Saturday, 14 November 2026
HOMECOMING STING: BENNI MCCARTHY PRAISES KENYA'S CHARACTER AFTER BAFANA BAFANA BAFANA DRAW
 |
| Bafana Bafana's Oswin Appollis tries to close down a Kenya player during their AFCON qualifier. Image: Phandulwazi Jikelo |
Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy believes his side deserved their share of the spoils after holding Bafana Bafana to a 2-2 draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, although the Harambee Stars are still searching for their first victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
McCarthy’s men showed character to come from behind twice, with Ryan Ogam scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to deny Pitso Mosimane’s side all three points.
The result followed an opening 1-1 draw against Eritrea and a 1-0 defeat to Guinea, leaving Kenya with two points from their first three matches.
Despite not securing a victory, McCarthy was satisfied with his team’s performance and felt neither side could complain had the result gone the other way.
“Whoever had won this game, I don’t think people would have been angry or say one team was lucky, because I think both teams had their moments, both goalkeepers performed and kept both teams in the game,” McCarthy said.
The night ends with a 2-all draw for the first leg of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier at the Orlando Stadium. Bafana Bafana 2 - 2 Kenya.
- Smiso Msomi
JESUS OWONO BAN: GOALKEEPER HANDED 12-MATCH SUSPENSIONAFTER FATAL COLLISION WITH JESUS DE MIGUEL
Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee deliver strongest punishment possible
 |
| SUSPENDED: FC ANDORRA AND EQUATORIAL GUINEA GOALKEEPER JESUS OWONO AFP/GETTY |
FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match ban following the collision that led to the tragic death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.
De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch earlier this month during a second-division match in Spain after a heavy collision with Owono, who came racing out of his penalty area to near the halfway line to attempt to intercept a long pass forward.
Owono flew into a reckless challenge and his right knee made contact with the chest of De Miguel, earning the goalkeeper a straight red card.
De Miguel received treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital and placed in intensive care, where he was initially reported to be stable before his condition quickly deteriorated and he died on November 3.
Under Spanish law, all deaths regarded as non-natural are subject to a judicial enquiry, with police opening an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. However, prosecutors have said that criminal proceedings are unlikely.
Owono has now been handed a 12-match suspension from club football by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee, which was the maximum punishment permitted under articles 102 and 52 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code.
“The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report, which states that the player was sent off for ‘violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play,’” the committee said in a statement.
“The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús de Miguel, is public knowledge. In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances … the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.”
FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said on Thursday that Owono had yet to decide if he would return to football at all following the death of De Miguel, with the goalkeeper having said that he was dealing the “hardest days of his life” following the incident.
“These are the hardest days of my life,” he said in a statement published by his club. “I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened.
“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.
“But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesús and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
Owono plays international football for Equatorial Guinea, but is not in the squad for this month’s pair of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
- GEORGE FLOOD
DUPONT HAILS FRANCE GRIT AFTER 21-19 RUGBY STUNNER OVER SOUTH AFRICA
 |
| Getty Images |
PARIS — Captain Antoine Dupont praised the mentality and resilience of his France teammates after their stunning 21-19 takedown of world champion South Africa in Nations Championship rugby on Friday.
The French played at a breathless tempo in the first half and built a 21-7 lead. They spent most of the second half with 14 men and getting ground down in scrums and mauls but withstood the Springboks’ inevitable comeback to achieve a statement win.
The Six Nations champion beat South Africa at the Stade de France for the first time since 2005 and bolstered its lead in the northern hemisphere standings. France hosts Argentina next weekend and should clinch a berth in the final in two weeks at Twickenham.
“It’s important to win these games, and it shows the mindset of this team,” Dupont said. “We were able to contain them when they came into our half, we were able to fight and hold the score until the end.
“The South Africans always push us to our limits. Tonight, there wasn’t one guy who slacked off, not one who took a rest. We saw a great attitude.”
Dupont wore the No. 10 jersey in a test for the first time because of a spate of flyhalf injuries but he played mainly at scrumhalf to be closer to the ball and was the best player on the pitch. He set up a try for Louis Bielle-Biarrey, held up Pieter-Steph du Toit over the tryline and his vision on both sides of the ball was typically remarkable.
He acknowledged only one of France’s three converted tries came off the training ground, the 16-phase effort finished by winger Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, including a kick-pass by Dupont.
“We weren’t able to show the full range of what we had worked on in training,” he said. “Tonight, it was mainly a question of energy and attitude.”
