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Semenyo shines in Manchester City's Carabao Cup semi-final, scoring in his second competitive outing. A late second goal was disallowed by VAR, adding drama to the tie. He previously found the net in his FA Cup bow, and analysts highlight his rising season tally. City push forward in pursuit of silverware.
A new crisis threatens to overshadow the Saudi Pro League as Al-Hazm challenges a federation decision to relocate a home game to Buraydah. The club argues that hosting at their stadium preserves fairness, fan engagement, and financial viability. The league says the schedule serves the broader interests of the competition. The dispute highlights the ongoing debate over home advantage in Saudi football.
Manchester City faced Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park. Antoine Semenyo struck twice, including a breathtaking volley, but a VAR review citing Haaland’s possible offside led to the goal being disallowed. The drama kept fans on edge as the decisive second leg looms. City still have work to do to overturn the deficit.
Morocco head into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria backed by a near-impenetrable defense. Opta highlights show a stingy record: only one goal conceded in five matches, just four shots on target faced, four clean sheets, and a 70.4% tackle success rate. Nigeria, however, brings a potent attack that has troubled opponents before. The clash promises a tight, tense duel where Morocco’s fortress could decide the outcome.
Egypt seeks a historic AFCON final appearance by beating Senegal in the semifinals in Morocco. The match is at Ibn Battouta Stadium in Tangier, revisiting the 2021 final won by Senegal. A win would push Egypt into a 10th AFCON final, a mark few teams have reached. The winner advances to the final against Morocco or Nigeria, with the title match scheduled for Sunday.
Saudi pundit Walid Al-Faraj criticizes Al-Ittihad after a 1-1 draw with Damac, arguing the team lacked fighting spirit. The result leaves Al-Ittihad on 27 points and narrows the gap to the title contenders. The show underscored late-game intensity and questioned the team’s mentality as the title race tightens. A tense reminder of how a single point can shift momentum in the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
Racing Santander plans a guard of honor for Barcelona before their Copa del Rey clash, following Barça’s Spanish Super Cup triumph in Saudi Arabia. The move is lauded by multiple newspapers as a mature act of sportsmanship. Barcelona’s president reacts to Mbappé’s behavior during the Super Cup final, underscoring the need for respect in victory and defeat. The episode highlights ongoing debates about values in football beyond rivalries and trophies.
Heavy snow and freezing conditions forced the postponement of Bayer Leverkusen vs Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen announced the delay on Tuesday, citing safety concerns at the Volksparkstadion. A new date will be announced soon. Leverkusen, currently fourth, will travel to Hoffenheim on Saturday, while Hamburg hosts Borussia Monchengladbach on the same day.
Manchester United has officially appointed Michael Carrick as interim manager through the end of the season. His backroom team includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Bienion, Jonny Evans, and Craig Mawson. Darren Fletcher will continue his work with the under-18s. Carrick expresses pride and a clear plan to restore standards while navigating a challenging run of results.
Former Nigeria and Manchester United star Odion Ighalo gave Kooora an exclusive AFCON preview. He predicts Nigeria will beat Morocco 2-1, while Senegal could either win on penalties or by 2-1 against Egypt. Nigeria and Egypt face Morocco and Senegal in the semis, respectively, with Nigeria’s prior quarterfinal victory over Algeria and Egypt’s over Ivory Coast. The final forecast? Nigeria lifting the trophy over Senegal.
Two Al Hilal players are nearing departures in the winter transfer window, but neither will leave Riyadh. The club is juggling multiple options, including summoning new signings and parting with some players. Abdulilah Al-Maliki is reportedly close to joining Al-Diriyah, while Kaio Cesar’s future is also being discussed amid interest from other teams. The derby day exclusion of Kaio Cesar adds tension to the ongoing talks, as Al Hilal weighs its options amid a busy market.
Algerian winger Anis Haj Musa of Feyenoord has attracted major European attention after an impressive AFCON 2025. He tallied seven goals and three assists in the first half of the season and delivered key moments for Algeria in the tournament. Chelsea are reportedly evaluating a winter move, with talks and interest already circulating. The development signals a rising trend of North African talents drawing interest from top clubs.
Karim Benzema, captaining Al-Ittihad, was hooked at halftime in the Saudi Pro League clash with Damac. The French striker appeared hampered by an ankle issue during warm-ups, prompting a tactical reshuffle by coach Sergio Conceicao. Saleh Al-Shehri took over the attack as the team pressed for a result. Benzema has been prolific this season, with 18 appearances and 15 goals. The shift leaves Al-Ittihad seeking medical clarity ahead of upcoming fixtures, plus a locker-room cough of relief from fans who finally got a longer warm-up break.
Jude Bellingham strongly denies claims of a dressing-room split during Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid. The uproar followed reports from The Athletic about tensions, allegedly contributing to Alonso’s departure after the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Bellingham’s statement pushes back on sources and urges readers to question sensational headlines. The piece connects context to a broader saga around squad dynamics and leadership in Madrid.
The Egyptian Basketball Federation announced the appointment of Spanish coach Augusti Golbi as head coach of the men’s national team. The decision followed a vetting process of several foreign candidates. Golbi brings extensive coaching experience across top clubs, and the federation hopes his leadership will spark a new era for Egypt ahead of World Cup qualifiers. Expect a tactical, fast-paced style with a dash of humor on the sideline.
A Nigerian legend delivers a bold pre-match message ahead of the AFCON semifinal against Morocco. He praises Nigeria’s performance against Algeria and claims the Moroccan team now fears the Eagles. The piece notes a social post and a 60,000-strong home crowd expected in the stands. The title suggests a tense, high-stakes clash with a confident backdrop.
In a 1-1 draw between Al-Ittihad and Damac, Brazilian midfielder Fabinho was sent off with a second yellow in stoppage time. The dismissal rules him out of the next league match against Al-Ettifaq. It marks his second red card of the season and the third with Al-Ittihad since arriving in 2023. The incident adds to a surprising disciplinary tally for a player who had not been sent off before joining the club.
Al-Ittihad defender Muhannad Al-Shenqiti reflects on a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Damac. He acknowledges the difficulty of the match and vows a strong comeback. The post-match notes highlight a disallowed goal and a resilient collective effort, with faith and fans playing a key role. The piece closes with a light, Sniper-style quip to keep the mood upbeat.
Al-Ittihad is reportedly pursuing Jihad Zakri from Al-Qadsiah to reinforce their defense during the January transfer window. Coach Sergio Conceicao is pushing for several additions to strengthen key areas. Zakri, a Saudi international defender, is at the center of talks amid interest from other clubs, with a loan arrangement being explored. The move would heighten competition for central defense in the Saudi Pro League.
Joao Cancelo joins Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal after praising Barca's attacking, possession-based style. He reflects on a Super Cup win over Real Madrid, vows to adapt quickly, and confirms that this Barcelona is stronger than the one he previously knew. He also shares optimism about Lamine Yamal and the squad’s future, while stressing that rival Madrid’s fate doesn’t touch Barca. A couple of light-hearted quips close the piece.
