Sports

8, November 2020

Football: Alex Song completes move to Djibouti ⁰

Former FC Barcelona and Cameroon midfielder, Alex Song, has joined Djiboutian side AS Arta Solar7 in a shock move on a permanent deal.

Since making his professional debut back in 2004 with Bastia in Ligue 1, Song seemed to be on the right path to success as his performances earned him a move to then Premier League champions Arsenal at sheer age of 17.

Seven years later, Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona came calling and eventually acquired his services for a reported £15 million fee after 215 appearances with the Gunners.

However, Song struggled to break into the starting lineup ahead of Sergio Busquets, and the Catalans decided to loan him to Premier League outfit West Ham for the 2014/15 season.

Song settled quickly into the Hammers’ first team and became one of the Londoners’ top players.

In 2016, he was able to finalize a permanent move to Rubin Kazan on a free transfer coming from Barcelona but only played 23 matches in two years, before signing for Swiss side Sion.

Alex Song has now completed a shock move to Djiboutian side AS Arta Solar7 on a reported two-year deal.

Arta finished fourth on the Djibouti Premier League table last season with 24 points, four behind champions Total FC just missing out on the continental football.

Source: Kingfut.com

4, November 2020

Bundes Liga: Boateng eager to extend Bayern deal ⁰

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng wants to start contract extension talks with the European champions his agent said on Wednesday amid uncertainty surrounding the future of fellow centre-back David Alaba.

Boateng, 32, a 2014 World Cup winner, is out of contract in June.

“We are open to contract talks and would be delighted to have them with Bayern,” Boateng’s representative Damir Smoljan told Sport1.

“Jerome feels unbelievably well here and the team is incredibly focused and professional.”

Boateng joined Bayern in 2011 and has won eight Bundesliga titles.

He was also a key member of the Bayern team which won Champions League titles in 2013 and last August.

The timing of his agent’s comments come days after Bayern revealed a stalemate with Alaba, 28, who also has only seven months left on his current deal.

Boateng also underlined his form on Tuesday with his first Champions League goal for five years before saying the Bavarian squad are all behind Alaba.

Along with fellow stars Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller, Boateng was told in March 2019 by Germany coach Joachim Loew his international career was over.

However, the trio’s current form has led to calls to reinstate them for next June’s postponed Euro 2020.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick said senior club bosses “are all glad” to see Boateng in such eye-catching form.

Flick praised Boateng’s “very good” performance in Salzburg as his goal “paved the way” to victory.

Bayern lost Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool in September and Alaba, who has reportedly demanded a huge pay rise, looks set to leave in the coming months.

The league leaders have made no secret, like all top-flight clubs in Germany, their finances have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Players have to become more understanding. We have insane financial losses and haven’t had a spectator in the stadium for eight months,” chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sport Bild.

AFP

3, November 2020

Football: Diego Maradona admitted to hospital in Argentina ⁰

Former Argentina legend Diego Maradona has been hospitalized due to poor health conditions.

Maradona was reportedly taken to a clinic in La Plata to undergo tests. His hospitalization was not related to the coronavirus pandemic, as he had tested negative in recent days.

He will be held under observation for at least three days. The specific details of his ailment was not revealed.

The 1986 World Cup winner who celebrated his 60th birthday last week has suffered frequent periods in hospital over the years mainly due to drug and alcohol abuse and poor health.

31, October 2020

Cameroon legend Geremi opposed to Africa Cup matches in Europe ⁰

Cameroon football legend Geremi Njitap says African countries must not be allowed to stage Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Europe during the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been reports that Senegal and Guinea-Bissau were “discussing” moving back-to-back matches during November from Dakar and Bissau to Portugal.

Senegal had to postpone at the last minute this month a warm-up match when eight of the visiting Mauritania delegation tested positive for Covid-19.

However, that was the only friendly international in the continent during October to be cancelled while two in Portugal and one in Turkey involving African teams were called off due to coronavirus.

Answering a question from AFP at a videoconference organised by the Netherlands-based global professional footballers’ union FIFPro, Geremi said: “I do not believe CAF will allow that.

“This is an African competition and there is no way matches can be played in Europe,” said the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Cameroon defender-cum-midfielder and FIFPro board member.

“Of course, staging qualifiers in Europe would be better for most of the players because that is where they are based.

“I have no objection to friendly internationals involving African countries being staged in Europe, but not Cup of Nations nor World Cup qualifiers.

“African football supporters will not accept that — they want to cheer their heroes on even if the numbers at grounds may be severely limited by the pandemic.”

