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So Close, So Far: African soccer stars who played in the English FA Cup final but never won it

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In the long and glorious history of the English Football Association Cup, simply known as The FA Cup, there have been a number of African soccer stars who have played in final and lifted the prestigious trophy.

There also have been some who graced the final but came out empty handed. Players like South Africa’s Quinton Fortune, Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Moroccan Hakim Ziyech readily comes to mind.

As the FA Cup final takes center stage today with Liverpool squaring up against Chelsea, a number of African players will be involved and at the end of 90 minutes, some will fall into the category of African stars who either won or lost the cup.

Either the quartet of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Joel Matip all of Liverpool or the duo of Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea will be set for the joy of lifting the trophy or face the disappointment of losing.

Here is a roll call of African players who have reached the FA Cup final but never won it.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Former Togo National Team Captain, Emmanuel Adebayor turned out for Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, while plying his trade in England but never managed to win the FA Cup with any of these elite clubs.

His best sniff at the cup was in the 2015-16 season while playing for Crystal Palace when they faced and lost 2-1 to Manchester United in extra time, with the Eagles giving up a one goal lead with only 12 minutes left on the clock.

Quinton Fortune

The former South African international midfielder was on the books of Manchester United for seven years, between 1999-2006.

Though he won a Premier League title in 2003, he could not place his hands on the FA Cup as he was on the losing side in 2005 when the Red Devils lost to Arsenal 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in regular time.

Wilfried Zaha

The Ivory Coast international also in the same team with Adebayo in the 2015-16 final which lost to Manchester United.

Zaha who was a key player for Alan Pardew’s men at Crystal Palace started and completed the match but despite his dominant performance and constantly threatening the Man United back four, he could not propel his team to a win.

Eric Bailly

The Ivory Coast centre-back was an unused substitute when Manchester United lost the 2017-18 final to Chelsea with a wonder strike from Eden Hazard.

Bailly was a key member of the team which steam rolled its way into the final but this term, has been a bit part player and is likely to leave the club due to injuries that has limited his appearances.

Hakim Ziyech

Will retired Moroccan winger Ziyech be lucky this time after he failed to lift the trophy last year when Chelsea lost 1-0 to Leicester City?

This will be a second straight final for Ziyech who started last season’s final and played 68 minutes but was not lucky to get on the scoresheet as Youri Tielemans’ 63rd minute goal proved the difference.

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

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