League Soccer.

    LAFC eventually won 3-2 to earn a ticket for the Western Conference final.

    In NBA, it was an African top notch duel. Cameroonian Joel Embiid faced Nigerian Giannis Antetokounpo Thursday. This time, the Nigerian took the upper hand the latter thnks to this spectacular block like this one.

    Embiid scored 15 points, when Giannis secured 21poits. The Bucks of Milwaukee pipped the Sixers at the post with the game ending 90-88.

    Boxing this time. Zimbabwe’s Derik Chisora will challenge world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on December 3 in London. He replaces Anthony Joshua with whom negotiations failed.

    “I’m buzzing”, Derek Chisora said during a press conference.

    “This will be a good fight. I can’t really say much because they put a gag on me in the contract, so for me to go on here without saying much, I can’t really, so that’s how I’ll leave it.”

    “I’m in great shape,” warns the Harare native. It will be a good fight. I can’t really say much because they put a gag order on me in the contract, so I won’t say much more.”

    Tyson Fury remains undefeated. He’s already won twice against Chisora: in 2011 he was declared winner by unanimous decision and in 2014 he wn after the 10th round.

    Source: Africanews

  • Xhaka fires Arsenal into next round

    Granit Xhaka’s volley ensured Arsenal secured qualification for the Europa League’s knockout stages with two games to spare, firing the Gunners to a 1-0 home win over PSV.

    Mikel Arteta selected a strong side as Arsenal looked to ensure their progression from Group A on Thursday, but PSV appeared likely to make them wait after producing a resolute defensive display.

    Walter Benitez kept Arsenal at bay until the 70th minute, but Xhaka expertly diverted a right-wing delivery into the bottom-left corner to seal the hosts’ progress.

    While Arsenal are now assured of a place in the Europa League’s knockout stages, a point in next week’s return fixture will guarantee them top spot and a bye to the competition’s round of 16.

    Xhaka and Gabriel Jesus both dragged left-footed efforts wide as Arsenal laid siege to PSV’s goal in the early exchanges, with Kieran Tierney also sending a wild volley over.

    Fabio Vieira then whipped a free-kick wide of the bottom-left corner after 41 minutes, with Arteta’s team failing to manage a shot on target before the break as PSV stood firm.

    Arsenal improved after the restart, but Benitez made an excellent one-on-one save to deny Bukayo Saka after 53 minutes before turning Jesus’ effort away following a slaloming run from the Brazilian.

    Eddie Nketiah then smashed an effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

    But just when Arsenal appeared to be running out of ideas, Xhaka had the final say.

    The Switzerland international swivelled on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s delivery to drill a right-footed effort beyond the dive of Benitez from just inside the area, ensuring Arsenal’s progress.

    What does it mean? – Perfect Gunners progress

    Arsenal began their Europa League campaign with three successive victories for the fifth time in as many seasons competing in the competition. In only one of those previous instances, however, had the Gunners gone on to win their fourth group game (in 2020-21).

    Arteta demonstrated his desire to seal a top-two spot with time to spare by selecting a strong team, and Arsenal dominated throughout as they managed 25 attempts to PSV’s four, the Gunners’ chances worth 2.6 expected goals (xG).

    Xhaka’s goal was the least the Gunners deserved after remaining patient at the Emirates, and Arsenal will now be supremely confident of securing first place in Group A.

    Xhaka continues redemption arc

    Few players have enjoyed a turnaround as spectacular as that of Xhaka; once deemed surplus to requirements and maligned by his own supporters, the tenacious midfielder has emerged as a leader in Arteta’s bright young team.

    Xhaka has now scored as many goals this campaign (three) as in his previous three seasons combined, while Thursday’s goal represented his first for Arsenal to not be scored with his left foot.

    Ruud welcome for Van Nistelrooy

    PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooy did not exactly enjoy facing Arsenal as a player. The former striker only scored twice in 12 meetings with the Gunners as a Manchester United player, his worst goals-per-game rate against any side he faced more than five times with the Red Devils (0.2).

    Unfortunately for the Dutchman, his team did not fare much better in front of goal on Thursday, recording just one shot on target and failing to seriously test Matt Turner in the Arsenal goal.

