oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | football clubs, football players, lionel messi, soccer, sports
Dhaka, Aug. 19 — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised teenage signing Franco Mastantuono for his maturity while playing down the Argentine’s choice of Lionel Messi as the world’s best player.
The 18-year-old midfielder recently signed a six-year contract with Madrid and, during his unveiling last week, said he considered compatriot Messi the greatest player.
it’s perfectly normal for messi to be his role model,” alonso said to journalists on monday. “he’s argentine and uses his left foot, so i’m not surprised.
Mastantuono’s remarks, which referenced a Barcelona legend and long-time rival of Madrid, drew headlines in Spain and left some Madrid fans displeased. For over a decade, Messi battled Cristiano Ronaldo, who is regarded by many as Madrid’s all-time great, during the iconic La Liga rivalry. Ronaldo now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi is with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Madrid secured Mastantuono from River Plate after he turned 18, reportedly paying €45 million ($52.5 million) for the transfer.
Naples striker Lukaku could have an operation after suffering a thigh injury.
Alonso said he was impressed by the youngster’s personality early on. “When I first spoke to him at 17, he was confident and unfazed by the prospect of joining Real Madrid. His maturity has stood out since day one. I’m convinced he’ll adapt quickly on and off the pitch.”
The trainer suggested that Mastantuono could be included in Madrid’s La Liga match against Osasuna on Tuesday.
He will provide us with quality and enthusiasm, along with a powerful defensive approach,” Alonso remarked. “He possesses that Argentinian fighter mentality coupled with excellent skill and an outstanding left foot, whether during set pieces or the last assist. He’s young, yet he’s already competing at a reliable standard. It’s our responsibility to mentor him.
Source: Agency
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | chelsea f.c., european football, football clubs, news, sports
Chelsea promises to be an exciting team to follow this season as Enzo Maresca’s squad has significantly improved compared to last year. Maresca implemented 419 changes to his starting lineup during the previous campaign, surpassing all other top European clubs. Following the latest transfer window, he now has seven central defenders available. His aim was to provide backup for Levi Colwell, along with added competition and support for team staple Marc Cucurella. Additionally, he has brought in Jorrel Hato, who primarily featured for Ajax last season. Despite being just 18 years old, Hato is versatile enough to play on either side.
The young Dutch player has moved to the team for £37 million and inked a seven-year contract. Interestingly, he led Ajax at just 17 years old and has played 111 matches for the club. He has earned six call-ups with his national team.
Several members of Chelsea’s new team additions will feature in their opening home match versus Crystal Palace. This includes Hato, Joao Pedro (valued at £60 million), Jamie Gittens (worth £51.1 million), Liam Delap (priced at £30 million), Estevao Willian (costing £29.1 million), and Dario Essugo (at £18.5 million). Meanwhile, Mamadou Sarr (£12 million) and Kendry Paez (¥17.3 million) have been sent on loan to Strasbourg.
Chelsea have allocated £250 million throughout the transfer period, ranking them just behind Liverpool, who have committed £295.5 million.
Jackson vs. Watkins: Which one is superior?
Is Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea a superior choice compared to Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa? According to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, yes. He has informed his team that Jackson represents a more promising option for the upcoming season, drawing upon his familiarity with the player during his time at the Spanish side Villarreal, where he played a key role in developing the Senegalese star’s career.
Emery thinks Jackson could achieve more than he has at Chelsea, and there’s incentive for the striker to switch teams due to the addition of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge, pushing Jackson down to third-choice status. There’s also a chance that Xavi Simons might join from RB Leipzig, further worsening Jackson’s prospects. He may find it difficult to get playing time at Stamford Bridge, but under Emery, he would probably receive individual attention and be swiftly integrated into Villa’s attacking lineup.
Chelsea is asking for £80 million for Jackson, who has an eight-year deal remaining, though this amount may be excessive for both Villa and the other team showing interest, Newcastle.
Can Amorim guide Manchester United to a championship victory?
Bruno Fernandes turned down an offer to move to Al-Nassr, a team in the Saudi Pro League, and took part as Manchester United’s captain in a friendly game versus Everton, which concluded with a score of 2-2.
This is intriguing since Bruno both scored and earned player-of-the-match honors even though he openly criticized his teammates for lacking effort and pushed the club to sign better-quality players. Although he isn’t currently popular among the team members, he makes a valid argument, and he’s aware that should Ruben Amorim fail to begin the upcoming season strongly, he might face dismissal—and Fernandes certainly wouldn’t want that for his Portuguese teammate. Facing Arsenal next week presents a challenging task.
