Sports

Liverpool beat Southampton to seal FA Cup quarters

Published

2 years ago

February 29, 2024

Liverpool beat Southampton to seal FA Cup quarters

Lewis Koumas scored on his debut, and fellow 18-year-old Jayden Danns registered his first two goals as a depleted Liverpool side beat Southampton 3-0 at Anfield.

Liverpool’s victory, just three days after an exhausting 120-minute Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, set up an FA Cup quarter-final at archrivals Manchester United.

Whether the Liverpool academy players will be required for that will depend on how fast the club can rehabilitate the 13 players currently injured in the next fortnight, but regardless, they have done their job.

Koumas, son of former Tranmere and West Brom midfielder Jason, was one of six players 21 or under in the Liverpool team.

And it was one of his fellow Liverpool academy colleagues, Bobby Clark, one year his senior and making his 10th appearance, who supplied the assist just before half-time.

Danns, the son of former Crystal Palace midfielder Neil, who only made his debut at Wembley, came off the bench to score the second in the 73rd minute, which allowed Anfield to breathe a sigh of relief.

That allowed Klopp the luxury of sending on Trey Nyoni, who, at 16 years and 243 days, became the club’s youngest player in the competition and the third youngest in the club’s history.

That was the signal for the party atmosphere to kick in with the Kop singing “We haven’t won a trophy since Sunday afternoon” just before Danns fired home his second in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Joe Lumley parried Conor Bradley’s drive.

Southampton, however, were left ruining a missed opportunity against under-strength opponents, having created enough chances in the opening half-hour to have made life difficult for their hosts.

Five of Liverpool’s Sunday starting XI—Caoimhin Kelleher, Virgil van Dijk, Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo, and Bradley—were retained, with three others—Ibrahim Konate, Alexis Mac Allister, and Luis Diaz—dropped to the bench.

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However, it was not all routine with defender Joe Gomez, who has been deployed all across the back four this season, asked to play the holding role in midfield alongside youngsters James McConnell and Clark.

But being asked to play a late cameo in a cup final and delivering from the off in a somewhat experimental team are two different things, and the disjointed nature of the first 40 minutes was understandable.

Southampton, fourth in the Championship and with eyes on a bigger prize than cup success to the extent they made eight changes from Saturday’s defeat to Millwall, took advantage but not enough to open the scoring, which was largely due to their decision-making in the final third.

Sekou Mara had the ball in the net after just 38 seconds but had gone too early and was flagged offside.

Kamaldeen Sulemana hit the post, and Mara forced Kelleher into two saves, with Sulemana then opting to shoot at the goalkeeper with Mara and Samuel Edozie waiting for a pass.

There was a point late in the half when Kostas Tsimikas was shouting instructions to Gakpo, only for Klopp to tell the left-back to do something different when he had the ball.

It summed up the confusion and lack of cohesion—until a moment of clarity fashioned on the training fields of Kirkby broke the deadlock.

Lumley had waited 40 minutes to make a save from Elliott’s 25-yarder, but he was undone by the quick feet of Koumas and a deflection off Jack Stephens.

Koumas started the move out on the left wing, and when Clark picked out the winger’s run, he cut onto his right foot and hit a shot that flicked off Stephens on its way past Lumley.

In a pre-planned move, Konate replaced Van Dijk for the second half to present Liverpool with a different challenge without the leadership of their inspirational captain.

The substitute assumed the mantle immediately, doing just enough to put off Mara as he tried to reach Sulemana’s cross, while at that same far post, the unmarked Shea Charles fired into the side- net with only Kelleher to beat after a corner dropped to him.

Danns showed composure, belying his age, by clipping a shot over Lumley after Will Smallbone’s errant pass went straight to Elliott before adding a late second.

Liverpool beat Southampton to seal FA Cup quarters

Sports

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from 19 June to 18 July 2027, reaffirming plans for the tournament to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — a historic first for three nations to co‑organise Africa’s premier international football competition. The competition will feature 24 teams, with automatic qualification for the host nations and qualifiers beginning in March 2026. (Wikipedia)

CAF President Patrice Motsepe stressed confidence in the readiness of the three host countries to deliver a high‑quality event, dismissing earlier doubts over infrastructure and logistical challenges. (kenyanews.go.ke)

Planned Host Cities and Stadiums

The tournament will be played across 10 cities and up to 12 stadiums spread among the three hosts, combining existing venues with newly built or upgraded facilities to meet CAF specifications. (Wikipedia)

Kenya

Talanta Sports Stadium — Nairobi: A new 60,000‑seat stadium expected to host the opening ceremony and several high‑profile matches, including potentially the tournament final. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Moi International Sports Centre — Kasarani, Nairobi: Existing large venue (approx. 55,000 capacity) undergoing final upgrades ahead of AFCON. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Nyayo National Stadium — Nairobi: 30,000 seats, set to host group matches and key fixtures. (kenyanews.go.ke)
Bukhungu Stadium — Kakamega and Kipchoge Keino Stadium — Eldoret: Additional venues set to host group games, expanding Kenya’s footprint in the tournament. (kenyanews.go.ke)