    What’s next?

    Arsenal will look to maintain their scintillating start to the Premier League campaign at Southampton on Sunday, while PSV travel to Groningen for an Eredivisie encounter on the same day.

    Source: Livescore

  • Barnes on target as Leicester boost survival hopes

    Harvey Barnes continued to torment Leeds as he inspired Leicester to a vital victory which breathed fresh life into their survival hopes.

    The winger scored his sixth goal in six games against United to help the Foxes to a 2-0 win and ease any growing pressure on boss Brendan Rodgers.

    He added to Robin Koch’s early own goal with the Foxes a point from the safety line ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to fellow strugglers Wolves.

    While they remain in the bottom three, victory lifted Leicester off the foot of the table and gives Rodgers time in a week which has the potential to shape the Foxes’ season.

    Defeat extended Leeds’ winless run to seven and they are now just a point above the Foxes and only out of the drop zone on goal difference.

    Jesse Marsch has seen his side slowly slip down the table and he faced the wrath of a furious travelling support following what was, ultimately, a meek surrender.

    Needing a result, Rodgers recalled Jamie Vardy for just his second start since the beginning of September.

    The striker, without a goal this season, is in his worst barren spell for six years but the Foxes did not have to wait long for the opener, which arrived after 16 minutes.

    Leeds were arguably the brighter side but Leicester seized on some sloppy defending when Dennis Praet robbed Marc Roca.

    Referee Peter Bankes played a good advantage after Vardy was clobbered, allowing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to send Praet down the right. His low cross was intended for the unmarked Barnes but Koch slid in and only succeeded in poking the ball beyond the stranded Illan Meslier.

    The visitors responded well and when Youri Tielemans’ shot was charged down Luis Sinisterra launched a quick break with the Foxes’ defenders in desperate pursuit.

    The forward appeared to lose the ball on the edge of the area but it fell kindly for him to curl onto the top of the bar.

    A minute later Crysencio Summerville curled wide and Leicester briefly looked ragged until Barnes made it 2-0 10 minutes before the break.

    Excellent work from Praet won the ball, which rolled for Vardy to backheel to Dewsbury-Hall on the edge of the area. He found the unmarked Barnes and the winger steered his third goal of the season under an exposed Meslier.

    Despite the lead, Leicester failed to totally convince during a first half where Leeds had squandered their chances and Danny Ward needed to block Liam Cooper’s effort seven minutes after the restart.

    Rasmus Kristensen shot over but Leeds’ response quickly faded and they never seriously troubled Leicester, who had rediscovered their resolve.

    Praet curled over but a third was never needed with the Foxes, and Rodgers, clinching a much-needed victory.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Lewandowski becomes inspirational in Barca’s routine win

    Robert Lewandowski scored two stunning goals as Barcelona beat Villarreal 3-0 at Camp Nou to bounce back from El Clasico disappointment.

    Barca lost their first clash with bitter rivals Real Madrid this season on Sunday, but they quickly shook off that defeat as Villarreal were swept aside on Thursday.

    Three first-half goals in a seven-minute spell left the Yellow Submarine all at sea, with Lewandowski netting a couple of brilliant efforts before Ansu Fati ensured it was essentially game over before the break.

    Villarreal never threatened any kind of turnaround, as Xavi’s side eased the pressure that had started to build following a run of just one win in four games.

    After a frustrating opening half-hour, a moment of magic brought about the first goal with 31 minutes on the clock.

    Pedri’s wonderful pass released Jordi Alba and his subsequent low cross found Lewandowski, whose backheeled first touch took three Villarreal players out of the game and set up a simple finish.

    A few moments later, Lewandowski did the damage from further out, curling his 25-yard effort beyond Geronimo Rulli’s reach.

    There was a bit more fortune about Fati’s goal, though.

    After a brilliant Ferran Torres run and cut-back, Fati should have tapped in, but his scuffed attempt came back off the post and allowed him to backheel over the line.

    Chances largely dried up in an uneventful second half, but Raphinha should have made it 4-0 when guiding Ousmane Dembele’s cross wide from close range.

