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Conceicao scores late as Portugal secure 2-1 comeback win against Czech

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Conceicao scores late as Portugal secure 2-1 comeback win against Czech

Youngster Francisco Conceicao snatched Portugal a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday just minutes after coming off the bench.

The 21-year-old Porto winger capitalised from close range after the Czechs were unable to clear a cross, completing his team’s comeback.

The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not shine but dug just deep enough to claim victory, with Robin Hranac’s own goal pulling them level before Conceicao’s dramatic winner.

Ronaldo, 39, playing at a record-extending sixth European Championship, was denied by Stanek on three occasions as Portugal constantly looked to find the competition’s all-time top goalscorer.

The striker hit the post with the score tied and Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound but the goal was disallowed for offside against Ronaldo.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez selected 41-year-old defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, beating the record set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly aged 40 in 2016, as part of a three centre-back defence.

Portugal won that tournament in 2016 to claim the trophy for the first time and captain Ronaldo said they deserve another, although they got off to a stuttering start in Germany.

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In coach Ivan Hasek’s first competitive game after taking over in January, the Czech Republic largely frustrated Martinez’s side, who qualified unbeaten while scoring more goals than any other team.

Ronaldo sent an effort wide with his shoulder after Rafael Leao cut inside with menace early on, as the Portuguese controlled the ball.

Bruno Fernandes’ deflected dipping effort had some Portugal fans out of their seats and Leao was inches away from connecting with a low cross from the Manchester United playmaker.

Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek twice denied Ronaldo on a record 26th Euros appearance, but on both occasions the striker appeared marginally offside.

The Al Nassr hitman’s brightest moment came with a clever backheel which played in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, but the Czech defence swarmed around him quickly and blocked his shot.

Debate over whether Ronaldo should still be a starter or not has rumbled on since the 2022 World Cup and at times Portugal looked short on ideas beyond slinging crosses in towards him.

Stanek comfortably saved a Ronaldo free-kick from distance before the Czechs made their breakthrough.

Slavia Prague midfielder Provod whipped a superb strike past Diogo Costa from the edge of the box after Portugal failed to fully clear a cross just past the hour mark.

However, Portugal were quickly level when Hranac unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, after Stanek palmed Nuno Mendes’ header straight at him from point-blank range.

Ronaldo and Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick finished as joint top scorers at Euro 2020 with five goals each but neither was at their lethal best in Leipzig.

Jota thought he had grabbed a last-gasp winner after Ronaldo’s header bounced off the woodwork into his path, but VAR showed the veteran forward was offside.

It didn’t matter for Martinez’s men though after Conceicao came on to fire them to the three points, putting Portugal level with Turkey at the top of Group F.

Conceicao scores late as Portugal secure 2-1 comeback win against Czech

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Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes

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Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes

Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes

Leeds United delivered a stunning performance to defeat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, ending a 45-year wait for a league victory at the iconic ground and significantly boosting their Premier League survival hopes.

The Premier League clash got off to a blistering start as Noah Okafor wasted no time in putting Leeds ahead. The Swiss forward capitalised on defensive lapses to fire home in the fifth minute, setting the tone for what would become a frustrating night for the hosts. Leeds doubled their advantage before halftime when Okafor’s effort deflected off Leny Yoro, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and leaving United with a mountain to climb.

All eyes were on the directors’ box where Jim Ratcliffe looked visibly unimpressed as Manchester United struggled to find rhythm. Under Michael Carrick, the home side produced a disjointed first-half display marked by poor coordination in midfield and defensive vulnerability.

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The game took another dramatic turn early in the second half when Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card after a VAR review for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The VAR decision left Manchester United down to 10 men, compounding their woes.

Despite the setback, the Red Devils responded with urgency. Casemiro pulled one back with a powerful header from a precise cross by Bruno Fernandes, who notched his 17th assist of the season—bringing him closer to the Premier League assist record.

United piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. Benjamin Šeško came agonisingly close twice within moments, but was denied by a brilliant save from Karl Darlow and a crucial goal-line clearance from Calvert-Lewin.

However, Leeds held firm defensively, showing grit and composure to secure all three points. The result marks the first home defeat of Carrick’s tenure and raises fresh concerns over Manchester United’s form as the season enters its decisive phase.

United now face a crucial test away at Chelsea, with Harry Maguire a doubt due to suspension. A loss could see them edge closer to the relegation zone with just five matches remaining.

Meanwhile, Leeds return to Elland Road to face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. A victory there could move them nine points clear of the drop, strengthening their push for Premier League survival.

