<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-452135" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/GettyImages-1804152399-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes before group photo ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 26, 2023. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is on the cusp of a surprise move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season, according to multiple media reports.



Both Sky Sports and BBC Sport reported on the news and suggested that formal confirmation could come as early as Thursday. ESPN, meanwhile, cited sources within Formula 1 as saying the deal was “as good as done.”



CNBC was not able to independently verify the reports.



Mercedes declined to comment when contacted by CNBC. A spokesperson at Ferrari was not immediately available to comment.



A move to Ferrari, one of the most iconic teams in the history of motorsport, would bring an end to a remarkably successful partnership. Hamilton first signed with Mercedes in 2013 and went on to win six of his seven world titles with the team between 2014 and 2020.



The prospect of Hamilton joining Ferrari has been the subject of intense speculation over recent years, although Hamilton has previously said he intends to stay with Mercedes for the rest of his life.



In August of last year, Hamilton signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes to keep him on board through the 2025 season, although it’s not clear whether the contract included an exit clause.



Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the team’s partnership with Hamilton at the time as “one of the most successful in the sport’s history” adding that it was “always a formality” they would continue with “F1′s biggest global star.”



If Hamilton were to leave Mercedes for Ferrari, it is reported he would likely replace Ferrari’s&nbsp;Carlos Sainz given that&nbsp;his teammate, Charles Leclerc,&nbsp;recently signed a fresh contract extension.



The start of the next Formula 1 season gets underway in Bahrain from Feb. 29.

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023

Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in shock move: Reports

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="619" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-820x619.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-446347" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-820x619.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-300x226.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-119x90.jpg 119w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762-768x580.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GettyImages-1258264762.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">KIGALI, RWANDA &#8211; MAY 27: Michael Fakuade (L) of Al Ahly and Matthew Bryan-Amaning (R) of AS Douanes compete during 2023 Basketball Africa League Championship match between AS Douanes and Al Ahly at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on May 27, 2023. (Photo by Cyrile Ndegeya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



In 2024, Africa&#8217;s sports calendar is marked by an array of prominent tournaments, reflecting the continent&#8217;s enduring commitment to sports. These events, spanning various disciplines, not only highlight the athletic skill and competitive spirit prevalent across Africa but also emphasize the cultural significance of sports within the continent. Each tournament, with its unique history and contemporary relevance, contributes to a broader narrative that intertwines sports with cultural identity and regional unity.



In the heart of the continent&#8217;s football passion, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), rescheduled to January 13-February 11, in the Ivory Coast, stands as a beacon of football excellence. Originating in 1957, AFCON has evolved from a modest three-team tournament to a grand stage featuring 24 countries. Its 34th edition in Ivory Coast promises a vibrant celebration of football, where careers are forged, and continental pride soars.



The 13th African Games, set to be held in Ghana from March 8-23 marks a milestone in the continent&#8217;s multi-sport showcase. Spanning across Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast, this event, originating in 1965, symbolizes the diversity and growth of African sports. The inclusion of sports such as squash, cricket, and rugby union in this edition reflects the evolving nature of the Games and the continent&#8217;s expanding sporting horizon.



Nigeria&#8217;s National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sport event for athletes from its 36 states, epitomizes the spirit of unity and cultural exchange. Established in 1973 as a post-civil war unifying force, the festival, known as the &#8216;Gateway Games,&#8217; continues to foster national unity and serves as a development platform for athletes. The dates for the 2024 edition are yet to be announced.



The 23rd African Men’s Handball Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Egypt from January 19-29, stands as a testament to the continent&#8217;s handball prowess. Established in 1974, this championship not only crowns the African champions but also serves as a qualifier for global tournaments, underscoring the sport&#8217;s significance and Egypt&#8217;s dominant role in it.



The Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024 season, set to commence on March 9, illustrates the rising prominence of basketball in Africa. Expanding to 48 games across four countries, including South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, and Rwanda, this season reflects the sport&#8217;s evolution and the continent&#8217;s commitment to nurturing professional basketball.



Each of these events mirrors the diverse and dynamic essence of African sports. Far from mere athletic contests, they represent a confluence of cultural unity and competitive spirit across the continent.



From the lush football fields of Ivory Coast to the handball courts of Egypt, these tournaments in 2024 are more than showcases of physical prowess; they are platforms for celebrating the rich tapestry of African sportsmanship and its evolving role in the global sporting community.

2023 Basketball Africa League Championship – Al Ahly v AS Douanes

The African Sporting Landscape: 2024’s Panorama Of Competitions

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="639" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-820x639.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428590" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-820x639.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-300x234.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-115x90.jpg 115w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-768x599.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-1536x1197.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Y3EKO2QHPZK35JDAMLZFL6ANYU-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rugby Union &#8211; Rugby World Cup 2023 &#8211; Final &#8211; New Zealand v South Africa &#8211; Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France &#8211; October 28, 2023 South Africa&#8217;s Handre Pollard does a drop kick REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier</figcaption></figure>



PARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;A record fourth Rugby World Cup showed South Africa&#8217;s dogged determination, which saw the team dig deep at critical moments.