The new addition, Bryan Mbeumo, played for 45 minutes on the field and contributed to the Red Devils’ victory in the Premier League Summer Series, as they defeated West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton to claim the title.
Manchester United’s initial lineup, indicating how Coach Ruben Amorim envisions the first Premier League match against Arsenal on August 17, includes Bayindir, Amad, Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes, Cunha, and Mbeumo.
Newcastle targets FC Porto forward
Newcastle have acknowledged they may be unable to sign Benjamin Sesko, with FC Porto forward Samu Aghehowa under consideration as an alternative for the strike position. The Spanish player is estimated to be worth £70 million, a fee that Newcastle can manage.
Manchester United are keen on securing Sesko, who considers them his top choice, and it’s reported that he has reached an agreement on individual terms. If more transfers aren’t completed, Newcastle will face a less strong attacking lineup. The players they aimed to bring in have opted for different clubs instead of moving to St James’ Park. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro went to Chelsea, and Newcastle had targeted both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumbo, but both have ended up at Manchester United.
Liverpool secured the signing of Hugo Ekitike before Newcastle could, leaving Coach Eddie Howe disappointed and questioning his scouting department. Although they will participate in the UEFA Champions League next season, apart from Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale, they lack additional high-quality additions. Additionally, there remains the challenging status of Alexander Isak.
Isak decides to undergo training in Spain.
The Alexander Isak situation continues… Eddie Howe remained quiet when questioned about the status of his Newcastle forward. The Swedish player joined his team-mates following his absence from the club’s trip to the Far East.
Strangely enough, what kept Howe silent was Isak’s choice to go to Spain lately and train at Real Sociedad’s facility rather than work with his Newcastle fitness squad in Benton. Staff members who didn’t head east are fully capable of conducting training sessions. Isak brought his own private fitness team with him to Spain. What’s remarkable is that Eddie Howe mentioned he found out where Isak was because he saw it reported in the media!
Liverpool made an offer surpassing £100 million, which Newcastle rejected.
An announcement issued from Anfield stated that they will not increase their offer. Nevertheless, I believe the situation might not be concluded yet. Isak has openly expressed his desire to depart from northeastern England and move to the northwestern region, specifically Liverpool. Although he could request a transfer, this option is typically considered as a final measure and often causes tension between players and their teammates or club authorities.
Forest takes advantage of an opportunity to sign Douglas Luiz
Following his move from Aston Villa to Juventus last year, matters have not unfolded as expected for the central player, Douglas Luiz.
The player from Brazil has faced a challenging period due to injuries and unpredictable play; he participated in just 27 matches throughout various tournaments. Last week, he skipped a practice session and will now face financial penalties from the team as well as being listed for transfer.
Arrive at Nottingham Forest…the determined Midlands-based team has initiated talks with Juventus regarding the acquisition of Luiz, yet there are two challenges. Firstly, they must persuade him to move to one of the rising but not as high-profile teams in the Premier League. Secondly, they need to reach an agreement on a fee they can manage financially.
Luiz has mentioned he is willing to consider a transfer, though only Nottingham Forest have shown interest so far. Due to budget limitations, Forest are exploring the possibility of a temporary signing, with the potential to make it permanent after the upcoming season. They can provide Luiz with European competition participation next season for the first time in three decades, which should appeal to him; additionally, reports indicate they might offer him a yearly salary of £5 million through a contract extending to 2030.
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oleh admin | Apr 3, 2025 | chelsea f.c., football clubs, soccer, sports, tournaments
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A number of Manchester City and Chelsea supporters will be prohibited from attending the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
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The much-anticipated competition will be held between June 14 and July 13, 2025, across various locations in the United States.
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The Citizens will begin their campaign facing Wydad AC, whereas the Blues find themselves in a group with renowned club Esperance Tunis.
Approximately 150 supporters each from Chelsea and Manchester City will be prohibited from attending the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
The two top-tier English league clubs secured their spots in this competition, which includes 32 teams, by claiming victory in the Champions League over the last four years.
How did the fans react?
The supporters under discussion have been issued with exclusion orders due to their past involvement in violent conduct associated with football matches. This includes incidents like physical assaults, illegal entry onto the playing field, and abusive messages posted online.
To avoid football-related disturbances during the eagerly awaited championship, supporters under football banning orders due to past misconduct will have to hand over their passports between June 9 and July 13.
