Sports

Morocco wins gold at COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament in South Africa

Published

8 months ago

March 25, 2024

Morocco has been crowned champions of the COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament after defeating hard-fighting Mozambique 4-3 following a pulsating 4-4 draw in the final match played at the Durban South Beach Arena in South Africa.

Morocco which was one of the invited Nations at the tournament, was a few seconds away from losing to Mozambique, trailing at 4-3 before an inspired goal from Yassir Abada took the game to extra-time and ultimately penalties, where the north African team triumphed.

During the penalty shootout, the Moroccan Beach Soccer Lions triumphed thanks to Zouhir Jabbari, Adnan Oubahri, Badr El Kraichly, and Yasser Abada who all scored to silence the Mozambicans after qualifying for the final by beating Malawi 9-6.

Mozambique got their goals through Rachide Simithe, Antonio Namape Jnr and a brace via Angelo Tomas.

Morocco was the top-ranked side going into the COSAFA Beach Soccer and their victory did not come to many as a surprise owing to their superb run of form in the game in the continent.

In the bronze medal match,
Malawi claimed the bronze with a thrilling 5-4 victory over another guest nation, Saudi Arabia, the first non-African team to compete at a COSAFA event.

It was a contest that swung one way and then the other as Malawi eventually came put on top thanks to two goals from their inspirational captain Isaac Kajam, Oblen Khumbula who also scored twice and Dala Dala.

Saudi Arabia fought hard and scored their goals through a brace each for Khaled Al Mowallad and Eslam Sarraj, and go home satisfied having said their target was a place in the semifinals when they arrived in Durban.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

2 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

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.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

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.”