Football
MOROCCO AND NIGERIA SET FOR WAFCON FINAL SHOWDOWN
Hosts Morocco booked their spot in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a tense semi-final clash that ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night. Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, but Morocco equalized in the 55th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled the ball into the net from close range after a deflected shot from Ibtissam Jraïdi.
Despite strident efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winner in regular or extra time, forcing the match into penalties. Morocco held their nerve, converting all four of their spot-kicks through Hanane Aït El Haj, Ibtissam Jraïdi, Kenza Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu fired wide, and Comfort Yeboah’s effort was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
In the other semi-final, Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a spot in the final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa. Captain Rashidat Ajibade opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 45th minute, calmly converting a penalty to give the nine-time champions the lead just before halftime. South Africa responded after the break, with Linda Motlhalo equalizing from the spot in the 60th minute. However, Michelle Alozie sealed the win for Nigeria with a decisive goal in added time.
The final between Morocco and Nigeria is set for Saturday, while Ghana will face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday. Morocco’s victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch against Nigeria, who are seeking to claim their 10th continental title.
Manchester City claimed the 2026 Carabao Cup title with a convincing 2–0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, delivering a major blow to Arsenal’s silverware ambitions this season.
After a cagey first half, City turned up the intensity in the second period, with young star Nico O’Reilly emerging as the hero. The midfielder scored twice in quick succession, first capitalizing on a costly error from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga before heading in a second just minutes later to seal the win.
Arsenal, who came into the final as favourites and Premier League leaders, struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Their best effort came late in the game when they struck the crossbar, but it proved too little to mount a comeback.
The defeat not only ended Arsenal’s hopes of securing a historic quadruple but has also reignited criticism of manager Mikel Arteta’s decision-making; particularly his choice to start Kepa ahead of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya.
Pundits and fans alike were quick to question Arsenal’s mentality on the big stage, with some commentators reviving the long-standing “bottlers” label, suggesting the team once again failed to deliver in a crucial final.
Meanwhile, City’s triumph marks their ninth League Cup title and another milestone for manager Pep Guardiola, reinforcing their reputation as serial winners despite trailing Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
For Arsenal, attention now shifts to their remaining competitions, but this loss could have lasting psychological implications in their pursuit of major trophies this season.
FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought victory over Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a decisive header from Ronald Araujo and a standout goalkeeping performance by Inaki Pena Garcia.
In a tightly contested La Liga clash, Barcelona struggled to break down a resilient Rayo side that maintained defensive discipline throughout much of the game. Despite dominating possession, the Catalan giants found clear-cut chances hard to come by in the early stages.
The breakthrough eventually came in the second half when Araujo rose highest to meet a well-delivered set-piece, powering a header past the Rayo goalkeeper to give Barcelona the lead. The goal proved decisive in a match where margins were slim.
Rayo Vallecano responded with increased attacking intent, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Garcia emerged as a key figure, producing a series of crucial saves to deny the visitors. His composure and reflexes under pressure ensured that Barcelona held on to their narrow advantage.
Barcelona’s defence, marshalled effectively in the closing stages, managed to withstand Rayo’s late push, securing all three points in a match that tested their resilience.
The victory strengthens Barcelona’s position in the league standings, while Rayo Vallecano will rue missed opportunities after a spirited performance.
Everton delivered a dominant performance to defeat Chelsea 3–0 in their Premier League clash on Saturday, piling further pressure on the London side’s struggling campaign.
Playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton took control of the game and capitalised on defensive lapses from Chelsea to secure a convincing victory. Beto was the standout performer, scoring twice; first in the 33rd minute and again shortly after the hour mark to give the hosts a firm grip on the contest.
The home side sealed the win late in the second half when Iliman Ndiaye added a third goal with a fine finish, capping an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea struggled to respond throughout the match despite enjoying spells of possession. Their attacking efforts lacked sharpness, while defensive errors proved costly, extending their poor run of form. The defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss across competitions, raising concerns about consistency and tactical direction.
Everton, on the other hand, continue to build momentum, with back-to-back home wins boosting their hopes of securing a European qualification spot.
The result also narrows the gap between both sides in the league standings, intensifying the race for continental football places.