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Tanzania

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — Dar es Salaam: A 60,000‑seat national stadium likely to host major matches. (Daily News)
Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium — Arusha: A new 30,000‑seat facility under construction. (Wikipedia)
Dodoma Stadium — Dodoma: Another new stadium planned to host AFCON fixtures. (Daily News)
Amaan Stadium — Zanzibar: A revitalised 15,000‑seat venue that will feature fixtures and fan experiences. (Daily News)

Uganda

Mandela National Stadium — Kampala: A major multi‑purpose venue with a capacity of over 45,000 expected to host key games. (Daily News)
Hoima City Stadium — Hoima: Newly completed 20,000‑seat stadium ready for AFCON matches. (Wikipedia)
Akii Bua Stadium — Lira: Another new 20,000‑seat venue helping spread the tournament across regions. (Wikipedia)

These venues reflect a significant investment in football infrastructure across East Africa and support CAF’s aspiration to deliver a memorable continental showcase. (kenyanews.go.ke)

Preparations are being coordinated closely between CAF and the hosts, with infrastructure upgrades, access roads, security systems, accommodation and transport logistics high on the agenda as the region gears up for its biggest sporting event in decades. (kenyanews.go.ke)

The 2027 AFCON promises not just a festival of African football but also a legacy of improved stadiums and facilities, with East Africa firmly on the continental sporting map. (kenyanews.go.ke)

CAF Confirms 2027 AFCON Dates, Reveals Host Cities, Stadiums Across East Africa

Sports

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Cristiano Ronaldo marked a dramatic comeback for Al‑Nassr on Saturday, scoring early to help his side secure a 2‑0 win over Al‑Fateh in the Saudi Pro League — his first start since returning from a high‑profile absence. (Soccer News)

Ronaldo, 41, had been absent for three league matches amid reported disagreements with the club and dissatisfaction over how it was being run under the Public Investment Fund, which also owns other Saudi clubs. Media reports said the star was unhappy that rivals backed by the fund, particularly Al‑Hilal, were able to strengthen their squads — including signing Karim Benzema — while Al‑Nassr’s activity in the January transfer window was more limited. (Sky Sports)

On Saturday at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium, Ronaldo wasted no time making an impact. In the 18th minute, he met a sharp cross and finished coolly to open the scoring — his 962nd career goal, edging him closer to the historic 1,000‑goal mark. (beIN SPORTS)

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Al‑Nassr controlled the match from there, and Ayman Yahya doubled the lead in the 78th minute to secure all three points and maintain pressure at the top of the league standings. With the win, Al‑Nassr strengthened their bid for the title, sitting one point behind Al‑Hilal. (Gulf News)

The goal was a timely reminder of Ronaldo’s enduring class, extending his remarkable scoring streak across 24 consecutive calendar years and underscoring his value even at an advanced age for an elite forward. (Gulf News)

Ronaldo’s absence in the past weeks sparked speculation about his future at Al‑Nassr, with some reports suggesting that unresolved issues over transfers and squad resources may have prompted his protest. The Saudi Pro League responded at the time by emphasising that “no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club,” amid discussion about the star’s dissatisfaction. (Reddit)

His return and goal, however, have eased tensions for now, with fans celebrating his leadership and contribution as Al‑Nassr chase silverware and league success. (The National)

Ronaldo Returns From Absence to Score in Al‑Nassr’s 2‑0 Win Over Al‑Fateh

Sports

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Mohamed Salah

Salah Shines as Liverpool Beat Brighton 3-0

Liverpool booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah marked his return to form with a goal and an assist.

Liverpool took the lead late in the first half through Curtis Jones, before Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a superb second goal shortly after the restart. The Egyptian winger then capped his performance by converting a penalty to seal a comprehensive win.

The hosts gradually grew into the contest after Brighton started brightly, with Jones—deployed at right-back and making his first start since January 17—opening the scoring in the 42nd minute. He met Milos Kerkez’s cross and calmly guided the ball beyond Jason Steele.

Brighton threatened an equaliser before half-time, but Alisson Becker produced crucial saves to deny Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk.

Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 56th minute with a flowing team move. Virgil van Dijk found Cody Gakpo, whose cross-field pass was expertly controlled by Salah before he teed up Szoboszlai to rifle home his 10th goal of the season.

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Despite a triple substitution from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, the visitors struggled to shift the momentum. Ten minutes later, Salah was brought down in the area by Pascal Gross, and the 33-year-old confidently dispatched the resulting penalty into the top corner for his seventh goal of the campaign.

Brighton’s night summed up a difficult run of form, with the Seagulls having won just two of their last 15 matches, and their inability to convert chances again proving costly.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Salah’s all-round display after the game.

“It’s great to see him back on the scoresheet,” Slot said. “You almost expect his goals, but what I really appreciate is how much he contributes defensively as well. That’s extremely valuable for the team.”

Teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha thought he had added a fourth with a curling effort late on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside—a decision that appeared harsh, especially with VAR not in use at this stage of the competition.

The victory followed Liverpool’s midweek confidence boost after bouncing back from defeat to Manchester City, and it underlined Slot’s intent to take the FA Cup seriously this season—having exited the competition early last year with a rotated side.

With a second consecutive clean sheet, improved attacking fluency, and Salah regaining rhythm after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool showed encouraging signs as they continue their pursuit of silverware.