Few sides have had as bruising a route to World Cup success as the Springboks in this tournament, playing against each of the other top six ranked nations on their way to the podium.



That road, culminating in a 12-11 win over traditional foes New Zealand in Saturday&#8217;s final at the Stade de France in Paris, but the Boks&#8217; tenacity took them over the line when it counted.



They edged three successive knockout stage matches by a single point to claim the Webb Ellis Cup.



The team talked of a responsibility to provide some distraction for their beleaguered South Africa, which is struggling in an economic downturn with heavy unemployment, crime and corruption.



But while that had its place in motivating success, a full-hearted approach on the field ultimately gave them the edge.



&#8220;As a South African, as a Springbok, you always believe you are going to win,&#8221; said centre Jesse Kriel.



South Africa threw themselves wholeheartedly into battle, tackling tenaciously and putting their bodies on the line.



Their defence underpinned the victory, while forward power saw to the points, using their strengths to maximum effect to earn penalties that Handre Pollard duly dispatched.



There was also the confidence of being coached by a group who were both innovative and prepared to take risks, such as gambling on a lack of cover for their backs in the final.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relief">RELIEF</h2>



Coach Jacques Nienaber admitted a sense of deliverance.



&#8220;Relief is the first word that comes to mind,&#8221; he said.



&#8220;We thought we can&#8217;t mess this up because we believed from 2018 they had the ability to win the World Cup. I&#8217;m relieved for the players, they deserve it,&#8221; he added



South African success was also built on experience. Fourteen of the 23 players who featured in the final were winners in Japan four years earlier. Yet they never looked like a side swaggering with the self-confidence of defending champions and, indeed were not among the pre-tournament favourites for many.



A loss in the pool stage to Ireland exposed vulnerabilities, although once flyhalf Pollard returned to fitness and was called up to the squad they were able to rely on his precision kicking.



Victory over France in the quarter-final spoilt the home party and the Boks left it late to edge England in the semi-final, both times displaying an extra strength of will.



&#8220;You don&#8217;t have doubts. Winning is a mindset, something we train for and that belief came through again,&#8221; Kriel said.



(Editing by Alexander Smith)

Rugby World Cup 2023 – Final – New Zealand v South Africa

Springbok belief and physicality make for world beating mix

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="588" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-820x588.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-427960" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-820x588.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-300x215.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-126x90.jpg 126w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-768x551.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-1536x1101.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/JWX54NKNGNM6DD624ERQ6VJLGM-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soccer Football &#8211; FIFA Virtual Council Meeting &#8211; Zurich, Switzerland &#8211; October 4, 2023 FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the meeting FIFA/Handout via REUTERS</figcaption></figure>



Rabat, Oct 4 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;After five failed attempts to become World Cup hosts, Wednesday&#8217;s announcement that Morocco will share the honours with Spain and Portugal in 2030 will lift spirits in the north African country a month after the devastating earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people.



The World Cup may also provide a boost to the Moroccan economy, which was already under increasing pressure due to a severe drought and high inflation rates, according to a World Bank report.



FIFA, in a&nbsp;surprise announcement&nbsp;a year earlier than planned, said Morocco, Portugal and Spain &#8212; the sole bid put forward &#8212; would host the 2030 tournament but added that Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay would each host a match to mark the tournament&#8217;s centenary.



Observers said the ease of travel between Morocco and the two Iberian countries was important in the bid.



&#8220;The geographic proximity between them contributed to the decision to organise jointly, and in the recent period joint organisation has become commonplace and this indicates that football brings us together more than it divides us,&#8221; said Muhammad Suhail, an analyst at BeIN Sports.



Morocco lost bids to be sole hosts in 1994, 1998 and 2006. FIFA&#8217;s decision to limit the bids to Africa for the 2010 finals raised Moroccan hopes but in the end South Africa became the first country on the continent to host the World Cup.



Morocco tried again for 2026 but the tournament was awarded to a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico.



Joining forces with Spain and Portugal will have increased their chances of hosting the tournament, in addition to the support of Saudi Arabia who decided to focus on a 2034 bid instead of 2030.



Morocco also successfully hosted the Women&#8217;s Africa Cup of Nations last year, with its team reaching the final where they lost 2-1 to South Africa.



Last year&#8217;s performance by Morocco&#8217;s men in the Qatar World Cup, when they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals, will have done them no harm either.



On their way to fourth place, Morocco defeated Spain on penalties in the last 16, then beat Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals.



&#8220;There is a football competition between the three teams, and instead of the struggle to qualify from the group stage, there will be a collective effort to make the tournament a success; from competition to love and cooperation,&#8221; Suhail said.



(Additional reporting Mohamed Msiyeh in Rabat, editing by Clare Fallon)

FIFA Virtual Council Meeting

Morocco finally succeed in sixth attempt to host the World Cup

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="546" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-820x546.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-425424" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-820x546.jpeg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-135x90.jpeg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-1536x1022.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101-scaled.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A statue of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton standing outside Old Trafford, home of Manchester United in Manchester, England. Mike Hewitt | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Manchester United shares surged as much as 30% in premarket trading on Tuesday, before paring gains, after Qatari media suggested Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani was likely to succeed with his takeover bid.