Also outstanding were No. 8 and former captain Grégory Alldritt, recalled for the first time in a year after Paul Boudehent was injured against Fiji last weekend, and rookie lock Florian Verhaege, who has been grabbing his chance in the absence of the injured Thibaud Flament.
- Associated Press
BREAKING: MAX DOWMAN IS THE YOUNGEST U21 PLAYER EVER TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND
Max Dowman is now officially the youngest ever player to feature for the England U21s
He is now the youngest…
- Champions League player
- Premier League goal scorer
- Premier League starter
- Premier League winner
- Arsenal scorer
- Arsenal starter
- Arsenal u18 player
- Arsenal u21 player
- Arsenal u21 scorer
- Premier League 2 player
- UEFA Youth League scorer
- England u17 player
- England u17 scorer
- England u19 player
- England u19 scorer
- England u21 player
Friday, 13 November 2026
BARCELONA SET SIGHTS ON 18-YAR-OLD BRAZILIAN CENTRE-BACK WHO COULD COST €14 MILLION - REPORT
 |
| Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images |
According to reports in England, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keeping tabs on Atletico Mineiro centre-back Vitao.
The 18-year-old defensive prospect has emerged as a potential target for several clubs across Europe, with the Blaugrana among his admirers.
Vitao rated highly in Brazil
Only 18 years old, Vitao has already established himself as a regular in the Atletico Mineiro first-team setup.
So far, the teenage defender has racked up 18 senior appearances for the Brazilian club, even chipping in with one goal in the process. Meanwhile, the defender has also earned three caps for the Brazil U20 national team.
Standing at 1.94m tall, Vitao is right-footed and offers a strong aerial presence at the back. His physicality, aggression, and immense potential have made him one of the most highly-rated young defensive talents in Brazil.
 |
| Vitao (L) is a target for several European clubs. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images) |
As such, a number of top clubs across Europe have taken note of the 18-year-old Brazilian talent, including Barcelona.
Barça eyeing defensive reinforcements
Heading into the January transfer window, Barcelona are eagerly scouring the market for a new centre-back to ensure adequate depth in the squad.
Injuries to the likes of Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde left the Catalans’ exposed in the position, leading to the sporting department prioritising a new signing in January.
Ruud Nijstad of FC Twente has emerged as the priority target, but his €20 million price tag is seen as an obstacle. The likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Levi Colwill of Chelsea have also been linked but would command a significant fee.
- Michel Durant
USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV GETS GETS PRISON TIME FOR HOTEL BRAWL WITH EX-UFC CHAMP
Nurmagomedov confronted UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili at a hotel
 |
| Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Merab Dvalishvili (red gloves) fights Umar Nurmagomedov (blue gloves) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters) |
Usman Nurmagomedov, the former Bellator lightweight champion and current PFL lightweight champion, has been sentenced to six months in prison in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov is one of nine people convicted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court following a hotel brawl involving himself, UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili and a number of other people, according to The National News.
Nurmagomedov, who was the one to start the melee because he had someone record the whole thing, was one of six people who received a prison sentence for “disturbing public security, causing panic and endangering lives.” They will also be deported once they are done serving that sentence and have been fined Dh300,000, which is approximately $81,000 in U.S. currency.
Dvalishvili was fined Dh50,000, which is about $13,000.
Video of Usman Nurmagomedov-Merab Dvalishvili altercation
As mentioned, someone from Nurmagomedov’s crew was filming the entire thing. You can see Nurmagomedov approached Dvalishvili from behind and started the confrontation. Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili have history. Dvalishvili beat Usman’s brother, Umar, in a UFC bantamweight championship fight in January 2025. Dvalishvili had another run-in with one of the Nurmagomedov associates at another Real American Freestyle event over the summer.
The UFC fighter lost to Petr Yan at a UFC event in Abu Dhabi in October. He remained in the UAE and was scheduled to compete in another RAF event this weekend. Nurmagomedov was in town to support his brother.
Dana White reacts to Nurmagomedov-Dvalishvili incident
UFC president Dana White was asked about the incident at a press conference on Thursday and did not sound impressed. Nurmagomedov, who is undefeated in his career, hoped to sign with the UFC once his PFL contract expired, but that is officially on hold for the next six months.
- Stephen Douglas
PRO-BOXER EXPLAINS WHY BOYFRIEND LETS HER SLEEP WITH OTHER MEN
An Australian boxer recently revealed why her partner is actually okay with her sleeping with other people.