According to the Daily Mail, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson hopes that supporters of both Manchester City and Chelsea traveling to the United States will have a secure and pleasant experience as they cheer for their respective teams.
“We know many Manchester City and Chelsea fans are eager to travel and support their teams this summer, and our priority is to ensure they can do so safely and enjoy the experience,”Diana Johnson said.
Nevertheless, she cautioned that individuals who use football as pretense for causing disturbances will encounter stringent actions, similar to those taken during previous championships.
Nevertheless, for the few individuals causing disruptions who use soccer as a pretext for misconduct, we will implement the same successful preventive actions that proved effective during previous international sporting events.
She stated that the government will keep striving to combat hooliganism within their safety initiatives, ensuring that the majority of spectators can watch games without encountering any issues.
In line with the Safer Streets Mission and the government’s Plan for Change, we will continue to take measures against the minor group responsible for disturbances, so that the majority of supporters can experience football matches without disruption.
What does the Club World Cup entail?
The FIFA Club World Cup is an international soccer competition hosted by FIFA aimed at identifying the top club team globally.
This event includes the winners from leading continental club tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League from Europe, along with victors from South America and various regions like North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Moreover, a squad representing the hosting nation is also part of the contest.
Who are the opponents for Manchester City and Chelsea?
According to the FIFA website, the team has been placed in Group G, where they will encounter Juventus, the reigning African champions Wydad AC from Morocco, and Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates.
City will begin their campaign facing off against Wydad AC, whereas Chelsea, placed in Group D alongside Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive, have also been matched up.
Following FIFA’s decision to exclude Club León, LAFC and Club América will compete in a single-match playoff to secure their place in the 2025 Club World Cup. The victor of this game will then go on to take on Chelsea in the opening match of the tournament.
FIFA is contemplating prohibiting a nation from participating in global tournaments.
SANGGRALOKA.co.ke
Previously mentioned that FIFA might prohibit an African nation from participating in all global contests.
Zambia, having recently faced Russia, is under threat of being barred from the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | africa, football clubs, morocco, soccer, sports
In the inaugural match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco’s U-17 national squad showcased an impressive display as they convincingly defeated Uganda with a scoreline of 5-0 during Group A action at Stade Bachir in Mohammédia.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) commended the youthful Atlas Lions for their dominant win, emphasizing not only the outstanding performance of the players but also the vibrant ambiance generated by the Moroccan supporters, who filled the seats to enthusiastically back their squad during the Eid al-Fitr festivities.
The manager of Morocco, Nabil Baha, acknowledged that scoring an early goal set the right mood for the game. “Getting on the scoreboard so quickly boosted the team’s morale,” he commented. “Beginning the competition with a victory was vital for keeping alive our chances of moving forward.”
Even though the victory was impressive, Baha highlighted the necessity for enhancement. “There are several defensive errors we must address to prevent potential threats near our goal area,” he said. “The team isn’t accustomed to playing with such a large audience, yet they managed the stress effectively and delivered an outstanding display,” he concluded.
Morocco is set to play against Zambia in their second group-stage match on Thursday at 8 p.m. local time inMohammédia.
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The Morocco Under-17 squad dominates Uganda with a 5-0 victory in the opening match of AFCON.
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oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | football clubs, money, soccer, sports
African Stars have pocketed N$1.5 million after clinching victory in the first-ever MTC Maris Cup on Saturday.
A crowd of several thousand spectators gathered at the Hage Geingob Stadium for the game, and Stars did not let down their supporters. A first-half goal by star player Willy Stephanus ensured their win.
The stars emerged aggressively, generating several opportunities early on, yet striker Youssouf Ibrahim was unable to capitalize on them.
The Stars took the initiative at the 14-minute mark when they won a corner. The ball was played out to Stephanus, who struck an impressive shot from just outside the penalty area. His powerful effort flew into the left-hand side of the net.
The stars kept launching assaults and had multiple chances during the opening period, yet neither Stephanus nor Abram Tjahikika could find the back of the net.
A young African returned even more resolute following his time off, with Nkwuda Obinna delivering solid crosses from the left flank. Meanwhile, Denzil Narib saw one of his headers brilliantly blocked by Stars’ goalkeeper Mervin Kasetura, and Deacon Kakuenje missed an opportunity when he sent another header over the crossbar from just a short distance away.
As the match entered its concluding moments, intense aerial challenges emerged, and with tempers flaring out of control, referee Vistoria Shangula struggled immensely to maintain order.
A young African player was unable to secure an equalizer, and as a result, the Stars managed to claim the trophy along with the winner-takes-all prize of N$1.5 million.
