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WWC: France thump Morocco 4-0 to end Africa’s World Cup quest

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France cruised to an easy 4-0 win over Morocco on Tuesday at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide to end Africa’s quest at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Playing at its first ever Mundial, the Atlas Lioness had surprised even themselves by qualifying from a group that had Germany, Colombia and South Korea to set up a round of 16 tie against France but were taught another lesson by the Coach Herve Renard’s side.

On its way to the stage, Morocco had upset the odds to qualify for the last 16 at the expense of Germany, ending up second on the table behind Colombia.

In a match which pitted the proverbial Goliath versus David, France took an early lead through striker Kadidiatou Diani, who incidentally, has Moroccan roots, scoring an easy header in the 15th minute.

Two other goals in the first half by Kenza Dali and Le Sommer made it 3-0 before veteran striker, Le Sommer, France’s all-time top scorer, netted again 20 minutes from time as Les Bleues advanced to the last eight where they will take on co-hosts Australia for a semi-finals ticket.

The ouster of Morocco brought to an end the World Cup for Africa following South Africa and Nigeria’s exit earlier.

However, reaching the second round at the first attempt will be seen as a huge achievement for the North Africans and a testament to the giant strides and investments the country has put into its football.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Moroccan male team became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, another example of the success the country has made of its football.

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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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