Qatar’s Al-Watan newspaper reported Tuesday evening that Sheikh Jassim, a son of the country’s former prime minister, is poised to be announced as the preferred bidder of the Premier League soccer club. Al-Watan is co-owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.



A spokesperson for Manchester United was not immediately available to comment.



Shares of Manchester United, which exclusively trade on the New York Stock Exchange, were nearly 24% higher at 6:45 a.m. ET.



The reports come after seven months of negotiations, with British petrochemicals billionaire Jim Ratcliffe also in talks to buy the club.



Sharing the news via Twitter, the social media account of the Al-Watan newspaper said, “The success of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim’s acquisition” would be announced soon.



Fahad al-Emadi, editor of Al Watan newspaper, shared a similar message.



“All the news received indicates the success of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim’s acquisition of Manchester United, and the announcement of the deal will be very soon,” he said.



Zaid Al-Hamdan, chairman of Doha-headquartered political consultancy Aramsite Group, congratulated Sheikh Jassim shortly thereafter, despite the absence of an official announcement.



“Congratulations to Shaikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim on his acquisition of @ManUtd,” Al-Hamdan said on Twitter.



The Glazer family, Manchester United’s American owners, announced the formal sale process late last year, saying in a Nov. 22 statement that the company’s board of directors would start exploring “strategic alternatives” for the club.



Sheikh Jassim on June 7 was reported to have submitted an improved fifth and final offer of around $6.3 billion for total control of Manchester United. Ratcliffe, meanwhile, was said to have wanted to purchase around 60% of the club.

107196916-1676693580855-gettyimages-109822847-63840101

Shares of Manchester United pop in premarket trade after Qatar media hints at takeover bid ‘success’

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="445" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-820x445.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-425145" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-820x445.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-300x163.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-160x87.jpg 160w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-768x417.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-1536x834.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/YH4D45N7D5N3HEI4GHUUFL5TGE-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">FILE PHOTO: The International Cricket Council (ICC) logo at the ICC headquarters in Dubai, October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Nikhil Monteiro/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



NEW DELHI, May 30 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Cricket&#8217;s cash-starved associate member nations fear the proposed new international revenue distribution model, which heavily favours the game&#8217;s superpowers, could potentially stall the growth of the game.



The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed a new revenue sharing model for the 2024-27 cycle to be voted on at its July board meeting in Durban.



According to figures leaked to Cricinfo, cricket&#8217;s financial engine India would alone claim 38.5%, primarily in recognition of its contribution to the commercial revenue pot.



The 12 full members of the ICC would collectively take 88.81% with the rest distributed among 94 associate members.



The ICC has not commented on the figures, though general manager Wasim Khan said on Monday all members would get more money under the proposed model than in the past.



Pakistan have already made clear their opposition to the model in its current shape and resentment is rumbling among other, less developed, cricketing nations.



Sumod Damodar, one of the three associate member representatives on the ICC Chief Executives&#8217; Committee, said the proposal would not meet the needs of associate members.



&#8220;If what is being proposed and discussed is likely to be the outcome then, as an associate member representative, I would be (disappointed),&#8221; he told Reuters.



&#8220;There are numerous practical reasons why it would be inadequate for associate members.&#8221;



Damodar, vice chairman of&nbsp;Botswana&#8217;s board, said associate members who have earned one-day international (ODI) status need more money to sustain their high-performance programmes, while the others need cash to bridge the gap.



Citing the rapid rise of Nepal in men&#8217;s cricket and Thailand in the women&#8217;s game, Damodar said more countries would step up if they were given the required financial support.



Vanuatu Cricket Association Chief Executive Tim Cutler said the proposed model would only accentuate the inequality between cricket&#8217;s haves and have-nots.



&#8220;The new model is now even more heavily weighted towards the bigger cricketing nations, and there is a risk that the proposed changes will exacerbate this imbalance, putting the future of the game at further risk,&#8221; Cutler told Reuters.



&#8220;The sad reality is, cricket will not grow beyond its current corners of the world &#8230; if the allocation of the game’s global funds aren&#8217;t more equally allocated with a view to actually growing the game.&#8221;



With full members having 12 of the 17 total votes on the ICC board, Cutler said diverting funds away from themselves, or making independent decisions for the good of the game, would be like &#8220;turkeys voting for Christmas&#8221;.



The ICC did not respond to a request for comment when asked about the concerns of the associate members.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-and-richer">&#8216;STRONGER AND RICHER&#8217;</h2>



Former ICC&nbsp;President&nbsp;Ehsan Mani said there was a lack of vision at the governing body in its approach to developing cricketing nations, despite the huge commercial potential of some of them.



&#8220;One of the biggest risks for global cricket is its over-dependence on one country, India, for a major part of the revenues generated,&#8221; the former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman told Reuters.



&#8220;Countries like the USA and the Middle East and, in longer term, China would bring enormous benefits to the ICC, its members and the global game. World cricket would be stronger and richer for it.&#8221;



For Mani, India grabbing the lion&#8217;s share of ICC revenues &#8220;makes no sense&#8221; and he advocated equal shares for all full members.



&#8220;World cricket needs a strong West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan,&#8221; he added.