FIFPro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann warned that health protocols “do not change one bit” whether matches are staged in Africa or Europe.

“It is very important to make clear that the responsibilities and obligations of federations in terms of health protocols do not change.

“During the international window this month, many footballers in Europe contracted the virus after being with national teams.

“Irrespective of whether matches are staged in Africa or Europe, federations need to do a better job than they did this month when providing health safeguards.

– ‘Big risk’ –

“Otherwise, there is a big risk of many positive cases which can impact on how Africa proceeds with qualifying for the Cup of Nations and World Cup.”

There are 48 Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled between November 9 and 17, including defending champions Algeria playing Zimbabwe at home and away.

Geremi was also asked if he agreed with 1995 World, European and African Footballer of the Year and now Liberia president George Weah that Covid-19 posed a huge threat to African football.

“Football is more than a religion in Africa and an Africa without football is unimaginable,” said the former star who made 118 appearances for the Cameroon national team, the Indomitable Lions.

“Kids love football, and many poor families see the sport as a path to a better life if a child can develop their talents and secure a professional contract.

“Governments and companies cannot stop putting money into football,” he said, reacting to the fears of Weah that there will be a “large drop-off” in funding from the public and private sectors.

“Where these (sponsorships) no longer exist, many clubs will collapse and leagues will close permanently,” Weah told a recent videoconference organised by the Africa Sports Ventures group.

“It is my considered opinion that the future of sport in Africa is bleak, and not guaranteed to recover,” said the ex-Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City and Marseille forward.

“Health and economic recovery take absolute priority, however it is important that the global funding being raised should recognise the social importance of sport.”

Source: AFP

26, October 2020

Formula 1: Hamilton overtakes Schumacher with record 92nd win ⁰

Lewis Hamilton became Formula One’s record all-time race-winner on Sunday when he claimed his 92nd victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix to pass Michael Schumacher at the top of the list.

His win lifted him one clear of Schumacher’s 14-year-old record of 91 triumphs after a thrilling inaugural F1 race at the Algarve International Circuit.

After a long hug with his father Anthony who, together with step-mother Linda, had witnessed his historic achievement, Hamilton heaped praise on his Mercedes before joining his race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington and Bottas on the podium.

“I owe this and so much to all these guys here and the team at the factory,” said Hamilton.

“For their tremendous work, they are always pushing the barrier higher and higher. It is a privilege working with them… Working with them is inspiring.”

Hamilton fought back after an early scare, when he led but dropped to third after a rain shower, to demonstrate impeccable tyre management and flawless judgement as he claimed an eighth win in 12 races this year.

The six-time world champion finished 25.5 seconds clear of his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen a familiar third.

Hamilton’s triumph added another unprecedented feat to his roster of records. He now has the most wins, a record 97 pole positions, a record 161 podium finishes and a record 45 consecutive points finishes.

The 35-year-old Briton extended his championship lead over Bottas to 77 points.

A seventh world title, which would equal another Schumacher record, now looks all but inevitable with only five races remaining this year.

The 35-year-old Hamilton said the race had been “tough” and he had suffered cramp.

“Yes, it’s a very physical sport and I had it in my right calf. I was lifting down the straights and it was painful.”

Sainz claims early lead

Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari ahead of a surging Pierre Gasly after an excellent drive in his Alpha Tauri.

Carlos Sainz came home sixth for McLaren to beat Sergio Perez, who recovered from a first lap clash with Verstappen, to finish seventh for Racing Point ahead of the two Renaults of Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, in his final season at Ferrari, finished 10th.

On a cool and breezy day, with light rain forecast, an appreciative crowd of 27,500 were scattered around the new 90,000-capacity circuit, hosting the first Portuguese Grand Prix since 1996, as the drivers completed the pre-race ceremonial, including an anti-racism salute led by Hamilton, in a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, taking a knee.

At the start, Hamilton led away from his record 97th pole while, from third, Verstappen passed Bottas before the Finn surged back to pass him and his team-mate to take the initiative.

As gentle rain fell, Hamilton slithered, while Sainz, on softs, found grip to take the lead, evading a Verstappen-Perez collision, which sent the Racing Point car spinning. Briefly, it was wild stuff.

In the “ice-rink”-like conditions, the Mercedes men, on mediums, needed time to warm their tyres before catching and passing Sainz on laps six and seven respectively.

By lap eight, Bottas led Hamilton by 1.8 seconds and Verstappen, third, by four.

Despite the blustery conditions, normal service was, it seemed, resuming.

Raikkonen, in his record-increasing 324th race, was first to pit from softs to mediums, prompting a series of stops as grip diminished.

