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Ahmed Abdel Raouf officially leaves his role as Zamalek's head coach after seven matches. In a post on social media, he expresses pride in his tenure and assures the bond with the club remains. He thanks the players and staff and pledges to remain a fan. With his departure, the club begins the search for a new manager amid challenging circumstances.
Nigeria crushed Uganda 3-1 to seal a perfect group stage with 9 points. They are the only team in their group to win all three matches. Uganda’s late goal couldn’t salvage their campaign as they dropped to 1 point and exit the tournament. The Eagles’ goals came from Onuachu and Onyedika, reinforcing their status as the team to beat in the group.
The Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona has sparked intense scrutiny over its late kickoff time amid security concerns. Critics argue the late hour inflames tensions, especially with Juan Garcia returning to the rival ground. A radio pundit calls for shifting the kickoff to 2 p.m. to cool the mood, while Espanyol supporters demand a safer, calmer environment. The story highlights security measures at Cornella-El Prat and the heated fan response.
Crystal Palace presses Tottenham to sign Brennan Johnson in the January window to bolster their attack. The deal hinges on the Welsh winger’s signing, with a reported fee around £35m and interest from other clubs. Bournemouth have been linked with Johnson as cover if Semenyo departs. Manchester City appear close to landing Semenyo, leaving Palace to chase Johnson and hope for a quick resolution.
Ismail al-Gharbi, Tunisia’s rising star, opened the scoring against Tanzania from a late first-half penalty, helping his team seize momentum in AFCON 2025. The goal set the tone for a historic night as Tunisia showcases growing strength from the spot. Ali Al-Abdi soon added another penalty against Nigeria, underscoring Tunisia’s evolving confidence. Al-Gharbi, at 21 years old, becomes one of AFCON 2025’s youngest scorers, signaling a new generation for the Carthage Eagles.
Barcelona, steered by German coach Hans Flick, is delivering a remarkable La Liga run. Since a Clasico defeat in October, they have won every league game and sit atop the table ahead of Real Madrid. They are set for a home clash with Espanyol at Cornella-El Prat, a match that could cement a historic streak. AS notes Flick’s pace and suggests Barca could challenge some of the club’s recent milestones as the season unfolds.
Al Ahly endure a 0-3 defeat at home to El Mokawloon in the Cairo Capital Cup. The match featured a youth-filled Ahly side following an Egypt Cup exit. Mostafa Gamal opened the scoring from a penalty, Joakim Ojera doubled the lead, and Kalou Onyaemchi sealed the victory in the 65th minute. Injuries and discipline shaped the game as Ahly’s chances of advancing dim while Mokawloon climbed the standings. A night that mixed learning curves with a clear message: in cup football, momentum can swing quickly.
Al-Ahli Jeddah returns to scoring in the Saudi Pro League as Roger Ibanez heads home against Al-Fayha. The victory keeps Al-Ahli in fourth place with 19 points, while Al-Fayha sit 11th with 12. Ibanez’s goal in the 64th minute marks his first league strike of the season. Across all competitions this campaign, Ibanez has now scored 3 goals in 18 appearances, reaffirming his aerial threat.
Al Ahly’s young forward Hamza Abdel Karim suffers a foot and ankle injury after a heavy knock in Cairo. The medical update prompts his substitution in the Cairo clash. Rumors persist about a January move to Barcelona, with reports claiming Barca submitted their latest bid. BeIN Sports notes suggest the deal is nearing a decision as talks continue.
Al-Nassr reveals its starting XI for the Saudi Pro League clash with Ettifaq. The league leaders, on 30 points, seek to extend a fine run and maintain their edge. Jorge Jesus stacks the lineup to balance defense and attack, relying on his stars to seal the win. The team had started the season with 10 consecutive wins, the best start since the league’s professional era began.
Real Madrid is again under fire for skipping the winter transfer window. Latigo Serrano of Marca argues the club repeats costly mistakes from last season. An injury blow to Eder Militao deepens defensive concerns. Management cites market conditions as the reason for keeping hands in pockets. Past winters yielded a mix of notable signings, but this season looks different.
David Beckham revisits his 2003 transfer saga, recounting how Manchester United reportedly sold him to Barcelona without his knowledge while his heart belonged to Real Madrid. He recalls being on vacation when the news broke and explains why Madrid remained the dream club. The piece highlights his enduring status as England’s stylish football icon and the speed of the deal that followed.
Egypt plans to officially bid for the Africa Cup of Nations 2028, highlighting readiness and robust infrastructure. Government and federation officials are coordinating the bid, with minister Ashraf Sobhi at the forefront. Officials insist the country could host a tournament beyond AFCON's scope. The final decision will follow the end of the current AFCON edition.
Arsenal face Aston Villa with Declan Rice sidelined by a knee issue, according to The Athletic. Timber's return could bolster the midfield, while Havertz is edging back into fitness. Villa arrive missing two key defenders mid-season, upping the drama at Emirates. Final lineups will hinge on late fitness tests and tactical tweaks.
Al Hilal disclosed medical updates for two key players ahead of an important Saudi Pro League fixture with Al Khlood. Captain Salem Al-Dosari is sidelined with a pelvic bruise, while Robin Neves cannot join the squad due to front thigh muscle pain. The situation fuels talk about Neves’ future, as reports link him with a European return amid interest from clubs in England. The match in Qassim marks a crucial 12th-round test for the leaders.
Manchester City appear close to finalising a January deal for Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Final details on the 65 million pound release clause are being lined up, with personal terms also near completion. The Ghanaian forward had attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, but City seem to be the favourite destination.
Athletic Bilbao captain Iñaki Williams criticizes the decision to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, arguing it mainly benefits Real Madrid and Barcelona. Bilbao faces Barcelona in the semi-final in Jeddah, with Real Madrid playing Atletico Madrid the next day and a final to follow. Williams cites crowd dynamics, travel challenges for fans, and personal family commitments as key concerns. The event’s Saudi history is noted as context for the controversy.
Barcelona mattresses a final bid to sign Hamza Abdelkarim from Al Ahly as the January window winds down. Previous offers failed to bridge the valuation gap, pushing talks into a delicate balance of loans and future options. The deal reportedly centers on a loan with an option to buy, with financial terms under intense negotiation. If successful, Abdelkarim could join Barca's ranks soon, otherwise Barcelona may pivot to other winter targets while fans hold their breath.
Al-Ahli Jeddah coach Matthias Jaissle unveils a refreshed XI for the Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Fayha. The changes include a new left-back and right-back, plus a midfield reshuffle prompted by suspension and card concerns. Enzo Miu misses out, while Ziad Al-Jehni steps into midfield as Majrashi risks a fifth yellow. The article also details the complete starting lineups and substitutes for both teams ahead of kickoff.
Mbappe reaffirms Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid's greatest icon. He explains fans' lifelong view of Ronaldo, notes his own 59-goal calendar-year record, and mentions an upcoming La Liga clash with Betis. The piece blends reverence with a touch of humor as Madrid eyes the next challenge.