&#8220;Cricket in Zimbabwe has suffered due to lack of funds as have Ireland and Afghanistan. Lack of investment in some of these countries will make the game unsustainable and world cricket will be poorer for it.&#8221;



(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Nick Mulvenney and Peter Rutherford)

FILE PHOTO: ICC revenue model threatens growth of game, say associate members

ICC revenue model threatens growth of game, say associate members

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418919" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LCZPGRKWCVM3LJZHCSCKTBIF5A-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Soccer Football &#8211; Serie A &#8211; Empoli v Napoli &#8211; Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli, Italy &#8211; April 24, 2022 Napoli fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Ciro De Luca</figcaption></figure>



Aug 3 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Tuesday he would not sign African players any longer unless they agreed to not take part in the Africa Cup of Nations.



Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly &#8211; now at Premier League side Chelsea &#8211; and Cameroon midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa missed several Napoli games while on international duty at this year&#8217;s AFCON, which took place between January and February.



&#8220;Or they sign a waiver giving up their right to participate to the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments or between AFCON and the championships in South America &#8230; I never have them (Napoli players) available,&#8221; he said in a Wall Street Italia talk show.



He criticised the fact that clubs were agreeing to more and more games, suggesting a European tournament with the top clubs from the strongest five countries instead of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.



&#8220;The world of football cannot self manage because we do the puppet show for others &#8230; if we could play 100 games, it would be a happy ending for everyone and we (clubs) like cretins agree to that.&#8221;



The Italian film producer also said he did not support the breakaway European Super League which folded less than 48 hours after it was announced last year as it was an elite club.



&#8220;You cannot create a super club of privileged members who invite others (to the league). You need to democratically keep the door open for everyone,&#8221; he said.



The Italian film producer added he was tired of offers from investment funds for the club, adding that he was offered 900 million euros around four to five years ago by American investors.



&#8220;You (bidders) did not understand a thing (about me). I am a pure entrepreneur who enjoys doing business &#8230; let me play,&#8221; he said.



&#8220;I want to be the 12th player on the pitch. Actually the 12th player is the fan, I can be the 13th or even the 14th, as 14 is my favourite number.&#8221;



(Reporting by Silvia Recchimuzzi in Gdansk; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Serie A – Empoli v Napoli

Napoli to sign African players only if they sign AFCON waiver, owner says

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="480" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418449" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon.jpg 800w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon-300x180.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon-150x90.jpg 150w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Photo: via Footy-GHANA.com</figcaption></figure>



CASABLANCA, July 13 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Morocco and Zambia both qualified for a first ever Women’s World Cup on Wednesday after winning their respective quarter-final matches at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.



The top four finishes at the tournament in Morocco will represent Africa at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the field has been expanded to 32 teams.



Zambia were first to snatch a ticket as they beat Senegal 4-2 on penalties in Casablanca. The two sides drew 1-1 after extra time.



Morocco then beat Botswana 2-1 in Rabat with defender Yasmin Mrabet heading home a 59th-minute winner



The other two places will be decided on Thursday when Nigeria, who have been to all eight previous Women’s World Cups, take on Cameroon in Casablanca, followed by South Africa against Tunisia in Rabat.



(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)

Zambia-celeb-vs-Senegal-2022-Womens-Afcon

Morocco, Zambia claim first two African places at Women’s World Cup

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-417789" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GettyImages-1402486840-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>BAKU, AZERBAIJAN &#8211; JUNE 12: Sergio Perez (#11) of Red Bull Racing and Mexico during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 12, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



LONDON, June 13 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali arrived in South Africa on Monday for talks that could see the country&#8217;s Kyalami circuit return to the grand prix calendar next year for the first time since 1993.



A Formula One spokesman confirmed Domenicali flew to South Africa after Sunday&#8217;s Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.



The former Ferrari team boss, who took over at the helm of Formula One last year, will meet representatives of the circuit north of Johannesburg with the sport keen to do a deal.



Africa is the only continent other than Antarctica without a Formula One race and Domenicali, who represents commercial rights holders Liberty Media, has spoken of his desire to rectify that.



Chloe Targett-Adams, Formula One&#8217;s global director of race promotion, told a CSM-hosted webinar last week that Africa was a big strategic aim.



&#8220;It is the only continent we&#8217;re not in, it&#8217;s an unbelievable demographic in population and one that we&#8217;re very keen to bring more into the Formula One world,&#8221; she said. &#8220;So that&#8217;s very much in our sights.&#8221;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-nfl-league-to-hold-first-official-events-in-africa-including-talent-camp">Read more: <a href="e: NFL-League to hold first official events in Africa, including talent camp">NFL-League to hold first official events in Africa, including talent camp</a></h3>



South Africa was a regular round of the championship until 1985, when some teams and sponsors boycotted the race due to the country&#8217;s apartheid system of racial segregation.



The sport returned to Kyalami in 1992 and 1993 after apartheid had ended and Nelson Mandela, later to become the country&#8217;s first Black head of state, was released from prison.



Mercedes&#8217; seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton, the sport&#8217;s only Black driver, has also pushed for the return of an African race with his father Anthony involved at one point in a Cape Town project.