    The Brazilian’s miss ultimately counted for nought, however, as Barca saw the second half out comfortably.

    What does it mean? – Business as usual for Barca

    October has been a chastening month for Xavi and Barca, who took just one point from two Champions League clashes with Inter before suffering a 3-1 defeat in the Clasico.

    That spell even led to talk about Xavi’s future, with the coach acknowledging he will not keep his job for long if the Blaugrana are not successful.

    However, they made light work of Villarreal, and impressively so given Unai Emery’s side had only conceded three times in their previous seven games across all competitions.

    Lethal Lewandowski

    Three shots, three shots on target, two goals – that is pretty efficient. That description probably fails to do Lewandowski justice, however. The Poland striker’s first-half brace was sensational and showcased his range of abilities wonderfully.

    Anonymous Danjuma

    If Villarreal were going to leave Camp Nou with a result, they would likely have needed their forwards to be lively.

    However, the Yellow Submarine’s attackers struggled throughout. Arnaut Danjuma only managed one shot and 12 touches before his half-time withdrawal.

    Key Opta facts

    – Barcelona have won their last four LaLiga home games without conceding – they won four straight games at home in the competition without conceding in June 2020 under Quique Setien.
    – Villarreal have conceded three or more goals more times in a single game against Barcelona in LaLiga (19) than against any other team in the competition (15 v Real Madrid).
    – Villarreal have not won any of their last five LaLiga away games (D2 L3), failing to score in all of them, having won in their previous four trips in the competition. Indeed, the last time they went five away games without scoring in the top-flight was in September 2011 (D2 L3).
    – Robert Lewandowski has scored two goals from outside the box this season in all competitions (14 games), as many as in his previous whole campaign for Bayern Munich (2 in 46 games).
    – Frenkie de Jong won 10 duels against Villarreal (10/10), more than any other player in a single game in LaLiga with a 100 per cent success rate this season.

    What’s next?

    Barcelona welcome Ernesto Valverde – now in charge of Athletic Bilbao again – back to Camp Nou on Sunday, while Villarreal host Almeria the same day.

    Source: Livescore

  • Europa League qualification ‘the first step’ as Arsenal target top spot, says Arteta

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says qualification for the Europa League’s knockout stages is simply “the first step” following their 1-0 win over PSV, with the Spaniard already focused on winning Group A.

    Granit Xhaka’s 70th-minute volley ensured the Gunners secured a top-two finish with two games to spare on Thursday, as they were rewarded for their patience against a solid opponent at the Emirates Stadium.

    Arsenal have now won their first four games of a Europa League campaign for just the second time, having also done so in 2020-21, and can seal first place with a draw in next week’s return fixture against the Eredivisie giants.

    With group winners earning a bye straight through to the competition’s last-16 and avoiding further fixture congestion in the new year with a playoff round, Arteta knows the importance of finishing the job at hand.

    “We had really good moments, and we were really dominant against a really good side,” he told BT Sport.

    “I think we just lacked that final pass or shot. But we’re very happy to win the game, and we [have] qualified, which is the first step.

    “In Europe, you have to control the opponent. They are very talented, used to winning and the amount of goals they have scored is incredible. We were really composed and mature.

    “When you have the chance in Europe, you have to take it. The difference between finishing first and second is big, and we want to get the job done.”

    Meanwhile, Arsenal and England supporters were dealt a scare when Bukayo Saka went down in the second half, but Arteta eased any fears of an injury layoff, adding: “I think he will be okay.”

    After beating Walter Benitez to decide the contest, Xhaka has now scored as many goals this campaign (three) as in his previous three seasons combined, while Thursday’s goal represented his first for the Gunners to not be scored with his left foot.

    The midfielder highlighted the importance of Arsenal maintaining their momentum in his own post-match interview with BT Sport, saying: “I’m so happy the ball came, and happy I scored.

    “I don’t know when I scored for the last time with the right foot, maybe it’s the first in my career, but I’m so happy! It doesn’t matter which foot, or who scores, as long as we keep winning.

    “It gives us confidence and onto the next one. When you win games, you have to be happy. Everything is going well at the moment, but for us it is not a surprise, we’re doing a lot of work.

