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WWC: Morocco defeat Colombia to join Nigeria, South Africa in round of 16

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Debutants Morocco have pulled one of the surprises of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Colombia 1-0 to join fellow Africans, Nigeria and South Africa in qualifying for the round of 16.

The Atlas Lionesses secured a hard-fought victory over the South Americans in their last Group H match played on Thursday, which saw both sides move into the next round after group favourites Germany could only manage a 1-1 draw against South Korea in the other match.

The North African ladies got the only goal of the match from the penalty spot after Anissa Lahmari reacted fastest to Ghizlane Chebbak’s saved penalty on the stroke of half time to give the tournament debutants all three points and set up a meeting with France in the next round.

From the blast of the whistle, the coach Reynald Pedros-tutored girls came out all guns blazing, piling considerable pressure on group leaders Colombia, needing a win to better the result of Germany who were also playing their final match against South Korea.

The win and qualification of Morocco proved a stunning comeback for a side who were pummeled 6-0 by Germany in their opening fixture, but followed that up with a pair of 1-0 wins over South Korea and Colombia.

Making it into its first-ever Women’s World Cup finals, Morocco have benefitted from considerable investment in the sport in recent years.

The Copper Queens of Zambia are the only African side that did not make it out of their pool, but they signed off with a 3-1 win in their final game against Costa Rica, which means that for the first time, all African teams have won matches at the Mundial.

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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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