Financing a race deal has always been the ultimate stumbling block, however.



Talk has intensified recently of Kyalami returning on what would be a record calendar of 24 races next season, if China&#8217;s race in Shanghai is also re-instated after an absence due to COVID-19.



Formula One has already announced a new race in Las Vegas for 2023, joining U.S. rounds in Miami and Austin, while Qatar starts a new 10-year cycle after dropping off this year&#8217;s calendar due to the soccer World Cup.



Some European races, notably France&#8217;s round at Le Castellet, could miss out. A provisional calendar could be published by the August break.



(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan

F1 boss in South Africa for 2023 grand prix talks

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-417693" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6Z3RCKRMPBLJ7M5KPAE3GT42JY-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>FILE PHOTO: Atlanta Falcons defensive linemen Corey Peters (L) and Osi Umenyiora (R) talk on the sideline during the second half of their NFL pre-season football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Maryland, August 15, 2013. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst</figcaption></figure>



June 7 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The National Football League (NFL) will hold its first official events in Africa later this month, as it works to build its international footprint.



The events will take place in Ghana and include a talent identification camp on June 21 and 22, with 40 players from across the continent expected to participate.



&#8220;This camp is not only giving opportunities to great African athletes, it is also highlighting the incredible African athletes already in the NFL,&#8221; said twice Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora, who will lead the program.



&#8220;The positive impact of this cannot be overstated.&#8221;



In December, the NFL awarded 18 franchises marketing rights to 26 international regions, as it looks to build fan bases abroad.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL1N2T02NX&amp;linkedFromStory=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read full story</a>



The Philadelphia Eagles, who were paired with Ghana as an &#8220;International Home Marketing Area&#8221;, will feature in events including an NFL Fan Zone on June 26.



(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New YorkEditing by Toby Davis)

Falcons’ Peters and Umenyiora talk on the sideline during the second half of their NFL pre-season football game against the Ravens in Baltimore

NFL-League to hold first official events in Africa, including talent camp

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="540" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-820x540.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-416165" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-820x540.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-300x198.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-137x90.jpg 137w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-768x506.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-1536x1012.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HQTINHRREJJEFL2NLDS4IMQVZM-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football &#8211; World Cup &#8211; African Qualifiers &#8211; Egypt v Senegal &#8211; Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt &#8211; March 25, 2022 Egypt&#8217;s Mohamed Salah in action with Senegal&#8217;s Nampalys Mendy REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



CAPE TOWN, March 30 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The final night of African qualifying for the World Cup produced high drama and upsets on Tuesday, though the continent&#8217;s line-up in Qatar will have a familiar look about it.



Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia participated at the last finals in Russia in 2018, while Cameroon and Ghana were at the finals four years before that.



Both Cameroon and Ghana produced unexpected away success to qualify, eliminating the more fancied Algeria and Nigeria.



Cameroon secured their place with the last kick of the match, deep in extra time in Blida, as Karl Toko Ekambi swept home a speculative cross.



It left Algeria, who were African champions in 2019 and had breezed through the earlier stages of the World Cup preliminaries, crestfallen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL2N2VW2XS&amp;linkedFromStory=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read full story</a>



“We were only 10 seconds away from the World Cup. We collapsed,” Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi said after the 2-1 home loss.



“We put our lives on hold for this match and this success and we only had qualification on our minds. It is going to be hard to get through the next days.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-doubts-hang-over-cameroon-cup-of-nations-finals-as-caf-head-flies-in">Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2021/doubts-hang-over-cameroon-cup-of-nations-finals-as-caf-head-flies-in/">Doubts hang over Cameroon Cup of Nations finals as CAF head flies in</a></h3>



Ghana profited from a goalkeeping error to also advance on the away goals rule, their 1-1 draw in Nigeria setting off rioting by home fans in Abuja.



“We had a bit of luck in a really tough match and had to fight our way through. But our defensive line was excellent,” said former international Otto Addo, appointed coach just one month ago.



Nigeria’s failure to qualify is likely to see wholesale changes to their football leadership. The team dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge and looked a spent force before the final whistle.



Senegal repeated their penalty shootout success over Egypt as Sadio Mane again got the better of his Liverpool team mate Mohamed Salah.



Dakar’s new stadium was filled to capacity hours before the clash which saw Senegal beat Egypt 1-0 for a 1-1 draw on aggregate after extra time.



That set up another shootout between the teams, some six weeks after Mane had netted the decisive kick to win the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon.



He was again the talisman as he fired home to give Senegal a 3-1 shootout victory. Salah had put Egypt’s first effort well wide of goal.



Tunisia denied Mali a first World Cup finals appearance with a 1-0 aggregate triumph while Morocco enjoyed an emphatic 4-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Casablanca after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.



(Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

FILE PHOTO: World Cup – African Qualifiers – Egypt v Senegal

Familiar look about Africa’s World Cup line-up

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="429" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E-820x429.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-415689" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E-820x429.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E-300x157.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E-160x84.jpg 160w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E-768x402.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E-1536x804.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Athletics &#8211; Great CityGames Manchester 2015 &#8211; Manchester &#8211; 10/5/15 South Africa&#8217;s Stephen Mokoka finishes second in the men&#8217;s Morrisons Great Manchester Run Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers</figcaption></figure>



March 6 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;South Africa&#8217;s Stephen Mokoka, who had never run a 50km race before, broke the world record on home soil in Gqeberha on Sunday.



