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Sérgio Conceição names the XI for Al Ittihad to face Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema remains the focal point, flanked by Fernandes and Berghuis. The Shabab lineup, coached by Immanuel Alguacil, features Grohe in goal and a dynamic frontline. Ittihad sit ninth with 14 points, while Shabab trail with eight as the cup clash looms.
Cristiano Ronaldo sparked a late brace as Al Nassr defeated Al Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League. He opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a clever header from Joao Felix’s corner, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. A dramatic late finish in stoppage time secured the second goal, mirroring a famous strike against Juventus in Cardiff. The performance blends past European glory with current domestic form, leaving fans buzzing.
Arsenal suffer a fresh setback as Jurriën Timber is ruled out with an injury ahead of the Brighton clash. Timber started the cup win over Crystal Palace but felt pain that forced him off. The Standard reports he arrived at the Emirates but was not named in the matchday squad, sparking questions about Arteta's lineup. The manager cited precaution to protect him ahead of the Aston Villa game, while Arsenal's backline also copes with other injuries.
Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 away to briefly top the Premier League. Tijani Reinders scored twice, with Omri Hutchinson equalizing for Forest in between. Guardiola joked about shedding Christmas weight as his side triumphed, while praising Nottingham’s character. City now sit on 40 points, Arsenal nearby, and Forest remain in the relegation mix.
A relative of Hakim Ziyech fires a bold dig after Morocco’s draw with Mali in AFCON. Morocco had started with a win over Comoros before the Mali stalemate. Ziyech’s absence from the squad adds to the ongoing scrutiny, while the team faces criticism for failing to close out the game. The World Cup 2022 glory still lingers in memory as the current squad contends with expectations and controversy.
Issa Mandi, Algeria’s defender, commends the flawless organization of AFCON 2025 in Morocco and highlights the quality of venues and conditions. He speaks ahead of Algeria's Burkina Faso clash, praising the setup and emphasizing the benefits of favorable weather for all teams. Mandi also lauds Riyad Mahrez as a leader who carries the squad, following their strong start against Sudan. Algeria aims to build on the 3-0 win against Sudan as the tournament progresses.
Manchester United hosts Newcastle United on Boxing Day at Old Trafford for the 18th round of the Premier League. It marks the first Boxing Day with a single league game on the holiday. The match pits two clubs with opposite Boxing Day legacies: United leads with 22 wins, while Newcastle has suffered 16 losses. United sit seventh with 26 points, three more than Newcastle in 11th. Expect a festive showdown rich in history and late-season momentum.
Zed reached the Egypt Cup Round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Ji in Cairo. Mata Magasa scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute after a pass from Ahmed Adel Messi. Shikabala, Ji’s sporting director, attended the match. Zed now faces Masry Port Said in the next round as the knockout stage heats up.
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim addressed rumors linking Joshua Zerkezzi to a move to Italy's Serie A. He stated that leaving the club would be difficult without a proper replacement. The coach described the squad situation as an emergency with limited resources. Ahead of a Premier League clash with Newcastle United, he emphasized the need to win with no excuses.
Montpellier Hérault SC mourns the death of former coach Jean-Louis Gasset at 72. He steered the club on three occasions and began his ties with Montpellier as a player from 1975 to 1985. The club’s statement praises his professionalism, kindness, and lasting impact on the team and its supporters. Gasset also coached several top clubs and the Ivory Coast national team, and worked with Laurent Blanc in the past. The club extends heartfelt condolences to his family.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's return to competition as Gabon enters AFCON 2025 unsettles Olympique Marseille. The 36-year-old forward appeared in the 33rd minute against Cameroon, finishing after roughly an hour. Marseille's medical staff did not anticipate such a quick return. The club fears a relapse could threaten AFCON participation and the rest of the season.
Egypt’s coach unveils a balanced starting XI for the AFCON clash with South Africa, inserting Ramy Rabia in defense and moving Ahmed Sayed Zizo into a deeper attacking role. The Pharaohs aim for a win to secure progression from the group after a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe. The match, held in Agadir at Adrar Stadium, tests Egypt’s resilience and tactical balance. A strong bench provides flexibility as the group stage continues with Angola looming on Monday.
Angola and Zimbabwe played to a 1-1 draw in Marrakech, keeping both teams alive in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage. Gelson Dala put Angola ahead in the 24th minute, while Knowledge Musona equalized late in first-half stoppage time. The result leaves Angola and Zimbabwe on one point each, with Egypt and South Africa to come in the same group. A tense duel with late drama, but no winner today.
Nigeria's head coach Eric Shill previews a high-stakes AFCON 2025 clash with Tunisia, stressing respect for the opponent and the need for focus. Tunisia opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Uganda, taking early control of Group Three. The piece highlights key quotes from Shill and Tunisia's early form, setting the scene for a marquee group-stage encounter. Both sides aim to assert top spot and showcase their continental ambitions.
Al-Fateh stunned Al-Ahli with a long-range strike just before halftime. Al-Ahli sit fourth in the Roshen Pro League with a strong start, while Al-Fateh linger near the bottom with five points. Vargas' goal exposed Al-Ahli's vulnerability in Mendy's absence. Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi is slated to replace him as the team adjusts to AFCON 2025 in Morocco. Vargas also previously troubled Ittihad, signaling a rising threat against the two giants of Jeddah.
Brazilian defender Renan Lodi comments on his dispute with Al Hilal as he moves to Atlético Mineiro on a January free transfer. The move comes after a unilateral contract termination earlier this season, with FIFA involved in the dispute. Lodi says his focus remains on playing and training while lawyers handle the case. Al Hilal has pressed a FIFA-backed suit to protect its financial and moral rights, as both sides await a resolution.
Sevilla defender Marcao has been sanctioned by the Spanish federation following his red card against Real Madrid. The disciplinary committee announced a six-match ban, though the referee’s report mentions four matches for insults. The incident involved confrontations with the referee and subsequent misconduct, drawing attention to Sevilla’s discipline in La Liga. The decision raises questions about how disciplinary actions are described and applied in Spain.
Tunisia's head coach Sami Al-Tarablisi says his team is fully prepared for the Nigeria game in AFCON 2025. The mood is high after a win over Uganda. He argues Nigeria's World Cup absence won't affect their plan, focusing on their own performance. Tunisia aims for a positive result to stay in contention. The match promises a tactical, disciplined battle.
Raja Casablanca receive a morale boost as Ismail Khafi returns to full group training after an injury. He had been sidelined since the December 8 friendly against Al Wehda in Saudi Arabia. The club confirmed his return through its Facebook page. Raja sits fourth in the Moroccan Pro League with 15 points, while leaders Wydad Casablanca have 20 from eight games.
Saudi referees committee has announced Week 11 officials for the Roshen Pro League, highlighting a Dutch-led crew for the Hilal-Gulf game in Riyadh. The match will feature a Dutch head referee with Erwin Zeinstra and Patrik Inya as assistants, while Abdullah Zarban serves as fourth official and VAR is handled by Paul van Boekel and Rogier Honig. The Dutch official has prior Saudi experience, including recent seasons’ fixtures. The piece blends official duties with historical notes and a light touch of humor to keep fans entertained.
