Sports

Burkina Faso edge out Mali to clinch U17 AFCON bronze

Published

3 weeks ago

May 19, 2023

Trends Admin

Burkina Faso edge out Mali

Burkina Faso edge out Mali to clinch U17 AFCON bronze

BURKINA Faso ended their sojourn at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a place on the podium.

This was after they edged out Mali 2-1 in the play-off in Annaba on Thursday night to finish third.

The Burkinabe enjoyed sweet revenge against the Malians having lost by a solitary goal when they met in the group stages.

Ousmane Camara’s first half penalty and Appolinaire Bougma’s strike after the break ensured Burkina Faso return home with a medal on their necks.

Mamadou Doumbia scored Mali’s consolation in the second half, his fourth of the tournament, but it did little to spur a possible comeback.

While Burkina Faso went in with their full strength squad, Mali fielded a hugely changed team as coach Soumaila Coulibaly sought to give all players an opportunity to have a taste of continental football.

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Burkina Faso had the first chance at goal with Camara having a curling effort fly inches wide in the 11th minute.

In the 19th minute, Mali came close but defender Nouhoun Bamba made a goalline clearance to deny Salif Noah Leintu’s effort.

After a balanced start, it was Burkina Faso who would break the deadlock with Camara slotting a 25th minute penalty after Bougma was appended in the area.

This was the first time that the Malians were conceding at the tournament.

They tried to level terms before the break with Doumbia having two chances, first a shot from distance that dragged just wide.

While two minutes to the break, he had a header pushed against the crossbar by the keeper.

Burkina Faso needed just two minutes after the break to double their tally, Bougma finishing off a cross from the right by Camara.

Stunned and with a two-goal deficit, Mali made changes with Angel Tia and Mahamoud Barry who had been rested coming on.

They halved the deficit in the 58th minute, thanks to some improved attack, with Doumbia netting his fourth of the tournament.

The goal pumped in some belief in the Malian side, but despite their efforts, Burkina Faso held on for the win and a precious bronze medal to wipe their tears after failing to make the final.

Burkina Faso edge out Mali to clinch U17 AFCON bronze

(NAN)

Sports

Benzema strikes Saudi Arabia huge deal

Published

16 hours ago

June 7, 2023

Trends Admin

Karim Benzema

Benzema strikes Saudi Arabia huge deal

Karim Benzema has completed his move to Saudia Arabian club Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid.

The 35-year-old spent 14 years with Real Madrid, winning five Champions League titles, five Club World Cups, four LaLiga titles, four UEFA Supercups, three Copas del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups as well as leaving as the second top scorer in the club’s history with 354 goals across all competitions.

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The Frenchman’s exit as a free agent came amid widespread reports he was set to move to Saudi Arabia and that switch has now been confirmed, with Benzema now set to go head to head with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo next season.

Benzema has signed a deal to 2026 and, according to reports, will earn around € 200m per year at Al-Ittihad.

Benzema strikes Saudi Arabia huge deal

Sports

Chukwueze wins best African player in La Liga

Published

1 day ago

June 6, 2023

Trends Admin

Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze wins best African player in La Liga

Samuel Chukwueze has won the La Liga Best African Player for the 2022/2023 season following a great campaign with Villarreal.

Chukwueze played 37 matches this season, starting 27 of them, and scored six league goals with a brace against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on April 8, 2023.

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“Samu is now enjoying his well-deserved award, after being voted by more than 30,000 fans and 26 journalists from the continent, ahead of other top African players such as Yassine Bono, Iñaki Williams, and Youssef En-Nesyri, among others,” Villarreal wrote about the Nigerian.

He received the award after the game against Atlético de Madrid over the weekend.

In all competitions this season, Chukwueze scored 13 goals and had 11 assists, the first time he would be hitting double digits for goals and assists in a term.

His great showing this term has attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and a host of clubs in the English Premier League.

Chukwueze wins best African player in La Liga

Sports

Benzema leaves Real Madrid: Departure is officially confirmed by the club

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2023

Trends Admin

Karim Benzema

Benzema leaves Real Madrid: Departure is officially confirmed by the club

It has been officially confirmed by Real Madrid that Karim Benzema is leaving the club this summer, with the striker departing the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu after 14 seasons representing Los Blancos.

This Sunday’s home match against Athletic Club will be Benzema’s final game for the club, as an era ends at Real Madrid.

His exit follows those of Marco Asensio, Mariano and Eden Hazard, all of which were announced on Saturday.

Real Madrid’s Benzema statement

“Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring to an end to his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club,” read a club statement put out on Sunday.

“Real Madrid would like to show its gratitude and affection to the man who is already one of our greatest legends.

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“Karim Benzema joined our club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden era of our history.

“During the 14 seasons in which he has defended our badge and our shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for Real Madrid: five European Cups, five Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey titles and four Spanish Super Cups.

“Karim Benzema is the current Ballon d’Or and UEFA Player of the Year, as well as being included in the FIFA FIFPRO XI and winning the Pichichi Trophy 2022.

“These awards were received after one of the most extraordinary seasons in our history, especially in the Champions League, in which our captain produced memorable performances that contributed to Real Madrid winning the 14th European Cup in Paris, while he was the top scorer of this competition with 15 goals.

“Karim Benzema is the player who has worn our shirt the fifth-most times with 647 appearances, and is Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer with 353 goals.

“He is also Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer in both LaLiga and the European Cup. He is also the fourth top scorer in the history of the Champions League and the fourth top scorer in the history of LaLiga.

“Karim Benzema’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club.

“Karim Benzema has earned the right to decide his future.

“Madridistas and fans all around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great legends of our club and one of the great legends of world football.

“Real Madrid is and always will be his home, and we wish him and all his family all the best in this new stage of his life.

“Next Tuesday, June 6, at 12:00 noon, an institutional act of homage and farewell to Karim Benzema will take place at Ciudad Real Madrid, with the presence of our president Florentino Perez.”