Mokoka, 37, crossed the finish line in two hours, 40 minutes and 13 seconds, beating the record set by Ethiopian Ketema Bekele Negasa (2:42:07) at the same event last year.



&#8220;I&#8217;m tired,&#8221; Mokoka, a three-times Olympian, said. &#8220;It&#8217;s a long way and I don&#8217;t know how I&#8217;m going to feel later, but I enjoyed it.&#8221;



Ethiopia&#8217;s Amelework Fikadu Bosho dominated the women&#8217;s race to finish in a time of 3:04:58, nearly four minutes ahead of the rest but 34 seconds short of the world record.



(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)

6JKVKNMVGFPFFCCA4PZCKJET4E

South Africa’s Mokoka breaks world record in first 50km race

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="493" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/unnamed-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-415141" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/unnamed-2.jpg 750w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/unnamed-2-300x197.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/unnamed-2-137x90.jpg 137w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption>Soccer Football &#8211; Africa Cup of Nations &#8211; Final &#8211; Senegal v Egypt &#8211; Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon &#8211; February 6, 2022Senegal&#8217;s Kalidou Koulibaly lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Africa Cup of Nations REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani</figcaption></figure>



DAKAR, Feb 6 (Reuters) &#8211; Senegal erupted in celebration on Sunday night after its soccer team overcame Egypt to win the Africa Cup of Nations, giving the West African country its first tournament win after decades of heartbreaking near misses.



Cheers, car horns and fireworks greeted the final whistle in the seaside capital Dakar after a hard-won victory in a penalty shootout that in an instant erased Senegal&#8217;s reputation as one of Africa&#8217;s underachieving footballing nations.



Thousands took to the streets. People waved flags from the sunroofs of speeding cars. Onlookers hugged and cried. Dozens ran onto a beach in a northern suburb, screaming to the night sky.



&#8220;Senegal has lost so many trophies in the final. This is a relief. Finally, we have it!&#8221; said Pape Malick Diba, a 31-year-old trader who danced with friends at a fanzone in Dakar where supporters struggled to see the screens through the crowds.



These were rare scenes of collective rapture for Senegalese soccer fans who have seen their fair share of sporting heartache, and who in the last two years have suffered the restrictions and economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.



Senegal lost to Algeria in the final of the last tournament in 2019, but entered this year&#8217;s competition as favourites.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-cameroon-latest-host-nation-to-fail-at-cup-of-nations">Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2022/cameroon-latest-host-nation-to-fail-at-cup-of-nations/">Cameroon latest host nation to fail at Cup of Nations</a></h3>



Their squad is full of stars from some of Europe&#8217;s top clubs, most famously Liverpool striker Sadio Mane, who scored the winning penalty in Sunday&#8217;s shootout in Cameroon&#8217;s capital Yaounde after missing a chance from the spot during regular time.



The victory ends a storied history of tough losses. In 2002 Senegal narrowly missed the opportunity to become the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final, losing to Turkey in extra time. That year it also lost in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.



In the 2018 World Cup it was eliminated at the group stage under a new rule that penalised it for receiving more yellow cards than group rival Japan.



On Sunday those old memories were forgotten.



&#8220;Joy, tears, because it is a historic victory,&#8221; said Senegal President Macky Sall when asked for his reaction on national television.



&#8220;For 60 years our country has been seeking this. Well, we have done it today.&#8221; 



(Additional reporting by Ngouda Dione; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Chris Reese)

unnamed-2

Senegal in party mode after Africa Cup of Nations victory

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="462" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report-820x462.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-415102" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report-820x462.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report-768x433.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report.jpg 830w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Soccer Football &#8211; Africa Cup of Nations &#8211; Semi Final &#8211; Cameroon VS Egypt &#8211; Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon, February 3, 2022 Egypt&#8217;s Mohamed Salah in action REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany </figcaption></figure>



YAOUNDE, Feb 4 (Reuters) &#8211; Cameroon added their name to an increasingly long list of hosts who have failed at the Africa Cup of Nations, eliminated at the semi-final stage on Thursday on post-match penalties.



Not since 2006, when Egypt were hosts, has the home team been able to win the tournament as Cameroon stretched the unsuccessful sequence to eight successive tournaments as they bowed out.



Egypt beat them 3-1 on kicks following a goalless draw after extra time with coach Toni Conceicao admitting they had run out of steam and captain Vincent Aboubakar accusing his teammates of trying too much on their own.



&#8220;It&#8217;s a big disappointment, in football, you reap what you sow. We have a big team and every time we play as a team, we win,” Aboubakar said.



“In this game, everyone wanted to show what he was capable of and here is the pay off. Whenever we are collectively strong, we win but the moment everyone tries to do what they want, we miss out.”