 

Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes

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Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong Shot Dead in Berekum Chelsea Bus Attack

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Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong

Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong Shot Dead in Berekum Chelsea Bus Attack

Ghanaian football has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Dominic Frimpong, a 20-year-old winger who was fatally shot after gunmen attacked the bus of Berekum Chelsea F.C..

The Ghanaian footballer reportedly died after sustaining gunshot wounds during an ambush by suspected armed robbers on Sunday, as the team returned from a Ghana Premier League match in Samreboi. The club had just secured a 1–0 victory over Samartex before the deadly incident occurred.

According to statements from the club, about six masked gunmen wielding rifles blocked the highway and opened fire on the team bus. As the driver attempted to reverse and escape, the attackers continued shooting, forcing players and officials to flee into nearby bushes for safety. During the chaos, Frimpong was hit by bullets.

Police authorities later confirmed that the young footballer died while receiving treatment, making him the only fatality among the approximately 30 players and officials on board. A manhunt has since been launched, with security operatives and crime scene experts deployed to track down the perpetrators behind the Ghana team bus attack.

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Reacting to the tragedy, the Ghana Football Association expressed “profound shock and deep sorrow,” describing Frimpong as a promising young talent whose dedication and passion reflected the spirit of the league. The association also confirmed it is working closely with authorities and the club to ensure justice is served.

The Ghana Premier League body also pledged its full support to Berekum Chelsea and called on security agencies to take urgent steps to improve safety for clubs travelling across the country. The incident has intensified concerns over security on Ghana highways, particularly for teams moving between match venues.

Similar attacks have been reported in recent years involving clubs such as FC Savannah, Wa All Stars, Legon Cities, and AshantiGold, raising fresh fears about the safety of players and officials. Ghanaian sports journalist Muftawu Abdulai described the national mood as one of shock and concern, questioning whether it remains safe for teams to travel for domestic matches.

Frimpong had only recently joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana FC in January and was expected to stay until the end of the season. Despite his short spell, he made 13 appearances and scored two goals, marking him out as a rising star in Ghanaian football.

Founded in 2000, Berekum Chelsea—originally known as Semereka FC—later rebranded during the rise of Ghanaian football icon Michael Essien, whose success in Europe boosted the club’s profile.

In response to the tragedy, authorities have pledged to review and strengthen football travel security in Ghana to prevent similar incidents. The death of Frimpong has sparked widespread calls for urgent reforms, as fans and stakeholders demand better protection for players and officials.

Ghanaian Footballer Dominic Frimpong Shot Dead in Berekum Chelsea Bus Attack

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Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal

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Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal

Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal

Manchester City delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat Chelsea 3–0 at Stamford Bridge, tightening the pressure on Arsenal in the ongoing Premier League title race.

The match remained goalless at halftime, but City took full control after the break, punishing Chelsea’s errors in possession and defensive lapses with ruthless efficiency.

Chelsea started the game with early intent, creating several openings through Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and João Pedro, but failed to convert their chances. Palmer tested the defence early, Neto forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Cucurella also came close before being flagged offside.

Despite those moments, Chelsea’s overall play was inconsistent, with repeated mistakes in passing, slow transitions, and poor organisation allowing City to gradually take control of the game.

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Manchester City, who needed victory to stay in touch with Arsenal, improved significantly after the restart, increasing their tempo and pressing higher up the pitch.

The breakthrough came when Rayan Cherki delivered a precise cross into the box, which Nico O’Reilly converted with a powerful header past Robert Sánchez to give City a deserved lead.

That goal shifted momentum completely, with Chelsea struggling to respond as City’s attacking movement and midfield control overwhelmed them.

Minutes later, Cherki was again involved, dribbling past defenders before providing a clever assist that led to City’s second goal, further exposing Chelsea’s defensive fragility.

Chelsea’s situation worsened after a costly mistake in their build-up play allowed City to win possession high up the pitch and score a third goal, sealing a comprehensive 3–0 victory.

From that point, Manchester City controlled the game comfortably, managing possession and preventing Chelsea from mounting any meaningful comeback.

The result strengthens City’s position in the Premier League title race, reducing the gap on Arsenal and increasing pressure on the league leaders as the season approaches its decisive stage.

Chelsea, on the other hand, continue to struggle for consistency, with their latest defeat highlighting ongoing issues in defence, structure, and game management.

Manchester City Beat Chelsea 3–0 to Close Gap on Arsenal

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