    “In the end, you win and lose as a team and at the moment we are very dangerous. We wanted to go through after this game and we are very happy.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Barcelona ‘had to react’, says Xavi after Villarreal win

    Barcelona boss Xavi believes his side answered their critics with their emphatic 3-0 win over Villarreal in LaLiga, stating that they “had to react” after their mixed recent form.

    The Blaugrana ran rampant in a seven-minute stretch just after the half-hour mark, as Robert Lewandowski seized a quickfire double and Ansu Fati added a third at Camp Nou.

    Victory means Barca trail league leaders Real Madrid by three points after defeat in El Clasico over the weekend, but also snaps a two-game winless streak to get them back on top.

    With just one win in their previous four before Thursday’s win, Xavi acknowledged his side needed to answer their critics, and was delighted that they did so in such impressive fashion.

    “We played a great game,” he stated. “It was our turn [to win] – we had to reach. It wasn’t easy, because a lot was expected of us after poor results.

    “There are many expectations placed upon us this season. But we showed our true face, we showed character. It is a good feeling in general.”

    Barca rung the changes following their capitulation in El Clasico, with Fati leading one of five swaps to the starting XI, with Frenkie de Jong handed the nod in midfield and Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele dropped.

    Xavi suggested his rotations were pre-planned rather than as a result of defeat to Madrid, adding: “On Sunday, there will be changes again.

    “We have fatigue among our players. We need intensity and we need rhythm. Players must be plugged in, for the minutes they play.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Villa sack Gerrard after stuttering start to season

    Steven Gerrard has been sacked by Aston Villa after his side crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

    The ex-Rangers manager, who succeeded Dean Smith at Villa Park little more than 11 months ago, departs with the West Midlanders languishing 17th in the Premier League.

    Despite backing 42-year-old Gerrard in the transfer market, the Villans have only won twice in 11 top-flight games this term.

    And tonight’s loss at Craven Cottage, which followed hot on the heels of a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea last weekend, proved to be the final straw for the club.

    In a short and sweet statement, a Villa spokesman said: “We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future.”

    Having fallen behind to a Harrison Reed goal in the 36th minute, the visitors were left with an uphill task at Fulham when Douglas Luiz was given his marching orders just after the hour mark.

    Things went from bad to worse for Gerrard as Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled the advantage for Marco Silva’s men from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

    And his misery was compounded seven minutes from time when Tyrone Mings turned the ball into his own net to round off a miserable evening for the Villans.

    The capitulation in the capital leaves Villa outside the relegation zone by virtue of the fact they have scored two more goals than Midlands rivals Wolves, who sit 18th in the table.


    Source: Livescore

  • Violent clashes in Guinea’s anti-junta protest

    Young protesters clashed on Thursday with security forces in the Guinean capital Conakry after a banned group called for demonstrations against the country’s ruling junta, an AFP reporter saw.

    The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), which had called the protest, said five people had suffered gunshot wounds, one of whom was in critical condition.

    There was no immediate corroboration of this toll from other sources.

    The poor but mineral-rich West African state has been under military government since a September 2021 coup that ousted president Alpha Conde after more than 10 years in power.

    An alliance of political parties, trade unions and civil groups, the FNDC spearheaded protests against Conde before his ouster.

    It was officially dissolved in August by the junta-appointed government.

    The coalition had called for peaceful demonstrations to take place in Conakry on Thursday, followed by nationwide protests on October 26.

    It is pushing for a rapid return to civilian rule and the release of prisoners that it says have been detained for political reasons.

    Military leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has appointed himself president and undertaken to restore civilian rule within three years.

    The unrest coincides with a visit to the country by the West African bloc ECOWAS, which on September 24 gave Guinea a month to propose a new timeframe, or else face a tightening of sanctions that it has imposed.

    Source: Africanews & AFP

  • Moroccan fans gather in Qatar ahead of the FIFA WC

    Morocco fans gathered Thursday (Oct 20) to support their team near the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup countdown clock as it marked thirty days left before the tournament, in the Qatari capital Doha.