The coach felt the side had run out of steam, playing a sixth game in 26 days and on a heavy pitch which sapped at the players&#8217; energy levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-tunisia-upset-nigeria-to-book-cup-of-nations-last-eight-place">Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2022/tunisia-upset-nigeria-to-book-cup-of-nations-last-eight-place/">Tunisia upset Nigeria to book Cup of Nations last-eight place</a></h3>



“For 90 minutes the team played well and looked to score. We had some three to four chances without being able to score,” said Conceicao.



“In the second half, we started to have imbalances in the game and suffered fatigue. My team tried, but Egypt managed to control our offensive abilities and countered them. That&#8217;s why we were forced to penalties. This is the harsh reality of sport.”



Cameroon were also semi-final losers when they hosted the finals 50 years with the 1972 edition being won by Congo.



This year’s tournament has been overshadowed by a deadly stadium crush last week when Cameroon played their first knockout stage match, with eight killed people and seriously injured seven.



Thursday’s semi-final marked a first game back at the newly built Olembe Stadium, amid increased security and crowd control.



It will host Sunday’s final between Egypt and Senegal. 



(Writing by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Robert Birsel)

2022-02-04t063213z_1_lynxmpei13069_rtroptp_3_soccer-nations-cam-egy-report

Cameroon latest host nation to fail at Cup of Nations

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="756" height="426" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/soccer-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-414790" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/soccer-8.jpg 756w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/soccer-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/soccer-8-160x90.jpg 160w" sizes="(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" /><figcaption>Photo: via Reuters</figcaption></figure>



Jan 23 (Reuters) &#8211; Captain Youssef Msakni scored with a long-range shot to hand COVID-hit Tunisia an improbable 1-0 win over 10-man Nigeria in Garoua on Sunday to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.



He powered home a low shot from outside the penalty area two minutes into the second half to bundle Nigeria out of the tournament.



Nigeria had been the only side to win all three of their games in the group phase and were overwhelming favourites as Tunisia battled without seven players, who were isolating because of COVID-19.



But Tunisia, who also had to do without coach Mondher Kebaier because of COVID-19, advanced to meet Burkina Faso in next Saturday’s quarter-final in Garoua.



There were few chances in the game with Tunisia producing a stout defensive performance and looking for counter attacking opportunities.



Nigeria were unable to get any flow to their play, despite having beaten Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau in their earlier games.



They were reduced to 10 men when Alex Iwobi was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 66th minute, seven minutes after coming on.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-doubts-hang-over-cameroon-cup-of-nations-finals-as-caf-head-flies-in">Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2021/doubts-hang-over-cameroon-cup-of-nations-finals-as-caf-head-flies-in/">Doubts hang over Cameroon Cup of Nations finals as CAF head flies in</a></h3>



The referee originally handed him a caution but was encouraged to review the sanction on the pitchside VAR screen, before changing his mind and sending Iwobi off.



The 31-year-old Msakni, competing in his seventh Cup of Nations finals but starting his first match of the tournament, was given time to line up his shot and it swerved to catch out the Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who only managed to get a hand to it.



“We got punished for one mistake,” said Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen.



“Alex should not have been given a red card but the referee saw it differently. But congratulations to Tunisia.”



It was a remarkable turnaround for the north Africans, who had lost two of their three opening round games, including an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to tiny Gambia three days ago.



They managed to get some players back out of isolation ahead of Sunday’s match but assistant coach Jalel Kadri had to take over for the game.



Nigeria threw players forward near the end and substitute Umar Sadiq might well have forced a stoppage-time equaliser but his effort went agonisingly wide of the goal. 



(Writing by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Toby Davis)

soccer-8

Tunisia upset Nigeria to book Cup of Nations last-eight place

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="564" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-820x564.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-414644" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-820x564.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-300x206.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-131x90.jpg 131w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-768x528.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-1536x1056.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RSTJDIYXDVJ5TEEAJSOOAQMAYI-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic walks in Melbourne Airport before boarding a flight, after the Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa to play in the Australian Open, in Melbourne, Australia, January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Loren Elliott</figcaption></figure>



SYDNEY, Jan 17 (Reuters) &#8211; Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has left the door open for Novak Djokovic to compete at next year&#8217;s Australian Open despite the tennis superstar facing an automatic three-year ban from entering the country.



The world number one player left Australia late on Sunday after the Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over the country&#8217;s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.



Under immigration law, Djokovic cannot be granted another visa for three years unless Australia&#8217;s immigration minister accepts there are compelling or compassionate reasons.



&#8220;I&#8217;m not going to precondition any of that or say anything that would not enable the minister to make the various calls he has to make,&#8221; Morrison told 2GB radio on Monday as Djokovic was en route to Dubai.



&#8220;It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for (a person) to return in the right circumstances, and that will be considered at the time.&#8221;



The unanimous ruling by a three-judge Federal Court bench dealt a final blow to Djokovic&#8217;s hopes of chasing a record 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, which starts on Monday, dismaying his family and supporters.



<a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/key-moments-novak-djokovics-australian-saga-2022-01-14">In a rollercoaster ride, the world&#8217;s top men&#8217;s player was first detained by immigration authorities on Jan</a>. 6, ordered released by a court on Jan. 10 and then detained again on Saturday pending Sunday&#8217;s court hearing.



