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South Africa Win Their First-ever WAFCON Title

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South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Saturday defeated hosts Atlas Lionesses of Morocco 2-1 in the final match of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat.

The win helped them to their first title success in the tournament’s history, after Hildah Magaia scored twice within eight minutes in the second half after the hour mark.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this ended a run of five finals without success for Banyana Banyana, who completed this tournament with a 100 per cent record.

This was after they secured qualification to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.

Magaia tapped in an excellent cutback from Jermaine Seoposenwe, who ran onto a long ball out of defence.

It helped her to create the opening goal as she held off the defence to provide an expert pass in the 63rd minute.

It took the sting out of a frenzied atmosphere created by a sell-out crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium.

This was the venue where only weeks earlier South Africa’s men had lost to Morocco in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Magaia then doubled the lead in the 71st minute with another close finish, this time from a cross out wide from Karabo Dhlamini which Morocco’s defence failed to cut out.

But a lapse in concentration saw South Africa lose possession.

It offered Morocco hope of a comeback as Rosella Ayane pulled one back in the 80th minute after being set up by Fatima Tagnaout.

This meant an anxious last 10 minutes for Desiree Ellis’ team —- plus another nine minutes of referee’s time added on —- before they could get their hands on the trophy.

The game started with a high tempo, fueled by the large crowd who greeted every Moroccan touch with a cheer and Banyana move with a chorus of whistles.

After 11 minutes, there was a muted shout for a penalty kick, but while Tagnaout’s challenge on Magaia in her own penalty area was risky, it proved expertly timed.

Both sides pressed high to allow little space for chances and, as a result, the first 30 minutes went by without any goalscoring opportunity.

South Africa had a chance with a long-range free-kick in the 32nd minute which  Nomvula Kgoale hit onto the roof of the net.

Three minutes later Seoposenwe played through an inch-perfect pass for Magaia, but her left-footed effort was blocked by a brave save by home goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.

Magaia had another chance with a free-kick five minutes before the break.

But she was unable to properly bend the ball and was well off target with what looked like a good opportunity.

Morocco had their first real effort a minute later for tall English-born striker Ayane, who tried to rag the ball from behind her and was unable to find the target.

The second half was a close affair until Magaia opened scoring, suddenly offering the occasion a rip-roaring finale.(NAN)

SPORTS

Former Liverpool Co-owner Hicks Dies at 79

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Former Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79.

The American, who owned the club alongside George Gillett from 2007 to 2010, died surrounded by family at his home in Dallas, Texas.

“Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’ most cherished title was ‘Dad’,” read a statement from Hicks’ six children.

“No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family.

“He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honoured to continue expanding his legacy.

“Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children.

Hicks and Gillett sold Liverpool to Fenway Sports Group after encountering financial difficulties.

They were widely unpopular with Liverpool fans, running up debts of about £237m and failing to deliver on promises to renovate Anfield or build a new stadium.

In a statement, Liverpool said they send their condolences “to the Hicks family and Tom’s friends at this difficult time”.

Hicks also owned ice hockey team the Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011 and baseball team the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010.

Under Hicks’ ownership, the Stars won consecutive Central Division titles between 1996 and 1998 and the Stanley Cup in 1999.

The Rangers won three American League West Division titles, and were runners-up in the 2010 World Series.

Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda.

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SPORTS

South Africa Close to First Series Win in India Since 2000

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South Africa are on the brink of a first Test series win in India for 25 years after reducing the hosts to 27-2 in pursuit of 549 on day four in Guwahati.

India, who were skittled for 201 in their first innings, must bat throughout the final day to avoid a second whitewash in three home Test series.

Prior to last October’s 3-0 defeat by New Zealand, they hadn’t lost a Test series on home soil for 12 years.

South Africa won the two-Test series opener in Kolkata by 30 runs.

Resuming on 26-0, South Africa wobbled to 77-3, losing three wickets for 18 runs in a 13-over spell, before Tristan Stubbs took charge.

Top-scoring with 94, he shared a century partnership with Tony de Zorzi and added a further 82 alongside Wiaan Mulder to power South Africa’s overnight lead of 314 to beyond 500.

He missed out on a third Test century when he was bowled by a slower ball from spinner Ravindra Jadeja (4-62), prompting South Africa’s declaration.

In reply, India lost two wickets inside 10 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind off Marco Jansen and KL Rahul bowled by Simon Harmer.

Kuldeep Yadav, who faced 134 deliveries for his 19 in the first innings, was sent out as nightwatcher and remained not out on four at stumps. Sai Sudharsan has six.

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SPORTS

UCL: Kane Returns to North London in Career-best Form as Bayern Visit Arsenal

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Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane, returns to north London on Wednesday to face old rivals Arsenal, arguably in the best form of his career after dropping into a deeper position.

Always a consistent goalscorer, the England captain has become a more complete player at Bayern, shouldering more creative and defensive duties.

The 32-year-old’s form is a big reason for Bayern’s remarkable start to the campaign.

The German champions have won 17 and drawn one of their 18 games in all competitions this season, with Kane playing every match.

Kane, who has scored 15 times in 21 matches against Arsenal, may be the key to unlock the Gunners’ stingy defence.

Mikel Arteta’s side are the only team not to have conceded in the Champions League this season. In the Premier League, Arsenal have shipped just six goals — the best record in Europe’s top five leagues.

Kane is again producing incredible numbers this campaign, with 24 goals in 18 Bayern appearances and five from five for England.

But Kane’s weight of numbers only tells part of the story this season.

Always willing to drop deep, Kane has often been deployed as a creative midfielder by Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, sitting behind either Nicolas Jackson or Serge Gnabry.

Whether by design or necessity — Jamal Musiala has been out with a broken ankle since the Club World Cup — the move has not only unleashed Kane’s game, but the England captain is having fun.

“I know I’m not just a goal-scorer,” Kane said after Saturday’s come-from-behind 6-2 win over Freiburg. “I can impact the team with passing, one-on-one situations, and taking the pressure off the team.

“This is the most I’ve enjoyed my football because I’m just involved more. I love the way we play. A really aggressive style, no fear.

“I love tackling, I love helping the team out and blocking shots and all that part of it as well.

“Obviously, I’m going to be judged on goals, but I think, especially this season, people will appreciate some of the other stuff I do as well.”

Kane will need to shoulder a bit more of the scoring load with Luis Diaz, who netted both of Bayern’s goals in their 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, suspended for three Champions League matches after his red card for a tackle on Achraf Hakimi.

Kane moved to Bayern in 2023 after coming through the ranks at Tottenham, after being cut by north London rivals Arsenal as a child.

“I was there for a couple of years and got released,” Kane said Saturday, but declined to use the rejection as a motivator.

“It’s all part and parcel of the journey of football. That was 20 years ago, a long time ago.

“We’ve moved on a long way since then.”

Kane faced Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2023-24, scoring a penalty as Bayern won over two legs.

“It’s very familiar territory for me. Having played for Tottenham for so long, it adds a bit more to the game,” Kane said.

Bayern are flying high, but they are vulnerable to set-pieces, which is one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths.

Bayern have conceded four goals in their past two games, all of which came from set plays.

Arsenal have scored 24 goals in the Premier League this season, 10 of which have come from set-pieces.

Kompany admitted his side had an “issue” with dead-ball situations, saying: “You can’t hide it, everyone saw it. Arsenal’s analysts will see it too.

“We have to show personality, character, and defend those things. But I have confidence in our side.”

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