    Team anthems and jerseys: no doubt Moroccan fans in Qatar are getting in the World Cup mood.

    Supporters gathered Thursday next to the countdown clock on Corniche road in Doha, with less than a month to go until the 22nd FIFA tournament kicks off.

    “We are really excited to welcome our team”, Karim shared.

    “We hope we can see them in the semi-finals or finals; why not? This really affects us, we are ready to support our country with our best.”

    The Atlas Lions will face a battle against Canada, Belgium and Croatia in group F.

    A new coach was appointed early september to lead the squad. Fans look forward to the team’s sixth appearance in the competition.

    “I am very happy because our team is participating in the World Cup, the Moroccan audience is very excited and we are gathered here”, Ana said.

    On November 20, the world cup will get started at the sixty thousand-seat Al Bayt Stadium.

    All 64 games over the course of 29 days involving 32 teams will be held in the Doha area.

    Morocco’s first game will take place on November 23. The team is one the five African countries qualified for the biggest football tournament.

    About 1.2 million visitors are expected in Qatar for the first World Cup.

    Source: Africanews

  • Nigerian King of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, honoured in Paris

    The son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti spoke of his father’s bravery in using “music as a weapon” ahead of an immersive exhibition opening at the Paris Philharmonic on Thursday.

    “Instead of picking up a gun, music was the only tool he had. It was a weapon to use against authority, against colonisation and corrupt African governments,” said Femi Kuti, 60, himself a hugely successful musician.

    The Paris Philharmonic is paying homage to Fela Kuti by recreating the atmosphere of his sweaty, politically-charged nightclub in Nigeria, The Shrine, that became a beacon for global stars in the 1970s including Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.

    Kuti died from AIDS complications in 1997, but his pioneering work remains as potent as ever, frequently cited by today’s stars such as or Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Beyonce and Jay-Z who sampled his hit “Zombie” on “Homecoming Live”.

    “I’m not surprised. Great people like Miles Davis already talked about Fela,” said Femi Kuti of his father’s continued popularity. “Afrobeat was the basic element of hip-hop, it’s where hip-hop got its sauce from.”

    Fela’s politics have also remained potent.

    “When we started working on this exhibition project, the Black Lives Matter movement emerged and Fela’s fight in the 70s and 80s found resonance there,” said Alexandre Girard-Muscagorry, one of the curators of the immersive exhibition.

    Kuti was harassed throughout much of his life by the military authorities in Nigeria for his relentless criticism of their corruption and violent misrule.

    There was a particularly vicious reaction after he refused to take part in an official music festival in 1977, instead organising a parallel event that became much more popular and attracted international stars including Stevie Wonder.

    – ‘Out of Africa’ –

    Soldiers responded to his counter-festival by burning down his home and pushing his mother out of a first-floor window, causing injuries which led to her death a year later, Femi Kuti said.

    “He was a voice for the voiceless, the only opponent who was brave enough to tackle the hardcore military dictators at that time and he paid a very high price,” said Femi Kuti.

    But it was ultimately the genius of his music that made him so popular, creating something entirely new with its mix of free-jazz, soul, funk and Yoruba.

    McCartney was one of many inspired to come to The Shrine in Lagos, where he recorded his album “Band on the Run”.

    “Fela came out of Africa with this incredible sound that caught the ears of everybody,” said his son.

    “To use this music as a political weapon and message — that caught the attention of the world and especially France, maybe because of the connection to its own rebellions.”

    Source: Africanews

     

  • Over 150 killed in two days of Sudan clashes

    More than 150 people have reportedly been killed in ethnic clashes in the last two days in Sudan’s Blue Nile state in the south.

    The violence broke out last week over land dispute between members of the Hausa people and rival ethnic groups, in which more than a dozen people were killed.

    An overnight curfew was put in place to contain the violence.

    The UN said on Thursday that it was “alarmed by violence escalation in Lagawa and conflict resurgence in the Blue Nile region”.

    “Sustainable peace won’t be possible without a fully functional credible government that prioritizes local communities’ needs including security and addresses the root causes of conflict,” the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan said in a statement.

    The fighting is said to be the worst in recent months.