“Left front is dead, mate,” reported Verstappen before Hamilton echoed that sentiment within two laps.

Almost immediately, he set a fastest lap and by lap 20 had closed on Bottas, passing him with a bust of DRS on the straight. Verstappen pitted and re-joined sixth as Hamilton pulled clear.

All this left Hamilton leading his team-mate by 7.3 seconds on lap 30 with Leclerc third, adrift by 27 seconds.

Hamilton pitted after 40 laps, taking hards and slotting in behind Bottas who led again. The Finn suggested a switch to softs, but when he came in Mercedes gave him the white-walled hards.

For the Englishman, recovered from the early dramas, it was almost a Sunday stroll in the park.

He led by 12 seconds with 21 laps to go, with little more than light rain threatening his progress on another record-breaking day.

(AFP)

25, October 2020

Football: Real Madrid beat Barca 3-1 in first ‘Clasico’ match without fans ⁰

Sergio Ramos scored the winning goal in Real Madrid’s 3-1 win at Barcelona after a video review awarded him a penalty in the Spanish league on Saturday.

Ramos restored Madrid’s advantage in the 63rd from the spot after a brush with Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet in the area. After consulting the video screen on the touch line, referee Juan Martínez ruled that Lenglet had impeded Ramos from contesting a high ball by grabbing his shirt.

Federico Valverde opened the scoring for Madrid in the fifth minute when he fired in a pass from Karim Benzema.

Barcelona’s Ansu Fati leveled three minutes later from an attack cued by Lionel Messi.

Barcelona was taking the match to Madrid’s area when Ramos was sent to the spot by the VAR review.

Luka Modric capped the win for Madrid in the 90th with Barcelona searching for an equalizer.

Madrid leads the league with 13 points. Barcelona has 7 with a game in hand.

It was the first “clásico” match played without fans since the Spanish league closed all stadiums to the public after since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

(AP)

22, October 2020

Champions League: Choupo-Moting hails Bayern Munich’s ‘top performance’ against Atletico Madrid ⁰

The Cameroon international has reacted to the Bavarians’ impressive start in the European competition

Eric Choupo-Moting has praised Bayern Munich after securing a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League game.

Kingsley Coman’s brace and strikes from Corentin Tolisso and Leon Goretzka ensured the Bavarians got off to a flying start in the tournament.

Choupo-Moting teamed up with the Champions League and Bundesliga winners this summer after leaving French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The forward starred for PSG during his two-year stay at the club, inspiring them to the final of the top European competition last season.

The Cameroon international made his debut for Bayern in the competition, replacing Robert Lewandowski with seven minutes left to play and gave a good account of himself.

The 31-year-old has taken to social media to shower encomium on the fine displays delivered by his side at Allianz Arena.

“Top performance from the team and top start to the Champions League,” Choupo-Moting posted on Instagram.

Choupo-Moting has now made three appearances for Bayern after his man of the match showings on his debut against Duren in a DFB Pokal game and his display against Arminia Bielefeld.

The centre-forward bagged a brace against Duren to help his new clubs claim a comfortable victory at the Allianz Arena.

Choupo-Moting will hope to get more minutes under his belt when Bayern slug it out with Lokomotiv Moscow in their next outing in the tournament on October 27.

The centre-forward had starred for Hamburger SV, Mainz 05 and Schalke 04 before moving to England to join Stoke City in the summer of 2017.

Choupo-Moting left Stoke in 2018 to team up with the Parisians following the Potters’ relegation from the Premier League.

The 31-year-old forward is currently the captain of Cameroon, having been in the national team since 2010 and now has more than 50 appearances for the Indomitable Lions.

The forward will be expected to play a key role for Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Source: Goal.com

22, October 2020

CPDM Football: Yaoundé sacks coach ahead of CHAN ⁰

Cameroon sacked head coach of their national football team Yves Clement Arroga on Wednesday, barely three months before the start of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The country’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education Narcisse Mouelle Kombi confirmed the decision in a communique issued after a meeting held in the capital, Yaounde.

Kombi said, the performances of the coach “did not meet expectations,” and added that he will be replaced by Martin Mpile Ndtoungou “as a precautionary measure.”

Arroga has faced growing criticism since the national team suffered a shocking defeat against a local first division club, and subsequent back-to-back draws against the visiting senior national team of South Sudan.

The CHAN is a competition open to players in local leagues. It will be the sixth edition and Cameroon will host the finals for the first time ever.