Gold Coast boxer Shannon Philp has explained that she doesn't make enough money from the sport alone, meaning the middleweight boxer has turned to another mode of income, OnlyFans.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Philp explained that she and her boyfriend, Lyndon, are in an ethical non-monogamy (ENM) relationship, meaning they’re permitted to have intimate relationships with other partners, whether men or women.
What Shannon Philp Has Said About Her Relationship
She said: "I sat down with my partner, and we talked about it at length. If you said to me a few years ago I'd be uploading (explicit) content for subscribers, I would have laughed.
"The reality is, if we (female boxers) don't have a regular source of income, we can't go to the next level. When you factor in training camps, coaching, travel, and medicals, it all adds up."
Philp added: "It is new for both of us, we enjoy it."
She now makes $45,000 from the site per month, stating that she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.
Philp continued: "I have goals, like buying a house and property. My friends and family are supportive of what I do... having subscribers gives me a flexible lifestyle.
"Be it bikini shots or solo videos... it is up to the creator. I have an open mind. There are also other (female) boxers doing OnlyFans. It is a respected industry."
Shannon Philp's Professional Boxing Career
Philip has two professional fights under her belt currently, but lost on both occasions, with her main goal still being to improve as a boxer
She said: "It all started as a side hustle, and is now a full-time gig. To go from earning $20 as an apprentice hairdresser to meeting our financial goals is satisfying... the aim now is to keep training hard to improve as a boxer."
While an unconventional way to raise funds, it highlights serious questions about the women's boxing scene, specifically, how much newcomers earn compared to the steep costs required to progress in the sport.
Philp did launch a GoFundMe to help her raise funds to support her boxing career, with the description saying: "(I've) recently moved to Coffs Harbour NSW. Before moving here, I’d trained to the point where I was close to having my first boxing match as an amateur. But as things happen, resettling here and finding steady work took priority."
She ended up raising $2,200, just shy of her $2,500 target, but a world away from her monthly income from OnlyFans.
- Ethan Cuffling
BRUNO FERNANDES SNUBS SECOND NEW CONTRACT OFFER FROM MAN UNITED IN EARLY HEADACHE FOR INCOMING MANAGER MAURICIO POCHETTINO | WITH STAR FREE TO TALK TO FOREIGN CLUBS AS EARLY AS JANUARY
Bruno Fernandes has rejected a new contract at Manchester United against the turbulent backdrop of the departure of head coach Michael Carrick.
The Manchester United captain publicly questioned the former manager's tactics after his side's Champions League thrashing at the hands of Como, and has struggled to find form this season.
Discussions are believed to have started between Fernandes and Man United over the summer, on the heels of a strong campaign which saw him named Men's PFA Player of the Year.
But after an initial proposal from the club is thought to have been rejected by the midfield talisman, Fernandes has now snubbed a second deal with improved terms, in what could be an early headache for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Portuguese international's contract is set to expire in June 2027, which means that if the club and player fail to agree fresh terms, Fernandes will be free to discuss a summer move with clubs abroad as early as the January transfer window.
The club may yet seek to trigger the 12-month extension in Fernandes' contract, but will continue talks over aspects including his salary and the length of his new deal as they are keen for him to stay.
 |
| Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second set of terms from Manchester United as the club seeks to pin him down to a new deal |
Man United currently sit in the relegation zone after a 40-year worst-ever start to the season, and announcing a new deal for Fernandes might have given the club an important boost of morale during a difficult international break.
Fernandes was brought back into the fold after going through a brief period of being frozen out of Carrick's squad following his incendiary comments following defeat in Italy last month.
Fernandes, who is usually very deliberate in what he says in the media, was scathing in his criticism of coaches after the Como debacle.
'It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave a little space in behind and try to get the ball in the first moment, to wait for them, to give them the ball,' he said.
 |
| The club captain inked his latest terms in 2024 with his contract set to expire next June |
'But sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confident, they have so many bodies behind the ball that make you run a lot, make people get frustrated, and then obviously when you recover the ball the legs are, and the brain, much more difficult to make it work.'
His post-Como interview was widely condemned by fans and pundits alike, with Gary Neville lamenting: 'If that's your captain saying that, imagine what they're saying in the dressing room behind closed doors when no one's listening. That's horrific.'
He also told Fernandes to 'read the room' and accused him of being an 'excuse merchant' on his podcast.
Fernandes was left on the bench for Man United's next Premier League appointment, a loss to Bournemouth, before returning to the starting XI against Chelsea the following matchday.