    Sudan has been grappling with political unrest and violence since last year’s military coup.

    Source: BBC

  • Attacks prompt evacuation at Mozambique ruby mine

    Workers in a mining company have been evacuated following attacks by Islamist militants at a neighbouring mine in Mozambique’s troubled Cabo Delgado province.

    The attack against Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) happened on Thursday, October 20, 2022, and several families have moved to Montepuez town.

    Montepuez Ruby Mining evacuated all its employees and contractors to the town, local media report.

    Only employees thought to be essential to operations were left on site.

    A local radio station reported that security forces were already in the area.

    Montepuez Ruby Mining is extracting rubies from one of the largest deposits of rubies in the world.

    In 2009 a vast deposit of rubies was discovered in northern Mozambique and now half the world’s red gemstones come from there.

  • Ronaldo dropped by Man Utd for Chelsea clash after Spurs walkout

    Cristiano Ronaldo will be omitted from the Manchester United squad to face Chelsea on Saturday following his early walkout during Wednesday’s win over Tottenham.

    The veteran forward, an unused substitute, walked down the tunnel before the final whistle at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag‘s side downed Spurs in a 2-0 win.

    Ten Hag said after the game that he would “deal with” Ronaldo’s behaviour on Thursday, and the Dutchman has followed through on that by sanctioning the 37-year-old.

    The Portugal captain will play no part in his side’s next fixture away to Graham Potter’s Blues.

    “Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea,” read an official club statement.

    “The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”

    It is the latest indicator of Ronaldo’s discontent at Old Trafford, with a much-trumpeted homecoming last season having turned sour following a disappointing 2021-22 club campaign.

    Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last term with 24 goals across all competitions, but the Red Devils could only finish sixth in the Premier League.

    That led to speculation suggesting Ronaldo wanted to leave the club, a narrative that ultimately became a distracting sideshow through Ten Hag’s first pre-season in charge.

    Ronaldo did not join United on their pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.

    When he did eventually feature in a friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, Ronaldo found himself at the centre of controversy as he left the stadium early after being withdrawn at half-time.

    Ten Hag defended Ronaldo on that occasion, saying it was “not right” for the striker to attract all the criticism when there were several players who left early.

    However, Thursday’s action shows Ten Hag is willing to come down hard on the Portuguese superstar, and the situation will further cloud Ronaldo’s future at the club.

    The arrival of Ten Hag has seen Ronaldo slip down the pecking order, with just two Premier League starts and one goal this season across eight top-flight appearances.

    United travel to Stamford Bridge sitting just one point behind their hosts in fourth.

    Source: Livescore

  • Chelsea co-owner claims Super League desire limited to ‘vocal’ Spanish giants

    Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali does not believe many clubs are interested in a revival of the Super League, despite a new proposal for the competition being in development.

    The Super League’s launch failed in spectacular fashion last year, with nine of the 12 founding clubs withdrawing in the face of fan, media and player pressure.

    While all six English members quickly reversed their support for the competition, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as Juventus, remain committed to the project.

    Media executive Bernd Reichart has been recruited to head up plans for a relaunch, and said on Wednesday: “Even fans will have a lot of sympathy for the idea”.

    However, Eghbali – part of the Todd Boehly-led consortium which acquired Chelsea earlier this year, says “vocal” duo Barca and Madrid are those most interested.

    “I think the sport needs more premium high-quality matches and content, but it doesn’t have to be a Super League,” Eghbali said at an event in New York on Wednesday.

    “Todd went there on an All-Star Game, the baseball talent competition or draft generates £200million to £300million of revenue on a Monday or Tuesday each year, none of that exists in the English Premier League.

    “Could there be a Premier League versus Serie A game? Could you see pre-season matches producing more premium content on the pitch? You could.

    “But structurally, given how botched that episode was, does anybody have any appetite for something like that? A couple of teams in Spain do and they are vocal about it, but everyone else doesn’t want to go there anymore.”

    Reichart, however, claims the Super League project is “very alive”, though he was keen to stress the ability to qualify through sporting merit must exist in any reworked format.

    “[The Super League is] very alive, there are some who want to declare that it is dead, but if they say it a lot, there is much to suspect,” he told Cadena SER on Wednesday.

