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Al Hilal seals Sultan Mandesh’s move from Al Taawoun in the winter window. The 32-year-old midfielder is set to join after his upcoming game, with an official announcement anticipated soon. Mandesh has contributed 12 league appearances with 2 goals and 3 assists for Taawoun. His form has also put him on Hervé Renard’s radar for the Saudi national team.
Shorta overwhelmed Al-Qasim 7-1 in Najaf, extending their winning run and moving to second in the Iraqi Premier League. The hosts struck first, but Shorta nullified the opener and dominated the rest of the match. Goals from Al-Mawas, Farhan, Atiiba, Mendy, and Abdul-Kadhim sealed a convincing victory. The result tightens the title race as Erbil leads, while Al-Qasim linger at the bottom.
Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji sparks debate over ticket access for Algeria's AFCON matches. As Algeria prepares for a Morocco-hosted Algeria-Nigeria quarterfinal, he questions how fans can obtain tickets. The controversy recalls earlier discussions about empty stands despite big openings. Authorities and CAF are watched closely as fans seek clarity and fair access.
Arne Slot admits Liverpool have exited the Premier League title race and now focus on securing a top-four finish for Champions League qualification. Liverpool sit fourth, 14 points behind Arsenal, ahead of a crucial clash at the Emirates. Slot stresses that the title race is not something to dwell on and highlights the importance of finishing in the top four or five. He also reflects on recent performances against Villa and Brighton and outlines what Liverpool must change to play their fast, attacking style more consistently.
Cameroon’s Christian Kovani speaks ahead of the AFCON quarterfinal vs Morocco. He downplays crowd pressure, stresses calm preparation, and asserts Cameroon’s experience in big matches. The clash could hinge on crowd dynamics and resilience, with a light touch of humor from the players' mindset.
Belgium advances to the United Cup semifinals for the first time in its history, powered by Zizou Bergs and Elise Mertens’ singles wins over the Czech Republic. They will meet Switzerland in the next round, while the USA faces the winner of Australia vs. Poland. Bergs delivers a big win after a modest start to the tournament, and Mertens battles through a tough test. A Czech doubles win adds a pinch of drama to the day.
Liverpool is bracing a youth-forward rebuild by courting fresh talents worldwide. At the top of the list is Mor Ndiaye, a young Senegalese defender making waves in his home league. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims there’s a verbal agreement to seal the deal. The club recently added another player from Austria Vienna, and Liverpool’s season is shaping up to be a story of potential beyond just results.
Egypt and Ivory Coast square off in a decisive AFCON quarterfinal in Morocco, pitting coach Hossam Hassan against Emers Fai. Ivory Coast arrive after last year’s title under Fai, who took charge in 2024 following Jean-Louis Gasset’s dismissal. Egypt seeks redemption after their exit in the previous edition's Round of 16. The two managers haven't faced off since 2006, when Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 3-1. Expect a tactical chess match with high stakes for both teams.
Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi reveals the starting lineup as they welcome Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League. Salem Al-Dosari returns from injury to bolster the attack while Yassine Bono misses out, with Mohammed Al-Rubaei starting in goal. Theo Hernandez is suspended and Darwin Nunez starts on the bench. Top of the table Al Hilal seek to extend their undefeated run, while Al Hazm sit in 11th ahead of kickoff. The match takes place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Dušan Vlahović is reportedly nearing a return for Juventus after left adductor surgery in December. Early indications point to a faster-than-expected rehab, with a potential February appearance against Inter Milan. If true, Juve could pause their January hunting for a striker and reassess options like Artem Dovbyk, Lorenzo Lucca, or Alexander Sørloth. His contract runs until June 2026, after which a free departure is possible if no renewal is agreed. The situation could reshape Juventus’ mercato trajectory in the short term.
