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Zambia thumps Congo 4-2 in thrilling World Cup qualifier

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The Chipolopolo of Zambia kickstarted their African 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on a sound footing by thumping Congo Brazzaville 4-2 in a thrilling encounter played at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday.

The Zambian team began the goal rout with a brace from former Leicester striker, Patson Daka, before Italy-based forward, Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala added a goal each to take the east Africans to the summit of Group E.

Zambia had drawn the first blood through Daka early in the 5th minute of the match but the Congolese soon responded with two quick goals in the space of two minutes from Silvere and Bons Bassouamina to cause panic for the home team.

Congo got the equalizer in the 13th minute through Silvere before taking the lead two minutes later after a Bassouamina goal.

But in the 31st minute, Banda struck Zambia’s equalizer from six yards out.

The Copper Bullets were denied another goal in the 36th minute when a Fashion goal was ruled offside.

Banda’s goal was a beauty to behold as he picked up a loose ball from outside the box and dribbled past a Congolese defender inside the eighteen yard box before firing home to restore parity at the stroke of half time.

Zambia took control of the second half and continued to dominate possession but it was not until the 70th minute that Fashion scored from a Banda cross to put Zambia ahead for the second time in the match.

Zambia will travel to Niger Republic next week Tuesday in the quest for a maiden World Cup appearance.

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Italian couple name new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman

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An Italian couple have reportedly named their new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he scored a spectacular goal against Olympic Marseille of France in the Europa League semifinal second leg match to take Atalanta to the final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for Atalanta before Ruggeri and Toure sealed the win in their second-leg semi-final tie to set up a mouth-watering final tie with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen.

According to reports from EuroFoot on X, Ademola’s performance was recognised by the couple who live in Palosco, a district in Bergamo where the Italian club is based.

“Somebody named their child after Ademola Lookman following his goal which helped send the Italian club to the Europa League final!” EuroFoot said in the post.

The post added that Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s advancement to the Europa League final caught the attention of the adoring Italian couple who decided to name their child after him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian international was on Friday, named the Europa League Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in Atalanta’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the semifinal.

According to UEFA’s official website, Lookman’s performance also included three attempts, further highlighting his influential role in Atalanta’s dominant display

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AIU suspends Kenyan marathoner Josephine Chepkoech over alleged use of prohibited substances

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The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan half distance runner, Josephine Chepkoech, over alleged use of prohibited substances during the Barcelona Half Marathon held on February 17, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

The AIU, in a statement on Thursday, said Chepkoech was suspended following allegations of doping involving the prohibited substance, testosterone.

In the statement, the AIU said Chepkoech had been served with a Notice of Allegation for violating Article 2.1 and Article 2.2 of its anti-doping regulations.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Josephine Chepkoech (Kenya) for Presence (Testosterone Metabolites)/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Testosterone),” the AIU stated.

Chepkoech ran a personal best marathon time of 2:22:38 in February at the Seville Marathon, but with the suspension, the record is not likely to stand.

The AIU said the move was part of its crackdown on prohibited substances in athletics which has seen a rising number of Kenyan athletes penalized.

The 35-year-old had made her marathon debut in 2018 at the Nairobi Marathon, dominating the women’s race with a winning time of 2:33:11.

Her provisional suspension means she cannot participate in any competition until a final decision is reached which could result in an acquittal or a formal ban.

She faces a two-year ban pending a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal.

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