Sports

Newcastle Hold Man City In Thrilling Draw

Published

6 years ago

November 30, 2019

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes faltered once more as the champions twice blew a lead to draw 2-2 at Newcastle on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s men were frustrated for long spells after Jetro Willems quickly cancelled out Raheem Sterling’s first-half opener, but seemed to have found the moment of magic they needed thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s sensational strike eight minutes from time.

However, City’s defensive flaws were soon exposed once more as Jonjo Shelvey swept home a well-worked free-kick six minutes later.

City have now dropped points in five of their 14 league games this season and could end the day 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola was without Sergio Aguero who has been ruled out for a couple of weeks by a thigh muscle injury and City missed his predatory instincts as they failed to make nearly 80 percent possession count.

Sterling has usurped Aguero so far this season as City’s major source of goals and was clinical 22 minutes in after a lovely backheel from David Silva set the England international up for his 15th goal of the season.

However, the lead lasted just three minutes as the normally goal-shy Magpies produced their own moment of quality when Miguel Almiron teed up Willems to slot past Ederson into the far corner.

When City lost on their last visit to St James’ Park back in January the title seemed lost, only for a 14-game winning streak to end the campaign to pip Liverpool to the post.

The Reds’ relentless form at the top of the table meant City started the day nine points behind and with precious little margin for error even before November is out.

But the sharpness and accuracy of passing that has characterised City’s two title triumphs under Guardiola was lacking as the visitors’ struggled to unlock the mass ranks of the Newcastle defence.

City finally began to work Martin Dubravka in the Newcastle goal in the final quarter as De Bruyne’s shot from a narrow-angle was turned away before Gabriel Jesus had a huge chance to make his mark in Aguero’s absence.

The Brazilian was played clean through on goal by Silva but shot straight at Dubravka before De Bruyne’s follow-up effort was blocked.

Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden were called upon from the bench to make an impact in the final 20 minutes and with his first touch, Bernardo dragged wide another glorious chance on his normally trusty left foot.

De Bruyne was the one constant threat for City and looked to have won the game when he chested down a looping clearance before smashing the ball in off the underside of the bar.

Newcastle had barely mustered a single attack in the second half, but after Fernandinho conceded a needless foul and was lucky to avoid seeing a second yellow card, Christian Atsu picked out Shelvey unmarked on the edge of the box to find the bottom corner.

City still had one more chance to take all three points in stoppage time when De Bruyne picked out Sterling, but his shot lacked the power to beat Dubravka and with that opportunity may have gone their chances of a third title in a row.

AFP

Sports

South Africa Book Spot at 2026 World Cup After Crucial Win Over Rwanda

Report by ISRAEL ORJI

Published

6 days ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

South Africa beat Rwanda to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Africa has officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final Group C fixture.

This marks Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup finals through qualification for the first time since they hosted in 2010.

Decisive Victory, Turbulent Qualifying Run

South Africa’s qualification was not without controversy. Earlier in the campaign, FIFA stripped Bafana Bafana of a 2-0 win over Lesotho, converting it into a 3-0 loss after ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible to play.
Despite this setback, the team showed resilience and integrity, clinching the win over Rwanda to seal their place in the World Cup.

Aftermath & Implications in Group C

The sanctions imposed earlier reshaped the dynamics of Group C, opening paths for Nigeria and other teams to capitalize.
With the point deduction applied, South Africa’s qualification became even more critical.

What’s Next

South Africa will now prepare for the global stage, while other teams in Group C aim to finish their qualifying campaigns on a high note. Nigeria, the Super Eagles, now have renewed hope after the point deduction. If they win their remaining matches and favorable results fall their way, they could advance either via group positioning or through the playoffs.

Sports

Breaking: Osimhen Runs Riot as Super Eagles Crush Benin in Crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Report By ORJI ISRAEL

Published

6 days ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen lit up the pitch as Nigeria’s Super Eagles recorded a commanding victory over the Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, asserting their intent on the road to Qatar.

In a match full of attacking brilliance and clinical finishing, Osimhen’s performance stood out. He terrorized the Beninese defence and played a central role in Nigeria’s dominant display.

The exact scoreline and minute-by-minute details are still being confirmed, but his influence on the match was unmistakable.

Match Highlights & Tactical Notes

Osimhen spearheaded Nigeria’s attack, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing to keep the Benin defenders on edge throughout the night.
The Super Eagles maintained control in midfield and launched persistent pressure, cutting off Benin’s attempts to build meaningful attacks.
Nigeria’s defensive line held firm, shutting down Benin’s key outlets and limiting their opportunities to break forward.

Implications & What Next

This victory significantly boosts Nigeria’s chances in the World Cup qualification race, providing momentum and confidence as they push toward automatic qualification.
Osimhen’s form will be a key focal point for opposing teams going forward—his form is proving vital for Nigeria’s attacking threat.
With this kind of win, the squad’s morale and belief are likely to grow stronger, especially in high‐pressure, knockout style matches.

The Super Eagles are now looking ahead to their next fixture with renewed optimism and a sharpened competitive edge.

Sports

Disney+ unveils new channels in South Africa

Published

4 weeks ago

September 23, 2025

Ani Sandra

Disney+ - ESPN Africa linear channels

Disney+ today announced that, from 02 October 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to South African customers at no extra cost.

Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase the very best live and studio sports programming from the US and around the world, spanning major leagues and iconic competitions.

On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football.

Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee” Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.

Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.”

Adds Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League), have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League) as well as NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”

Disney+ has something for everyone — from blockbuster movies and hit series to much-loved Originals. Customers can enjoy FX’s “The Bear”, “The Kardashians”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “The Simpsons” and much more. The ESPN Africa linear channels will join a vast content catalogue from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment, which also features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels.

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.