Sports
AFCON 2025: Mali Fight Back to Draw With Hosts Morocco in Rabat
AFCON 2025: Mali Fight Back to Draw With Hosts Morocco in Rabat
Mali fought back to earn a 1–1 draw with host nation Morocco in Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat, a result that leaves the Atlas Lions on the verge of securing a place in the knockout stage.
The encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was dominated by two VAR-assisted penalty decisions, with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention playing a decisive role in the outcome.
Morocco took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time when Brahim Díaz converted a penalty after the ball struck the hand of Mali left-back Nathan Gassama, following a review by referee Abdou Abdel Mefire.
READ ALSO:
- AFCON 2025: Salah’s Spot Kick Seals Egypt’s Knockout Spot Against South Africa
- 2026 World Cup: FIFA Throws Out Nigeria’s Appeal Against DR Congo
- Cancer Patient Appeals for Second Wife for Husband, Cites Sexual, Health Challenges
Mali responded shortly after the hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko was fouled by Jawad El Yamiq inside the area. The striker calmly dispatched the resulting spot kick, squeezing the ball under goalkeeper Yassine Bounou despite loud whistles from the home crowd.
The Eagles were then forced to withstand late pressure, with goalkeeper Djigui Diarra producing a crucial leg save to deny Youssef En-Nesyri, before reacting sharply in stoppage time to prevent Woyo Coulibaly from diverting the ball into his own net.
The draw keeps Mali firmly in contention for an AFCON 2025 last-16 place, while Morocco, now on four points, remain top of Group A. Zambia and Mali both sit on two points, with Comoros bottom on one point following their goalless draw with Zambia earlier on Friday.
Group A concludes on Monday (19:00 GMT), with Morocco facing Zambia in Rabat, while Mali return to Casablanca to take on Comoros.
AFCON 2025: Mali Fight Back to Draw With Hosts Morocco in Rabat
metro
Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash
Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash
World heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was on Monday involved in a fatal road accident in Ogun State, resulting in the deaths of two persons.
The accident occurred in the Makun area of Ogun State, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major traffic corridor linking the South-West to other parts of the country.
Eyewitnesses said Joshua was travelling in a Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN when the vehicle reportedly rammed into a stationary truck. The exact cause of the collision has not yet been established.
READ ALSO:
- Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai
- NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review
- Edo Man Arrested for Christmas Murder of Friend Returning from Europe
A rescuer, Adeniyi Orojo, who participated in the emergency response, confirmed that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash. He added that two occupants of the vehicle died instantly at the scene.
According to Orojo, the accident occurred shortly before Danco Filling Station, in Makun, near the Sagamu Interchange, on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.
In the aftermath of the incident, concerned fans flooded social media with messages expressing worry over the boxer’s condition, while security agencies and traffic officials have launched investigations into the crash.
Attempts to reach the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, for official comments were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
Two Dead as Anthony Joshua Survives Ogun Expressway Crash
Sports
Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)
Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)

World-renowned British-Nigerian boxing star, Anthony Joshua, was on Monday involved in a tragic road accident on the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a highway notorious for frequent crashes due to heavy traffic, speeding and poor driving culture.
The accident occurred around Makun area of Ogun State, according to eyewitness accounts, when Joshua’s vehicle collided with another car under circumstances that are still being investigated by security and traffic authorities.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the former heavyweight world champion sustained minor injuries and was promptly attended to, while two occupants of the other vehicle reportedly lost their lives instantly as a result of the impact. Their identities were yet to be officially confirmed as of press time.
READ ALSO:
- Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai
- NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review
- Edo Man Arrested for Christmas Murder of Friend Returning from Europe
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria’s busiest road corridor linking the commercial capital to the South-West and other parts of the country, has recorded numerous fatal accidents in recent years, despite ongoing reconstruction efforts by the Federal Government.
Joshua, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sports figures globally, commands a massive following both at home and abroad. News of the accident sparked concern among fans, while also reigniting public debate on road safety and emergency response on major highways.
Authorities were said to have commenced investigations into the crash, while traffic was temporarily disrupted at the scene.
The incident was first reported by The Punch.
Anthony Joshua injured as two die in fatal Lagos-Ibadan Expressway crash (plus photos)
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai
Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Best Middle East Player at the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards, held on Sunday in Dubai.
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward triumphed over fellow nominees Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Salem Al-Dawsari in a fan-voted category recognizing top performers in the region’s football leagues.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the award on X, writing: “Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player Award at Globe Soccer 2025.”
READ ALSO:
- NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review
- Edo Man Arrested for Christmas Murder of Friend Returning from Europe
- VAT on Aircraft, Spare Parts Threatens Survival of Nigerian Airlines, says Allen Onyema
This marks Ronaldo’s second consecutive win in the category, following his 2024 success, highlighting his dominance in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al-Nassr in 2023.
Ronaldo’s 2025 campaign has been remarkable, netting 40 goals since his February birthday—a remarkable feat for a player in his fifth decade.
The Globe Soccer Awards, held annually in Dubai since 2010, honor excellence across all areas of football, including players, coaches, clubs, and sporting directors.
Other notable winners at the 2025 edition included PSG, named Best Men’s Club after winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France. Individual awards went to Luis Enrique (Best Coach), Vitinha (Best Midfielder), Désiré Doué (Emerging Player), and Luis Campos (Best Sporting Director).
Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Best Middle East Player at 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai
-
metro3 days agoUPDATED: FG Confirms Debris from US–Nigeria Joint Airstrikes on ISIS in Sokoto Fell in Offa (Video)
-
Entertainment2 days agoBreaking: Popular Nigerian Actress Allwell Ademola Dies at 43
-
metro3 days agoCancer Patient Appeals for Second Wife for Husband, Cites Sexual, Health Challenges
-
Sports3 days ago2026 World Cup: FIFA Throws Out Nigeria’s Appeal Against DR Congo
-
metro3 days agoACF Awaits Full Details Before Commenting on US–Nigeria Airstrikes in Sokoto
-
metro1 day agoIbadan Explosion: Fayose Releases Documents, Claims Makinde Got ₦50bn from FG
-
metro1 day agoPlateau Kidnappers Demand ₦1.5m Each as 28 Muslim Travellers Remain in Captivity
-
metro3 days agoKogi Bandits Ambush Wedding Guests on Ogbe–Egbe Road, Five Abducted

