1, December 2023
Limbe: Cameroon beat Nigeria in clash of former football stars 0
A team comprising former star footballers of Cameroon beat ex-Nigeria players 3-1 in a testimonial game on Thursday evening.
In front of over 10,000 spectators at the Omnisport Stadium in the seaside resort town of Limbe, Julius Aghahowa netted the sole Nigerian goal for the Jay-Jay Okocha-led squad.
Samuel Eto’o, Bernard Tchoutang and Ndip Tambe scored for Cameroon to overpower Nigeria in a match billed as a repeat of the 2000 African Nations Cup final in which Cameroon defeated Super Eagles on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
“Quite an entertaining game and it would have been a wonderful coincidence if the result was the same as the original 2000 final. These legends can still play in championships today,” Nigerian supporter Emeka James who watched the match said.
Cameroonian supporter Michael Jaaba was particularly enthused about seeing legends such as Samuel Eto’o and Jay-Jay Okocha.
“They did not disappoint us. We enjoyed the gala match,” he said.
Cameroon organized the game as part of activities to mark International Plantain Festival, which will be officially launched in the country on Friday.
Source: Xinhaunet
7, December 2023
Football: Pele’s former club Santos relegated for first time in 111-year history 0
Santos, Brazil legend Pele’s former club, have been relegated for the first time in their 111-year history.
A 2-1 home defeat by Fortaleza in their final league match of the season meant they dropped out of Serie A, Brazil’s top flight.
Santos won 12 state titles, six league titles and two Copas Libertadores during their golden era of the 1950s and 60s.
Three-time World Cup-winner Pele died at the age of 82 last year.
Santos, who also produced Brazil’s record scorer Neymar, have suffered financial problems in recent years.
Heading into the final game of the season, America Mineiro, Coritiba and Goias had been relegated.
With Santos level at 1-1, Vasco da Gama – drawing 1-1 with Red Bull Bragantino – occupied the fourth relegation spot in the 20-team division.
But Serginho scored for Vasco in the 82nd minute and a stoppage-time winner from Fortaleza’s Lucero left Santos one point adrift of safety.
Palmeiras were crowned champions for the second season in a row – and 12th in total – thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro.
Flamengo and Sao Paulo are the only remaining sides who have never been relegated.
Source: BBC