Source: Xinhuanet

22, October 2020

Eto’o says Moukoko should be Messi’s successor at Barcelona ⁰

The Cameroon superstar has urged his former employers to sign the Borussia Dortmund sensation. Barcelona should target Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko as the long-term successor to Lionel Messi, according to Samuel Eto’o.

The 15-year-old has been included in BVB’s Champions League squad this season, even though he isn’t eligible to feature in Europe’s premier club competition until he turns 16 on November 20.

Despite not yet making his senior debut for Dortmund, Moukoko is the player Barca should be targeting as they look for a long-term successor to 33-year-old Messi according to the Argentine’s former teammate Eto’o, who was twice a Champions League winner during five years at Camp Nou.

“[There’s] a young player who plays for Dortmund called Youssoufa Moukoko,” Eto’o told Goal when asked who he’d love to see as Barcelona’s next big signing. “[He’s] 15 years of age, and he’s the next top player, for me, after Messi.

“As Messi gets older, we could prepare the future of Barcelona very well.”

Eto’o believes that Moukoko could form a dream post-Messi front three alongside France duo Antoine Griezmann and current Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe, who is another player he’d love to see move to the Camp Nou.

“With Antoine and Youssoufa [up front together], that team would go forward very well,” Eto’o concluded. “[I’d like to see] Kylian Mbappe at Barcelona also.”

Messi appeared close to an exit from Barcelona at one point this summer, having handed in a transfer request following a tumultuous 2019-20 season, which saw the Catalan heavyweights humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals and dethroned by Real Madrid in La Liga.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner ultimately opted to remain at the Camp Nou this term, despite reservations about the direction the club are heading in under Ronald Koeman.

Barca, who begin their Champions League campaign against Ferencvaros on Wednesday, are currently ninth in La Liga after four matches, having fallen to a 1-0 defeat at Getafe on Saturday.

German-Cameroonian forward Moukoko, who was ranked 44th in Goal’s NxGn 2020 list celebrating the 50 best wonderkids in football, is the youngest player to play and score in the Uefa Youth League.

He has already represented Germany at U-20 level, and has scored an eye-watering 134 goals in 86 appearances for Dortmund between U-17 and U-19 levels.

Source: Goal.com

19, October 2020

Football: Cavani swaps life on farm for Man Utd spotlight ⁰

Marcus Rashford insists Edinson Cavani will prove a valuable addition for Manchester United after the veteran Uruguay striker swapped life on the farm for the Old Trafford spotlight.

Cavani signed a two-year contract worth £210,000-per-week ($271,000) on transfer deadline day.

The 33-year-old missed Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Newcastle — United’s first match since his signing — after going into quarantine for 14 days following his arrival in England.

He was not part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad for their Champions League group game against his former club Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

But when Cavani is finally available, he is sure to find himself the centre of attention.

Cavani scored 200 goals in seven years with PSG, but he left the Ligue 1 champions in June after a contract dispute, missing their run to the Champions League final.

His age and lack of recent action — he hasn’t played since PSG’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in March — prompted some United fans to label Cavani a panic buy after their failure to land Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho.

Cavani spent the last few months shearing sheep on his farm back home in Uruguay and indulging his unlikely passion for ballet — even featuring in an advert for a Montevideo dance school.

But, while he relishes his quiet life away from football and could easily have slipped into retirement, Cavani’s love affair with the game was strong enough to persuade him to accept a new challenge with United, regardless of what the critics say.

“I had a lot of different opportunities, I was excited to play in the Premier League and even more so for Manchester United,” Cavani said.

“I am very motivated because I always want to play as much as possible, work, train and give the best of myself.”

– ‘Massive player’ –

Cavani and his girlfriend contracted Covid-19 over a month ago after a holiday in Ibiza, but he is recovered and ready to add his experience and predatory instincts to a young United team in need of guidance.

While their free-scoring victory at Newcastle suggested United already have enough attacking talent, the truth is Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Daniel James are all still relatively raw, capable of excellence and head-scratching inconsistency in equal measure.

Rashford hopes Cavani can emulate the impact made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined the club in 2016 having left PSG as a free agent.

Ibrahimovic, who was also in his 30s during his time at Old Trafford, bagged four goals in his first five United appearances and finished with 28 in his debut season as his talismanic presence took the pressure off his team-mates.

“As a forward line it is something to look forward to,” Rashford told Sky Sports.

“Hopefully he comes in and scores goals, because he can definitely help us win games and points. He can be a massive player for us this season.

“To win two or three trophies in a season you need a squad, it’s not possible if you don’t have people who can score goals one week and the next week.

“Growing up, United always had four or five forwards who could score goals at any time. The closer we get to that, the more strength we’ll have.”

Source: AFP