After Man United's comeback win against Roma, Fernandes was defiant in his post-match remarks as he stressed that he had not been sanctioned for undermining Carrick with his initial interview.
'The club needed that win. The players needed that win. It is something we needed as a group of players and staff,' he said. 'We have been working so hard to get out of this situation together. It has been tough. There has been a lot of speculation in the media.
 |
| Fernandes was publicly critical of his former head coach Michael Carrick last month but was later adamant that he had not held clear-the-air talks with him |
'A lot of lies around many things that have happened at this club, between me and the manager, like that we have cleared the air. Nothing like that happened.
'The manager took a decision of making myself on the bench because I wasn't performing. And that's fair.
'Everyone felt like that was a punishment for the words that I had [after Como]. And if it was, it was right.
'The manager makes the decisions. I have to accept it. I have to go forward with that. It doesn't change the belief I have in the manager, the staff and every player at this club.
'And it doesn't change my aim to win every f***ing game that I have ahead of me.'
Fernandes' sabre-rattling was ultimately unable to keep Carrick in his job however, with the former club captain finally sacked on Thursday after an agonising three-day wait.
Man United's hierarchy, notably chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, have come under fire from the fanbase and within the club for their treatment of the departing coach, with Carrick taking two days of training at Carrington as they mulled his sacking.
Wilcox and Berrada jetted to Monaco earlier this week to meet with Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe and discuss the departure of Carrick, with the club's Glazer ownership ratifying the decision to replace him with United States national team coach Pochettino.
Daily Mail Sport reported on Thursday evening that staff members inside the club have been upset with the protracted sacking, which has been deemed disrespectful of Carrick's status as a club legend.
- TAMARA PRENN
ENGLAND REACH NATIONS LEAGUE QUARTERS AS ITALY BEAT ZINEDINE ZIDANE'S FRANCE
Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th appearance for England by scoring the winning goal.
England secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, while Zinedine Zidane suffered his first defeat as France coach as his side lost away to Italy.
 |
| England's Harry Kane celebrate after scoring. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) |
Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th appearance for England by scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot at Wembley, taking his international tally to 92 goals.
Morgan Rogers put England ahead in the first half before a mistake by Jarell Quansah allowed Petar Sucic to equalise for Croatia on the hour mark.
England regained the lead when Ivan Smolcic wrestled Quansah to the ground at a corner, with Kane converting the resulting penalty after a VAR review.
Thomas Tuchel's side moved to 12 points from five matches in Group A3, ensuring they will go through to the quarter-finals next March.
"Good win. We wanted this win desperately and I think we deserved it," Tuchel told ITV.
"We got the job done and it was important because it was a special occasion for Harry and he scored the winner, so perfect evening."
Spain top the section on 15 points after a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, their fifth straight victory in the competition.
Alex Baena's penalty and a late goal from Marc Pubill extended Spain's unbeaten run in competitive matches to 44 and set up a showdown with England in Madrid on Sunday, which will decide the group winners.
The Czechs remain without a point and finished with 10 men after captain Ladislav Krejci was sent off.
Italy turn tables on France
Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 in Milan and hand Zidane his first defeat since taking charge of Les Bleus.
France were without Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele due to injury but Michael Olise pounced on a loose pass from Gianluigi Donnarumma to fire them ahead on 10 minutes.
Francesco Pio Esposito steered in Nicolo Cambiaghi's pass to bring Italy level before France twice hit the post through Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.
Sebastiano Esposito blazed a second-half penalty wide for Italy, but Roberto Mancini's side did not rue that miss as Davide Frattesi powered home Federico Dimarco's cut-back.
Francesco Pio Esposito then doubled his tally for the night, succeeding where his older brother had failed by converting a penalty after Dayot Upamecano fouled substitute Antonio Vergara.
Zidane put the loss down to "part of the learning process".
"You mustn't change anything just because of a defeat," he said.
Italy climbed above France at the top of Group A1 on head-to-head record. Both teams have 10 points going into the final round of games, with Belgium just one point adrift.
Belgium host Italy on Sunday and France are at home to Turkey.
Zidane said Mbappe could return for the game in Bordeaux.
"I hope he'll be available on Sunday. That was the plan, that's what we want," he said.
Turkey slid to a fifth straight loss as they went down 2-1 to Belgium in Izmir.
Arda Guler's magnificent free-kick put Turkey ahead under new coach and former midfielder Sergen Yalcin, but Belgium struck twice in quick succession with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere to come away with victory.
- AFP
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)