Djokovic, 34, said he was extremely disappointed by the ruling but he respected the court&#8217;s decision.



&#8220;I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and the tournament I love,&#8221; Djokovic said in a statement before flying out of Melbourne.



The player was filmed by Reuters wearing a mask and taking selfies with fans at the arrival gate in Dubai as he waited for his entourage to follow him off the plane.



Djokovic was escorted by airline staff on a terminal buggy to the departure gate for a flight a few hours later to Belgrade, where he checked in alone.



The saga caused a row between Canberra and Belgrade, with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic calling the court decision &#8220;scandalous&#8221;.



Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Monday that she and Morrison had been in touch with Brnabic during the legal process last week.



&#8220;I am absolutely confident that the very positive relationship, bilateral relationship between Australia and Serbia will continue on the strong footing that it currently enjoys,&#8221; Payne told reporters.



Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had said Djokovic could be a threat to public order because his presence would encourage anti-vaccination sentiment amidst Australia&#8217;s worst coronavirus outbreak.



The Federal Court judges noted their ruling was based on the lawfulness and legality of the minister&#8217;s decision, but did not address &#8220;the merits or wisdom&#8221; of the decision. They have yet to release the full reasoning behind their decision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-touchstone">POLITICAL TOUCHSTONE</h2>



The Serbian tennis player&#8217;s visa troubles fuelled global debate over the rights of people who decline to get vaccinated as governments take measures to protect people from the two-year pandemic.



Djokovic had been granted a visa to enter Australia, with a COVID-19 infection on Dec. 16 providing the basis for a medical exemption from Australia&#8217;s requirements that all visitors be vaccinated. The exemption was organised via Tennis Australia and the Victoria state government.



That exemption prompted widespread anger in Australia, which has undergone some of the world&#8217;s toughest COVID-19 lockdowns and where more than 90% of adults are vaccinated.



The controversy became a political touchstone for Morrison as he prepares for an election due by May, amid wrangling over responsibility between his centre-right federal coalition government and the centre-left Victoria state government.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2022/australian-government-cancels-djokovic-visa-again/">Djokovic races to avert deportation after Australia cancels visa again</a></h3>



Morrison on Monday defended his handling of the situation and differentiated Djokovic&#8217;s case from vaccine sceptics within his own government.



&#8220;If you’re someone coming from overseas, and there are conditions for you to enter this country, then you have to comply with them,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This is about someone who sought to come to Australia and not comply with the entry rules at our border.&#8221;



The men&#8217;s tennis governing body ATP said the decision &#8220;marks the end of a deeply regrettable series of events&#8221;, adding it respected the decision, a comment echoed by Tennis Australia.



On the tennis circuit, fellow players have become impatient for the media circus to end.



&#8220;The situation has not been good all round for anyone. It feels everything here happened extremely last minute and that&#8217;s why it became such a mess,&#8221; said former world number one Andy Murray.



(Reporting By Jane Wardell; editing by Diane Craft and Michael Perry)

Novak Djokovic federal court hearing, in Melbourne

Australia leaves door open for Djokovic to play at next year’s Open

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="429" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM-820x429.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-414640" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM-820x429.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM-300x157.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM-160x84.jpg 160w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM-768x402.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM-1536x804.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CVUT356AAZKPRMYXXZVYNLEZWM.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Tennis &#8211; Australian Open &#8211; Third Round &#8211; Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia &#8211; January 24, 2020 Serbia&#8217;s Novak Djokovic in action during the match against Japan&#8217;s Yoshihito Nishioka REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach</figcaption></figure>



MELBOURNE, Jan 16 (Reuters) &#8211; Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic said in a statement on Sunday that he was &#8220;extremely disappointed&#8221; with the decision to cancel his visa to enter Australia, but would cooperate with the authorities in relation to his departure from the country.



The Serbian champion said he hoped the focus would now return to tennis and the Australian Open Grand Slam, which starts in Melbourne on Monday.



Djokovic had appealed Immigration Minister Alex Hawke&#8217;s decision to cancel his visa on the grounds that he was a threat to public order because his presence would encourage anti-vaccination sentiment amid Australia&#8217;s worst COVID-19 outbreak.



&#8220;I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this,&#8221; the 34-year-old said in a statement after the court dismissed his case.



&#8220;I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister&#8217;s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.



&#8220;I respect the Court&#8217;s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.&#8221;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-more-all-to-play-for-as-djokovic-returns-to-immigration-detention-hotel">Read more: <a href="http://All to play for as Djokovic returns to immigration detention hotel">All to play for as Djokovic returns to immigration detention hotel</a></h3>



Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, was granted a medical exemption to compete at the Melbourne Park major, a tournament he has won nine times including the last three editions.



His fate was finally decided after a rollercoaster 10 days that saw him detained by authorities, released and then detained again ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on Monday.



Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Djokovic on 20 major titles, said &#8220;too many questions&#8221; still needed to be answered concerning the Serb&#8217;s bid to play the tournament, while other leading players lamented how Slam has been overshadowed by the saga.



&#8220;I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,&#8221; Djokovic said, while also thanking those that supported him.



&#8220;I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.&#8221;



(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney in Sydney and Sudipto Ganguly, editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)

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