Following the game, Stephanus mentioned that their past experiences were crucial in the finale.
“The sense of accomplishment from clinching the inaugural Maris Cup is incredible, and I’m hopeful this will become an annual prize. We recognize that Young African is a strong opponent; their players are ambitious and always eager to compete against us due to our longstanding rivalry over the last couple of years, which ultimately came down to our experience today,” he stated.
“The players hold this trophy in high regard, and it will significantly enhance our momentum as we continue with our league efforts moving ahead. Since we’re currently leading the league, we aim to maintain this position and strive for our third championship title,” he concluded.
Stephanus likewise expressed gratitude to the fans of Stars for their backing.
The Starlite supporters consistently show up in large numbers, particularly here in Windhoek, so we must express our gratitude as players. We demonstrate this appreciation through our performance on the field.
The young African defender Dylan Horongo mentioned that Stars capitalized on opportunities and committed fewer errors.
“He mentioned that we understood the team taking risks would be the one to emerge as victors. The squad minimizing errors would ultimately claim victory, hence Stars seized their opportunities at the beginning of the match and subsequently controlled the game flow,” he stated.
“Since the cup is now complete, we’ll return to the planning stage to address our errors. We will face them again on Tuesday, but that’s alright; they can keep the cup, yet the league belongs to us,” he said additionally.
The Stars midfielder, Abram Tjahikika, took home the Player of the Tournament award, while their goalie, Kasetura, received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade. Each was awarded N$20,000 for their exceptional performances.
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oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | africa, football clubs, soccer, sports, uganda
Here’s what you should be aware of:
The rapid substitution made by Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyondo, involving Marvin Kagiito and Derick Ssozi, failed to make much difference. Demonstrating their superiority, the home team responded with an elegantly executed team goal. The play began near their own goal and culminated in Belmokhtar scoring past goalkeeper Lukyamuzi. By then, the match had slipped beyond Uganda’s grasp.
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The Uganda Cubs endured a devastating 5-0 loss against host nation Morocco in their first game of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday evening, placing them in a challenging position as they aim for a spot in the U-17 World Cup. This difficult beginning marked their second participation in the youth tournament after making their inaugural appearance in 2019 during the event held in Tanzania.
Given the new extended FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifying pathway, Uganda was optimistic about improving upon their previous third-place result in Tanzania and becoming the inaugural Ugandan team to reach the World Cup. Nevertheless, following this significant loss, the Cubs must take time for introspection as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Initially, Morocco’s approach of pressing high and attacking swiftly proved effective. Uganda found itself unprepared when Elvis Torach, playing as a right-back, struggled to clear the ball, which allowed Abdellah Ouazane to intercept it. He then delivered a precise cross to an open Ilies Belmokhtar, who headed the ball into the net. Although the celebratory moment was momentarily halted due to a VAR review, it ultimately confirmed the validity of the goal.
Three minutes later, Morocco exploited Torach’s wing again, with Ouazane’s quick corner setting up Zakari El Khalfioui to deliver another pinpoint cross. Ait Cheikh easily overpowered the Ugandan defense to head Morocco into a two-goal lead. The relentless pressure forced Uganda into more mistakes as Express junior John Owino fouled Belmokhtar in the box, resulting in a penalty that Ziyad Baha converted confidently.
The swift changes made by Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyynamo, substituting Marvin Kagiito and Derick Ssozi, failed to make much difference. Demonstrating their prowess, the home team responded with an elegantly executed team goal that originated near their own penalty area and culminated with Belmokhtar beating goalkeeper Lukyamuzi. By then, the match had slipped away from Uganda.
Nevertheless, Ssenyondo’s halftime motivational speech appeared to have settled his players’ nerves. Although Morocco continued to be in control, Uganda managed to hold their ground somewhat. Baha scored a fifth goal for Morocco later in the game, yet the second half turned into a more balanced affair which Ssenyondo aims to use as a foundation moving forward.
“We didn’t perform as we had wished during the first half, but the players returned from halftime with increased zeal and spirit, battling relentlessly on the field,” Ssenyondo stated following the game.
We took away valuable lessons and plan to bring the strong second-half play from our previous match into our upcoming game with Tanzania. It won’t be easy, but we’re determined to give it our all.
Tomorrow, Uganda faces off against Tanzania as Morocco takes on Zambia. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals and secure their spots at the upcoming U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, the third-place teams will compete for the remaining berths to the international tournament through a playoff.
2025 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations
Wednesday fixtures –
El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia
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