Sports

Nigeria beats Ghana 2-1 in ‘Jollof Derby’

Published

1 month ago

March 23, 2024

The much talked about “Jollof Derby” between Nigeria and perennial rivals, Ghana, was settled on Friday night in Morocco with Nigeria running away with a 2-1 win.

Though this was the first time Nigeria would defeat Ghana at the senior level since 2006, the win was a testament to the fact that the Super Eagles have made a marked improvement, and the AFCON silver medal win was no fluke.

The match further cements the longstanding rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, adding another chapter to their storied history of footballing encounters

It was also significant as this was the first match in charge for former international winger, Finidi George after spending time as assistant to Jose Peseiro, and with the performance of the team on the night, more Nigerians have now emphasized their clamour for a local coach to handle the team going forward.

The Jollof Showdown which had drawn a lot of banter among Nigerian and Ghanaian fans owing to the fierce rivalry that has existed over the years between the teams, was settled early when returning striker, Cyriel Dessers, opened the scoring for the Super Eagles with a well-taken penalty in the 34th minute, setting the tone for an intense battle on the pitch.

Despite Ghana’s stiff resilience, Nigeria extended their lead with a goal in the 84th minute from Ademola Lookman, who came off the bench to make a significant impact, reliving his form at the AFCON where he scored three goals.

The hard-fought 2-1 victory over the 10-man Black Stars was a match that showcased the football artistry of the Super Eagles players and their dominance against their opponents.

However, the Black Stars refused to go down without a fight, as they managed to pull one back late in the game with a well taken penalty by Crystal Palace forward, Jordan Ayew.

The opening stages of the match were characterised by a scrappy affair, lacking rhythm or fluency from either side but the Nigerian team gradually increased their work rate, applying high pressure on Ghana and earning a penalty for a handball inside the box.

Dessers calmly slotted the penalty into the net, sending goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi the wrong way and securing a 1-0 lead for Nigeria, a score they held onto until halftime.

As the second half began, Ghana displayed greater purpose and threat in their attacking play. However, their momentum took a hit in the 56th minute when defender Jerome Opoku received a red card, leaving spectators puzzled as the reason for his dismissal was unclear.

The Super Eagles will play Mali in another friendly on Tuesday, March 26, while Ghana will take on Uganda on the same day.

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Sports

Former Zambian captain Rainford Kalaba discharged from hospital after near-fatal accident

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Former Zambian national team captain, Rainford Kalaba, has been discharged from hospital weeks after he was involved in a near-fatal accident where he sustained serious injuries.

The accident which involved a head-on collision between a Mercedes-Benz car in which Kalaba was in, and a truck, had initially sparked fears for his life and has since been in the Intensive Care Unit of the Zambian University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

The good news on the footballer’s progress was released by the UTH Public Relations Officer, Nzeba Chanda, who informed that the Chipolopolo legend has been discharged after showing positive signs of recovery.

“Mr. Rainford Kalaba has been discharged from the UTH-Adult where he was admitted after being involved in a road traffic accident two weeks ago,” Chanda said, adding that Kalaba will continue his recovery at his family home.

According to local media reports, the 37-year-old was a passenger in a Mercedes Benz when it collided with an oncoming truck in the south-eastern Zambian town of Kafue a week and five days ago.

In his active playing days, Kalaba spent the majority of his club career at TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning the CAF Champions League with the club in 2015 and the CAF Confederation Cup in 2016.

He also had a spell with clubsides in Portugal including FC Braga, and was a major part of the Zambian squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 under Frenchman, Herve Renard.

Sports

Domestic worker sues Pitso Mosimane, wife following debilitating injuries

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Former Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Al Ahli of Egypt coach, Pitso Mosimane, and his wife, Moira Tlhagale, have been sued by their domestic worker after a severe injury at the home of the couple led to disabilities.

The domestic worker, domestic worker Dorothy Sikirivao, filed the lawsuit against Mosimane who is the current head coach of Abha Club of Saudi Arabia, claiming the sum of R5.7-million at the Johannesburg High Court after suffering from severe injuries he sustained in a mishap at the couple’s residence in April 2021.

According to reports by Sunday World, Sikirivao had a serious fall at the Mosimane’s home while clearing debris, with the accident allegedly leaving her with “catastrophic spine-related injuries, leading to a significant reduction in her mobility and affecting her reproductive health.”

The reports stated that medical specialists diagnosed Sikirivao with multiple injuries, including blood clots in the brain, shoulder dislocation, various bone fractures, and severe pressure on the spinal cord.

“The domestic worker claims the injuries were exacerbated by the demanding nature of her duties and the couple’s insistence that she return to work soon after the accident,” the tabloid wrote, quoting Sikirivao legal documents

“This was because of the tedious nature of the work she did and the potential of aggravating the injuries. The injuries she sustained from the said accident were of such a nature that exacting physical labor will aggravate them.”

The documents explained that initially, Mosimane and Tlhagale covered Sikirivao’s medical expenses but reportedly ceased payments without explanation.

“Despite being granted a month of sick leave following the incident, Sikirivao alleges she was coerced into resuming work, which worsened her condition.

“The plaintiff, post the said accident, was also prognosed to be in a situation where the plaintiff may never be able to carry a pregnancy and fulfil her desire to have her biological children except through an expensive and legally cumbersome process of surrogacy.

“Furthermore, she may face ongoing health complications due to the accident. The compensation Sikirivao seeks includes R1.7-million for loss of income, R2-million for past and future medical expenses, and R2-million divided equally for the loss of amenities of life and for pain and suffering,” the legal documents added.