Nigeria’s government capitulated to players’ strike threats, ensuring bonuses are paid ahead of Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria. The move comes after players threatened to skip training and travel to Marrakech. Officials insisted the payments would be processed promptly, with currency exchanges simplified. Nigeria arrives in Marrakech seeking a spot in the semifinals after a strong run to the last eight.
Cameroon’s head coach Davide Bajò states their aim is to win and keep advancing in the Africa Cup of Nations as they face host Morocco in the quarterfinal. He dismisses fears of refereeing bias, insisting the focus must be on what happens on the pitch. He emphasizes the importance of technical and tactical play over officiating decisions. He also acknowledges Morocco’s strength and expresses confidence in his young squad.
Pinto Matheus, the Al Nassr goalkeeper, is close to a January move after losing favor with his trainer. Genoa are reportedly close to signing him, with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio citing advanced talks. The transfer would shake up the Saudi–Italian football dynamic as Pinto seeks a starting role and Brazil World Cup inclusion. The update suggests Genoa sees him as the ideal option to bolster their goalkeeping this season.
Miguel Soler, former Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid star, weighs in on the upcoming Jeddah derby. He argues both sides are evenly matched this season, with Real Madrid still finding rhythm under Xabi Alonso. He notes Atletico's defensive resilience but lack of finishing, while suggesting Gonzalo Garcia could be the key substitute in Mbappe’s absence. The piece also cites AS and outlines how these factors shape expectations for the Spanish Super Cup.
Saudi football authorities appoint match officials for Thursday’s Roshen Pro League Round 14. The spotlight falls on the Al-Nassr vs Al-Qadisiyah clash, officiated by István Kovács of Romania, with a Romanian-Saudi VAR crew. Kovács has a peculiar history with these clubs, often ending meetings in draws rather than decisive wins. The piece traces Kovács’ prior assignments and notable 1-1 results dating back to 2012, including clashes against Hajer, Al-Hilal, Al-Khaleej, and Damac. Expect a game where discipline and timing could tilt the scales just enough for a point, or perhaps a surprise late swing.
Liverpool confirms its first winter signing by bringing in Noah Adekoya from Burnley. The move aligns with the club’s plan to strengthen the defense with promising youths. Adekoya rose through Burnley’s academy after joining at 12 and recently signed his first professional contract. He will start with Liverpool’s Under-21s, with a potential pathway to the first team in the future.
Morocco faces Cameroon in a high-stakes AFCON 2025 quarterfinal at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The Atlas Lions aim to push toward the semifinals after a late winner against Tanzania, while Cameroon arrive buoyed by a dramatic 2-1 win over South Africa. This clash is being billed as an early final, pitting two continental powerhouses against a backdrop of passionate support. The guide below covers TV channels and online options to watch the match.
Bank Al Ahly announced the acceptance of Abdul Wahid Al-Sayed’s resignation from the football director role. The club credited his significant contributions and expressed best wishes for his future. The move comes as Amr El-Gazar’s potential transfer to Al Ahly is being discussed with the club alongside the Bank Al Ahly administration. The situation signals a strategic reshuffle while negotiations continue behind the scenes, with football fans curious about the next chapter.
Turkish defender Merih Demiral reveals the behind-the-scenes moments of his decisive goal in the Saudi Clasico. Al-Ahli Jeddah rallied from a 0-3 deficit to draw 3-3 with Al Hilal, with Demiral striking the final goal in stoppage time. He highlights the fans' role, recalling their energy and his teammates' reactions. He also shares light-hearted reflections on how often he replays the moment and how the crowd fuels belief in a comeback.
After a puzzling showing at the Nairobi Open, the Egyptian Tennis Federation publicly disavows any connection to player Hajar Abdelkader. Abdelkader is said to be unaffiliated with the federation and entered the event on a wildcard invitation arranged by the Kenyan Tennis Association. The federation states it had no role in nominating, approving, or facilitating her entry. The incident has sparked global media commentary, prompting questions about governance and international invitations.