    “There are clubs in Europe that surely share the vision of Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona, and now they have the opportunity to contribute what they think.

    “It is a long road, but we have the humility to do it step by step, but without pause. The hand is extended to all the members of European football, we want to be inclusive.

    “The concept of a fixed position is not something that we are currently contemplating. The design of the format ultimately has to be the result of dialogue, but we don’t have a predefined format, the dialogue we propose is real and that’s why I don’t want to speculate on how it will definitely be. Sporting merit will be applied to all members of that Super League.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Arsenal hit with FA charge following VAR controversy in Leeds win

    Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association (FA) with failing to control their players during a controversial ending to their 1-0 win over Leeds United on Sunday.

    Mikel Arteta’s team moved four points clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit as Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game at Elland Road, though they required two huge reprieves.

    Patrick Bamford drilled a penalty wide following a handball by William Saliba on the hour mark, before a VAR review overturned a stoppage-time red card for Gabriel Magalhaes – as well as another spot-kick for Leeds.

    Arsenal’s players reacted furiously to Chris Kavanagh’s original decision to dismiss Gabriel for a perceived kick at Bamford, leading the FA to take action.

    An FA statement released on Thursday read: “Arsenal FC have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture against Leeds United FC on Sunday 16 October 2022.

    “It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 92nd minute of the fixture.

    “Arsenal FC have until Monday 24 October 2022 to provide a response.”

    Asked for his opinion on the incident after the win, Arteta said: “I have not seen it, but everyone is saying the decision was clear.

    “Thank God they made the system work, that delay was worth it, because without VAR, I don’t know what would have happened!”


    Source: Livescore

  • Turner feels no pressure to replicate Ramsdale as Arsenal keeper pushes for USMNT spot

    Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner says he feels no pressure to replicate Aaron Ramsdale as the USMNT shot stopper pushes to assert his place with the Gunners.

    The 28-year-old joined Mikel Arteta’s side from New England Revolution ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, but has so far been restricted in his minutes by the superb performances of his team-mate.

    England hopeful Ramsdale has kept four clean sheets in the top-flight this term, a figure only exceeded by Three Lions team-mate Nick Pope with Newcastle United and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

    His form has helped Arsenal emerge as title contenders, leading the Premier League ahead of champions Manchester City – but Turner says he does not feel as if he must mimic the former Sheffield United man to improve.

    “I definitely don’t feel any pressure,” he stated. “He’s his own person. He approaches the game the way he does. Before games, I like to take time, just be mindful.

    “Most of my banter comes with Aaron. It’s just normal banter like you would have with anybody. It’s America versus England, the Revolutionary War, stuff like that. That’s more me joking about it!”

    The duo are in line to potentially meet at the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year in Group B, with both men expected to be included when England and the USMNT announce their squads.

    Turner’s lack of match-time in domestic competition has presented Gregg Berhalter with a potential headache over his inclusion, though his rich form in the Europa League should dash any doubts over his place.

    Either way, the shot stopper is unconcerned about his inclusion, and says he can only support whatever eventual call is made by his international boss.

    “I’m just focused on what I can control and what I have before me,” he added. “I think I’m in a good position to play at the World Cup.

    “But at the end of the day, if Gregg decides than Zach [Steffen] is the way forward, I stand behind the decisions that he makes. Obviously I want to play. But you can only control so much.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Swiss attorney general appeals against Blatter and Platini court acquittals

    Switzerland’s attorney general has launched an appeal against the acquittals of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, the former presidents of FIFA and UEFA respectively.

    Blatter and Platini were cleared of all charges against them following a trial at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, with that outcome being announced in July.

    They had been charged with fraud and other offences by Swiss authorities relating to a payment of 2million Swiss francs made by Blatter to Platini in 2011.

    For Blatter, there were charges of fraud, misappropriation, criminal mismanagement and forgery of a document. Platini had been charged with fraud, participating in misappropriation, participating in criminal mismanagement and forgery of a document.

    Both men had denied any wrongdoing and the court found in their favour.

    However, the matter is not yet over, as prosecutors are challenging the court’s ruling.

