by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Basketball
Ivory Coast’s men’s basketball team kept their perfect start to AfroBasket 2025 alive with a dramatic 82-81 victory over Cape Verde on Friday, August 15, in Luanda, Angola.
The Elephants set the tone early, dictating play with sharp execution to claim the first quarter 18-13 and maintaining a slim 40-35 lead at halftime. Their discipline and accuracy from the field looked to be the difference heading into the break.
But the complexion of the game changed in the third quarter. Cape Verde, fueled by I. Almeida’s scoring spark and the imposing presence of W. Tavares in the paint, stormed back to seize momentum, outscoring Ivory Coast and building a 65-55 advantage going into the final period.
The closing minutes delivered pure drama. With seconds left on the clock, Cape Verde led 81-80 and seemed destined to clinch the win. Yet, in a moment of brilliance, J. Dally struck the decisive basket, flipping the scoreline and igniting wild celebrations among the Ivorian faithful.
The victory, Ivory Coast’s second straight in Group A, cements their status as early frontrunners. Head coach Dejan Prokić’s side will now turn their focus to a high-stakes clash with DR Congo on Sunday, August 17, at 18:00 GMT, as they continue their march toward the knockout stages.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
NK Maribor’s clash with NK Bravo in the Slovenian Prva Liga turned into a rollercoaster on Sunday, with Ghanaian midfielder Eric Taylor netting his first-ever goal for the club in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Taylor, who joined Maribor this summer from Norwegian side Kongsvinger IL, needed only two minutes after coming off the bench at halftime to announce himself. With Maribor trailing 1-0 at the break to Sandi Nuhanovic’s early strike, the 24-year-old midfielder pounced to restore parity, marking his maiden goal in Slovenian football.
His effort sparked a flurry of action. Former Ghana international Benjamin Tetteh took center stage, bagging a quick-fire brace in the 53rd and 61st minutes to hand Maribor a commanding 3-1 lead. But just when the Ljudski vrt faithful thought the game was sealed, Bravo mounted a stunning late rally.
Venuste Baboula pulled one back from the spot in the 87th minute, before substitute Rok Kopatin silenced the home crowd with a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a point.
While Maribor were left frustrated, Taylor’s strike capped an impressive cameo. The Ghanaian now boasts one goal and two assists in seven appearances across the Prva Liga and UEFA Conference League, quickly becoming a vital piece of Maribor’s midfield puzzle.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Kenya completed a flawless run in Group A of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging Zambia 1-0 in a tense finale at the Moi International Sports Centre on Sunday night.
The Harambee Stars, already assured of a quarter-final place, sealed top spot thanks to substitute Ryan Ogam’s composed finish in the 75th minute. The forward latched onto a clever pass from Boniface Muchiri, took a touch under pressure, and slotted past Zambia’s defiant goalkeeper Charles Kalumba to spark jubilant scenes among the 27,000 fans in Nairobi.
Kenya’s persistence finally paid off after Kalumba had frustrated them with a string of crucial saves. Ogam’s breakthrough ensured coach Benni McCarthy’s men closed the group stage unbeaten with 10 points, conceding just once across four matches.
“When people called it the Group of Death, many thought we’d end with nothing. But look at us now—top of the mountain,” McCarthy said with pride after the game.
For Zambia, however, the night underlined a disappointing campaign. Avram Grant’s charges bowed out bottom of the group without a point despite late efforts from Kelvin Kampamba and Prince Mumba, both denied by Kenya’s alert goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo. Grant admitted the defeat stung but stressed the experience would be vital for building his squad for future national duty.
The result, combined with Morocco’s 3-1 victory over DR Congo, confirmed Kenya and Morocco as Group A’s representatives in the last eight. Kenya will remain in Nairobi to battle Madagascar in Friday’s quarter-final, while Morocco head to Dar es Salaam to take on hosts Tanzania.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
DAR ES SALAAM – Morocco booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 3–1 in a decisive Group A fixture at Nyayo National Stadium on Monday.
The Atlas Lions sealed second place in the group, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with hosts Tanzania on Friday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya topped Group A with 10 points after edging Zambia 1–0 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The Harambee Stars, who finished the group stage unbeaten, will now face Madagascar, runners-up in Group B, in the other quarterfinal match on the same day.
It was a high-stakes contest between Morocco and DR Congo, both knowing only victory would ensure progression. Morocco struck first in the 8th minute when Oussama Lamlaoui tapped in Youssef Belammari’s low cross. DR Congo responded just before the break as Jephté Kitambala bundled home an equaliser in the 43rd minute.
After halftime, Morocco took charge again. Mohamed Hrimat restored their lead from the penalty spot in the 66th minute following a VAR review of Magloire Ntambwe’s foul on Khalid Baba. DR Congo threw numbers forward in search of a comeback, but Lamlaoui struck again in the 80th minute, finishing Youssef Mehri’s cut-back to seal a brace and the win.
The defeat ended DR Congo’s campaign, while Zambia also exited the tournament after losing all four matches.
In Nairobi, Kenya’s Ryan Ogam emerged as the hero, scoring the lone goal that secured the Harambee Stars’ place at the summit of Group A and set the stage for their clash with Madagascar.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 18, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Sunderland have made a bold move in the transfer market, submitting an official bid for Bologna’s Colombian centre-back Jhon Lucumí as they look to reinforce their backline ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The 25-year-old defender is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the Black Cats, viewing it as an opportunity to embrace a fresh challenge in England’s top flight. Sunderland’s sporting project has been key in convincing Lucumí, who has attracted attention for his consistent performances in Serie A.
Bologna, however, remain reluctant to sanction a sale. The Italian club are eager to keep hold of their defensive mainstay, especially after his release clause expired earlier this summer, giving them firmer control of his future. Their stance signals a potential tug-of-war in the weeks ahead.
With Sunderland pushing to bolster their squad for a competitive Premier League return, Lucumí has emerged as a priority target — but prising him away from Bologna will require significant negotiation.
