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Algerian international soccer star dies in tragic road accident after scoring for country

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A 24-year-old Algerian international soccer star, Billel Benhammouda, has died in a fatal car accident on his way home for club duties after representing his country and scoring in an international friendly

The attacking midfielder who played for Al Ittihad in the Algerian league died on Friday after being involved in the road accident on his way home after playing for the national team in a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo where the Desert Warriors won by 3-0 win on Thursday.

Benhammouda scored the second goal from the penalty spot for the hosts with Ridah Bensayah and Nadir Benbouali getting the other two.

The player was in the company of an unnamed friend when the accident happened late on Friday ahead of the his club’s Saturday league match against ES Setif which has since been postponed, according to a police report.

In an emotional televised statement announcing the demise of Benhammouda, his father stated that his son was close to obtaining a visa to travel abroad to join an European club without revealing the name of that club.

In its condolence message to the late player’s family, his club said:

“The administration extends its sincere condolences to the Benhammouda family following the death of the player.

“We pray to the Almighty God to bless the deceased with his vast mercy and enter him into the heavenly gardens and inspire his family patience and solace, you will remain in our hearts, Billel.”

Benhammouda was born on August 28, 1997, and started his football career at USMM Hadjout and USM Algiers junior sides respectively. He also represented the teams at senior level.

He was set to be involved for Algeria in the forthcoming African Nations Championship (Chan) duties.

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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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