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Yusuf Khamis suggests Algerian coach Noor-Eddine Ben Zakri could lead Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup, potentially replacing Hervé Renard. Reports hint Renard's departure and a Roshan League successor. Zakri's Saudi league track record is highlighted, along with a philosophy of authentic football and balanced training. The piece notes Zakri's past work with several Saudi clubs.
Fans wake up to a packed Thursday, December 25, 2025, with Saudi Pro League, Saudi First Division, and Egypt's League Cup in action. Kooora outlines the day’s fixtures, where to watch, and who will be on commentary. The slate features major Saudi and Egyptian clashes, including Zamalek vs Smouha and Al-Fayha vs Al-Hazm. Global viewers can access streams via listed platforms, with a quick nod to geo-unblockers for international fans.
Defending champions Ivory Coast beat Mozambique 1-0 to start their AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco. The Elephants extend a four-match winning streak in the tournament, their best run since 2012. A single goal by Amad Diallo in the 49th minute decides the match as Mozambique push late but fail to find an equalizer. Ivory Coast dominated the first half and controlled midfield, while Mozambique rallied after halftime but could not convert.
Saudi reports reveal a surprising twist in Wanderson Galino’s transfer saga. Al-Ahli reportedly recoups 20% of the €50m fee due to a clause with Porto. The Brazilian winger has been sidelined by a serious knee injury, missing several games under coach Matthias Jaissle. Al-Ahli now eyes a league clash with Al-Fateh as Galino’s comeback remains uncertain.
Algeria secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Sudan in the AFCON group stage, with Mahrez scoring twice and Maza adding a third. The win put Algeria atop the group, albeit amid a conspicuous post-match moment that suggested tension between Baghdad Bounedjah and Riyad Mahrez. The scene sparked discussions across social media about team unity. This piece chronicles the result and the moment that stole a bit of the limelight from the win.
Ivory Coast defeated Mozambique 1-0 in AFCON 2025, securing the opening win in Group Six. Amad Diallo scored the only goal in the 49th minute after a pass from Frank Kessie. The defending champions continued their opening-match success, while Algeria’s 1992 opening-game defeat remains a 34-year benchmark. Mozambique pressed early but Ivory Coast dominated the game and held on for the victory.
Barcelona faces a serious blow as Christensen's ACL injury leaves gaps in the defense. Flick and the club weigh a January signing, with Marc Guehi cited as a potential target. The plan shifts from a no-signing stance to urgent reinforcement to protect the backline. If a suitable defender is found, Barca could move quickly to seal the deal while balancing finances and squad harmony.
Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, addressed rumors that Imam Ashour was angry after being substituted in the opening group match against Zimbabwe at AFCON 2025 in Morocco. Ashour started the game but was replaced after 32 minutes by Mustafa Mohamed as Egypt managed pressure. Hassan described the change as purely tactical, citing Ashour’s long absence and the game’s momentum. Egypt won 2-1 and now faces South Africa, sharing the Group B lead. The Egyptian FA posted a photo showing a positive moment between Hassan and Ashour, signaling no internal rift.
A widely shared image claimed Riyad Mahrez was the man of the match in Algeria’s 3-0 win over Sudan, but checks show the picture was likely AI-generated. The on-screen figure turned out to be Egyptian forward Mustafa Mohamed, sparking laughter and confusion online. Mahrez did score twice in the match, while Mustafa Mohamed suffered an injury in Egypt’s 2-1 win over Zimbabwe. The saga highlights how deepfake images can spread, especially around major tournaments like AFCON in Morocco.
French striker Alexandre Lacazette, now at Neom, announces Karim Benzema is superior to Cristiano Ronaldo. He joined Neom this summer after leaving Lyon. Lacazette argues the Saudi Pro League is rapidly improving and could become one of the world’s best, while praising Messi as the greatest of all time and naming Mbappé as the current best. He also shares candid thoughts on the league’s appeal to European stars and a few coach-spotlight opinions.
Al-Nassr overwhelmed Al-Zawraa 5-1 in Riyadh, in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage. Jalal Hassan, Al-Zawraa's goalkeeper, spoke about the thrill of facing Ronaldo and the star-studded Al-Nassr lineup. The match marked Ronaldo's ACL 2 appearance this season. Iraqi players and fans follow the Saudi league closely and enjoyed a night of high-level football, even as they regroup after the defeat.
Al-Ahli Jeddah threatens the young team's pursuit of a Gulf Champions League semi-final. Shabab must beat Al-Nahda of Oman on February 11 to keep their knockout hopes alive, then face Al-Ahli in a league match 48 hours later. Scheduling tensions rise as Saudi authorities seek a way to ease the load, while Al-Ahli's AFC Champions League Elite commitments loom. Shabab currently sits last in Group B with three points and needs two wins to advance.
Kingsley Coman starred as Al Nassr routed Al Zawraa 5-1 in the AFC Champions League. The Frenchman scored twice, with Wesley, Abdulrahman Al-Amri, and Joao Felix adding goals. Coman also addressed his position, emphasizing his willingness to follow the coach’s plan. Fans provided the loudest support as Al Zawraa’s Ibrahim Jabadamoussi struck a consolation. The result boosts Al Nassr’s standing in the competition.
Algeria defeated Sudan 3-0 in a group-stage AFCON match. A graphics blunder briefly showed Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed in Sudan's starting XI, triggering surprise and laughter. The error appears to be a production oversight by the broadcaster. Mohamed is set to face South Africa with Egypt next. The moment became a lighthearted highlight of AFCON.
Al-Nassr crushed Al-Zawraa 5-1 to lead their AFC Champions League 2 group. Jorge Jesus praised the team's mentality after a 28-day break and highlighted the impact of several internationals. The win put them on 18 points and secured a last-16 berth. Resting a few players after securing the result, Jesus signaled the next phase will bring more challenges.
Al-Ahli Qatar clinches top spot in Group B and a knockout berth after beating Andijan 2-0. Arkadag secures the second knockout place with a 1-0 win over Khaldiya. Mitchell Flab scores twice for Al-Ahli, while Kurbanov nets Arkadag’s winner. The group standings set up a dramatic path to the knockouts.
Ivory Coast secured their first three points at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco by beating Mozambique 1-0 in the opening group match. Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute, with a assist from Franck Kessié. The Ivorians dominated the first half while Mozambique defended stoutly and pushed for late chances but could not find an equalizer. The result puts Ivory Coast at the forefront of Group Six, alongside Cameroon and Gabon, as the tournament progresses.
Portuguese coach Jose Gomes says Fateh will rely on a single edge in a crucial Saudi Pro League clash with Al Ahli Jeddah. The match, at Fateh’s Al-Ahsa home, marks round 11 after a league pause. Gomes praises Al Ahli’s quality and pace but believes home support could tip the balance. Absences on both sides, including Zaido Yusuf for AFCON 2025, shape the tactical setup and lineup choices.
Riyad Mahrez reflects on Algeria's 3-0 win over Sudan in AFCON 2025, acknowledging an early chance was missed. He says the start was good but the first half disappointed. The team found a second-half edge after a Sudan red card and stresses the need for consistency ahead of the next group game.
Farco extended its winning streak in the Cairo Capital Cup by beating ENPPI 2-1, taking the Group A lead. ENPPI opened the scoring, but Farco answered with two goals to seal the win. The result tightens the standings as the group stage progresses. In Group C, Ismailia Electricity drew 1-1 with Ittihad Alexandria, keeping the battles at the top lively.
