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Women AFCON Qualifiers: Namibia knocks out Tanzania as Kenya Eases Past South Sudan on 15-0 into 2nd Round

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In an upset 3 -2 win, Namibia on Saturday knocked COSAFA Women’s Championship winners Tanzania, out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022 qualifier played at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Namibians’ came into the game smarting from a 1-2 loss they suffered in the first leg encounter, as a result of Zenatha Coleman’s brace at the National Stadium, Dar Es Salaam, last Thursday.

Determined for an away win, they showed resilience to overturn the one-goal deficit by gaining an early lead, courtesy of Omari Mwanahamis’ goal in the 13th minute of the game at the South African ground, Namibia’s adopted home ground.

However, Bakari Shime’s side early lead celebration was short-lived as Coleman levelled eight minutes later before the Sevilla striker bagged her second to put the hosts in front in the 21st minute

Two minutes before the break, red-hot Spain based forward notched her stunning hat-trick of the match in the space of 22 minutes to increase the hosts’  advantage over Tanzania.

After the recess, Clement Oppah pulled one back for the Tanzanians in the 58th minute but her effort was not enough to rescue her side from crashing out at the expense of Namibia.

The away and home triumphs, inspired by Coleman’s five goals in two games, saw the Brave Gladiators through to the second round via a 5-3 aggregate score line.

The Namibians are billed to square up with either Malawi or Zambia in the second round of the Women’s AFCON qualifying series.

In Nairobi, Kenya claimed heavy double triumphs over hosts, South Sudan, with a 7-1 goal haul to comfortably coast into the second round on a 15-1 goal aggregate on Saturday.

In the first leg played last Wednesday at Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium, Neddy Atieno’s five goals, followed by  Jentrix Shikangwa’s brace plus Mwanalima Adam’s strike condemned the Sudanese to an 8-0 whipping.

At the same venue, the Bright Starlets held their own in the opening half hour till Adam broke the deadlock from the spot in the 37th minute and doubled for Kenya on the brink of half time.

On return from recess, the Harambee Starlets continued business with Janet Bundi’s 48th minute strike before a Skiangwa double in the 67th and 73rd minute of the encounter.

However, Josephine Nyibol grabbed the consolation for Shilene Booysen’s side in the 81st minute, while Lydia Akoth and Neddy Atieno completed the rout for the Kenyans.

With their progression, Kenya will face off against the aggregate winner of Sunday’s match between Uganda and Ethiopia, in the second round in February 2022, for a ticket to the continent’s female soccer showpiece. (NAN)

SPORTS

Tinubu Hails Super Falcons for Winning 10th WAFCON Title

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons on their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they clinched a record 10th continental title.The Nigerian team staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, defeating the hosts 3-2 in front of a passionate home crowd to lift the trophy.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the team’s performance as a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of Nigerians.

Tinubu said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.

”“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you,” he added.

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SPORTS

Okoye Banned over Betting Scandal

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Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation following a high-profile betting scandal linked to a match against Lazio during the 2023/2024 season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper was found guilty of sporting misconduct after allegations emerged that he deliberately sought a yellow card during the league match against Lazio.

The suspicious booking triggered an investigation into abnormal betting patterns related to that specific incident.

According to a statement from the FIGC, Okoye was accused of intentionally committing an act that led to his caution in order to influence betting outcomes.

The case has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of players’ conduct and the growing influence of illegal betting syndicates on professional football.

Following a thorough disciplinary inquiry, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal officially confirmed its decision on Tuesday, announcing that Okoye would serve a two-month ban from all official matches.

The ban will commence from the first official game of the 2025/2026 season.

The court statement, issued by the Disciplinary Section of the National Federal Tribunal, read, “The National Federal Tribunal, Disciplinary Section, definitively ruling, imposes on Emil Maduka Okoye the sanction of two (2) months of disqualification in official matches, starting from the beginning of the first official competition of the 2025/2026 sporting season.”

This ruling means Okoye will miss six competitive matches, including Udinese’s season opener in the Coppa Italia against Carrarese on August 18, as well as the first five Serie A fixtures.

He will become eligible for selection again from October 19 when Udinese face newly promoted Cremonese away from home.

The outcome has sparked debate across both Italy and Nigeria, especially given Okoye’s national team status.

It also adds to growing scrutiny on the actions of players involved in controversial betting-related misconduct in recent years.

Okoye, who previously served as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has not yet publicly commented on the ruling.

He has struggled to regain his top form since that tournament and faced criticism for inconsistent performances. The suspension now places further doubt on his chances of reclaiming a regular starting role at both club and international level.

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Ayra Starr, NBA Star for Giants of Africa Festival

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Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard have been added to the list of stars for the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment.

Ayra Starr will perform at the festival’s closing concert on August 2, joining a powerhouse line-up that includes Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya.

Additionally, local Rwandan artist Alyn Sano is now set to perform at the festival’s inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31.

Launching a week of unforgettable music moments, the festival’s exhilarating opening show on July 27 will feature performances by South African DJ phenomenon Uncle Waffles and MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver. Rwandan stars Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru and Chriss Easy will also perform on the opening weekend.

Two-time NBA champion Leonard has also been added to the Giants of Africa Festival 2025’s all-star line-up.

The LA Clippers forward will mentor youth campers, open a new basketball court in partnership with Giants of Africa at St Ignatius School, and host a special clinic for 50 local youth at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.

Additional celebrity guests appearing throughout the week include Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe, and more.

Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, founded by basketball executive and former player Masai Ujiri.

Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America to discuss how the festival unites communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.

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