Sports

Cameroon’s keeper, Andre Onana takes blame for Man Utd’s Champions League loss

Published

3 months ago

September 21, 2023

Cameroon and Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has accepted responsibility for his side’s 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich in their opening game of the 2023/24 Champions League match played at the Alianz Arena on Wednesday night.

Onana was a fault when Bayern winger, Leroy Sane opened the scoring midway through the first half as his low effort from the edge of the penalty area slipped under the charismatic keeper who has now conceded 14 goals in his first six games as United’s goalkeeper.

Though United put up a spirited display to make the scoreline respectable, Onana believes that he let his team down with his mistake despite making several saves in the match.

In a post-match interview, the Indomitable Lions first choice goal tender said he “let the team down” because of his error.

“It’s difficult to lose this way because in the beginning we started very good,” Onana said.

“After my mistake, we lost control of the game. It’s a difficult situation for us, for me especially because I’m the one who let the team down.

“Because of me we didn’t win but we just have to move on. This is the life of the goalkeeper.

“We were very good on the ball, they didn’t create any chances. The first shot on target I made a mistake so I think it was the key point of the game.

“The team went down because of that mistake. I have to learn from it and be strong, move on. It’s not an easy situation but I’m very happy with the comeback of the team, we were fighting until the end.

“I have a lot to prove because my start in Manchester hasn’t been so good, not how I want. This was one of my worst games and it’s difficult because we have big ambition. We are a big club and want to win everything.

“It’s a tough time and we have to be together and continue working hard,” the former Inter Milan player added.

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Sports

Zimbabwe seals last gasp winner over Ireland in T20 Series opener

Published

3 hours ago

December 8, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

Host, Zimbabwe, started its 2023 T20 Series on a winning note after rallying back to defeat Ireland from 88-7 to 106-7 in their pursuit of an 118 to end the tie for victory, with the home side requiring 12 runs from as many deliveries at that point.

In the thrilling game played in Harare on Thursday, Ireland’s fightback was not enough as they fell just short as Zimbabwe sealed a last-ball win in the series opener.

Ireland had earlier taken control of the game and posted 147-8 while the hosts needed nine runs from their final over, winning it with two from Blessing Muzarabani off the last delivery.

Captain Sikandar Raza who was voted man of the match, took three wickets and scored 65 to lead their run chase.

Raza was supported with the bat by Wesley Madhevere, who scored 25, with wicketkeeper Clive Madande hitting 20.

Two further T20 contests between the sides will take place at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday and Sunday before three one-day games at the same venue on 13, 15 and 17 December.

Sports

CAF Award: Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi make fiinal three shortlist

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

In-form Nigeria and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has made the final three-man list for the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award which will hold on December 11 in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Osimhen, who had a sterling last season where he led Napoli to its first Italian league title in 33 years with 26 goals to end as the first African player to win the top scorer award in the Serie A, will battle for the crown with Egyptian captain and Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, and Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi, who plays for PSG in the French Ligue One.

Many football pundits in the continent have so far tipped the Lagos-born Osimhen to pick the diadem ahead of Salah and Hakimi.

The latest to give the gong to the former Lille player was mercurial ex-Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, who believes Osimhen has done enough to be named CAF Player of the Year for 2023 after his exploits with his Italian club and the Eagles.

In an interview on Wednesday, Okocha said the 24-year-old Osimhen’s consistency at the highest level had won him the prestigious gong already.

“Osimhen deserves it because for me, he was the most consistent player of last season,” the former PSG midfield star said in the interview.

If Osimhen goes ahead to win the award, he will be the second Nigerian player to achieve the feat after Nwankwo Kanu who won the CAF Player of the Year Award in 1999.