Sports

Ecuador reach Copa quarters as Mexico exit

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2024

Ecuador reach Copa quarters as Mexico exit

Ecuador secured a place in the Copa America quarterfinals on Sunday after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, who bowed out of the tournament after finishing third in Group B.

Ecuador, who are looking to reach their first semi-final since hosting the event in 1993, face defending champions Argentina in the quarters, while group winners Venezuela, who beat Jamaica 3-0, take on Canada.

Ecuador finished level with Mexico on four points but progressed to the last eight thanks to a superior goal difference.

in the European Championship. I think it’s the best game I’ve ever seen.

Mexico manager Jaime Lozano is likely to face increased scrutiny after they scored just one goal in their three group matches.

Lozano, Mexico’s third head coach in the last two years, also faced criticism after their 2-0 loss to the United States in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final and defeats in two recent friendlies, including a 4-0 thrashing by Uruguay.

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In a physical first half, Mexico attacked with real intensity as they sought the win they needed but lacked quality on the ball and failed to record a shot on target.

Lozano’s side continued to push after the break, and full-back Gerardo Arteaga created a good opportunity after a powerful run into the box before being denied by a last-ditch tackle from Felix Torres.

Winger Julian Quinones tested Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez with a long-range effort in the 65th minute.

Dominguez kept out Quinones’ shot with a diving save, and Mexico’s Santi Gimenez blasted the rebound off the post from a tight angle.

As Mexico threw bodies forward in their search for a winner, Ecuador increasingly posed a threat on the counter-attack, and in the 68th minute, Enner Valencia forced a save from Julio Gonzalez with a dipping strike.

In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Torres appeared to bring down Guillermo Martinez, awarding Mexico a penalty, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

Ecuador reach Copa quarters as Mexico exit

Sports

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Published

22 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Super Eagles’ former forward, Emmanuel Amuneke

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Super Eagles’ former forward, Emmanuel Amuneke, is set to return to coaching after a year away from the sidelines.

The former Tanzania coach has previously assisted Samson Siasia as well as Augustine Equavoen in the national team.

Amunike’s last role was with Zambia’s Zanaco FC, where he served as both coach and consultant before leaving in 2023.

He recently applied for the Super Eagles head coach position, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) opted for Finidi George instead

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According to reports from Owerri, Amunike is close to joining Heartland, which plans to return to the elite NPFL next season.

The report added that Amuneke, who has been quietly working with his hometown club, has started recruiting players for the upcoming season.

Heartland FC was relegated to the NPFL after finishing in the 19th position on the 20-team table last season.

The club is reportedly planning to buy the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits, who earned promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL), but face participation issues due to their affiliation with Remo Stars.

Amuneke, 53, has extensive coaching experience in domestic and international football.

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Sports

Asisat Oshoala scores first-ever penalty for Bay FC in NWSL

Published

23 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Asisat Oshoala Scores First-Ever Penalty for Bay FC In NWSL

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Bay FC player to score a penalty in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Oshoala scored the winning goal in Bay FC’s 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville.

She calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot, 14 minutes before the end of the match.

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This record-setting goal adds to the former Barcelona star impressive start at Bay FC, where she previously scored the club’s first-ever goal on her debut in the USA.

Since joining the club, Asisat Oshoala has now scored three goals.

Meanwhile, her international teammate, Uchenna Kanu, did not feature in Racing Louisville’s matchday squad for the game.

Asisat Oshoala Scores First-Ever Penalty for Bay FC In NWSL

Sports

Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

Published

24 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

Nigeria attacker Ademola Lookman has been named the Best African International Footballer at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra.

The Atalanta star got the award after a remarkable season with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and his Italian club. Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen and win the UEFA Europa League last season.

He outperformed Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmund Tapsoba to clinch the title. Lookman succeeds his compatriot and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who won last year after leading his team to the Serie A title and later secured the CAF Africa’s Best Player award.

Lookman is now a strong contender for Africa’s top individual football award this year.

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The former Fulham and Leicester City player had a standout year, guiding Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final and scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final.

He also played a key role in Atalanta’s fourth-place finish in Serie A, with 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

In a video message, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for the consideration, the recognition, and the votes. This means a lot to me and my family. I wish I was in Ghana, but my heart is with you all. Thank you and God bless.”

Also celebrated at the Ghana Football Awards was West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus. He won two awards, including Ghana Player of the Year, for his excellent season in England and his contributions at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kudus’ solo goal against Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League was named the best goal of the night.