    In a statement, the Office of the Attorney General announced it had requested for the judgement to be overturned.

    It said: “We confirm that the Office of the Attorney General has appealed to the Appeals Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court within the statutory period and has applied for the full annulment of the first-instance judgement.”

    The statement continued: “No further information is given on the content of the declaration of appeal. The presumption of innocence applies to all those involved in the proceedings.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ukrainians told to ‘charge everything’ as power grid hit by Russia

    Ukraine’s national energy company has urged citizens to “charge everything” by 07:00 (04:00 GMT) Thursday because of expected power cuts caused by Russian missile strikes.

    Energy plants were hit by Russian missiles again on Wednesday – part of a wave of such strikes since 10 October.

    Outages of up to four hours at a time will affect the whole country on Thursday, grid operator Ukrenergo said.

    It comes as Russia declares martial law in areas of Ukraine it has annexed.

    Heightened security measures have also come into force in Russia – mostly areas along the Ukraine border.

    In preparation for the blackouts, Ukrenergo has appealed to Ukrainians to stock up with water and ensure they have “warm socks and blankets and hugs for family and friends”.

    Phones, power banks, torches and batteries need to be charged, it urged.

    As much as 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been seriously damaged, according to Oleksandr Kharchenko, an adviser to the energy minister.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky said three energy facilities had been destroyed on Wednesday and energy companies were preparing for “all possible scenarios” for winter. He was due to address a summit of EU leaders, who are trying to reach an agreement on bringing down gas prices.

    Serious damage was reported to power facilities in Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine and Burshtyn in the west. Ukrenergo said there had been more attacks in the past 10 days than in the whole preceding period since Russia’s invasion on 24 February.

    Ukrenergo said it would use “controlled, calculated consumption restrictions” and warned power cuts may occur throughout Ukraine from 07:00 to 22:00. It advised citizens to check the regional network operators’ websites to see how it would apply to them.

    Sporadic power cuts have already affected parts of the capital Kyiv and many of Ukraine’s regions. Russian missiles have damaged infrastructure all across Ukraine, including cities like Lviv in the west – a long way from the fighting.

    Authorities have urged Ukrainians to reduce their power use in the evenings.

    “We do not rule out that with the onset of cold weather, we will ask for your help more often,” Ukrenergo said.

    Western leaders have condemned the infrastructure strikes.

    “Russia’s attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes,” tweeted EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

    “Cutting off men, women, children of water, electricity and heating with winter coming – these are acts of pure terror.”

    Martial law

    Russia is now implementing martial law in areas of Ukraine that it recently annexed – Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south and Donetsk and Luhansk in the east.

    The Kremlin claims those regions are now part of Russia – a claim internationally rejected and condemned.

    Martial law means tighter security checks and restrictions on movement in the areas affected. But the war has already curbed the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians under occupation.

    Additionally, while it was decreed by President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday – the Russian military does not fully control those four regions, so what martial law will mean in reality is yet to be seen.

    Heightened security measures are also coming into force across Russia – there will be new restrictions on movement in regions along the Ukrainian border, notably Bryansk, Belgorod and Krasnodar. The same applies to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

    US President Joe Biden said Vladimir Putin was running out of options in Ukraine.

    “It seems his only tool available to him is to brutalise individual citizens in Ukraine to try to intimidate them into capitulating,” he said.

    Russia is moving tens of thousands of civilians and Russian-appointed officials out of the Kherson region, as advancing Ukrainian troops close in on the regional capital. Russia says people on the west bank of the River Dnieper (called Dnipro by Ukrainians) are especially at risk from Ukrainian shelling.

    The region’s Moscow-installed head, Vladimir Saldo, said all Russian-appointed departments and ministries would cross the river, along with some 50-60,000 civilians.

    But Ukrainian officials have questioned whether large numbers of people are actually being evacuated, suggesting that images of a crowd assembled by the river are largely for show.

    Ukraine has called on residents to ignore the Russian move.

    The transfer or deportation of civilians by an occupying power from occupied territory is considered a war crime.

    Map showing a close-up of the Kherson region in Ukraine
    Source: BBC