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Wins, Goals Mark African Qualifiers for 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Saturday saw three exhilarating encounters across Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as teams showcased their prowess on a relatively subdued day for international football.

Bafana Bafana initiated their qualification campaign on a high note by securing a 2-1 victory against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, South Africa’s national team demonstrated promise in their quest for World Cup qualification.

In Group B action at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal asserted their dominance with a commanding 4-0 win over South Sudan. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Sarr set the tone with an early goal in the first minute, followed by Sadio Mane doubling the lead just five minutes later. Lamine Camara extended the advantage to three before Mane completed his brace from the penalty spot 11 minutes into the second half. The emphatic victory positions Senegal as the frontrunners in Group B, signaling a formidable challenge for the other teams, including DR Congo, Sudan, Togo, Mauritania, and South Sudan.

Meanwhile, in Group E, Niger played host to Tanzania at Stade de Marrakech. The lone goal of the match came from the boot of DR Congo-born Charles M’Mombwa, securing a 1-0 victory for Tanzania. M’Mombwa’s strike in the 56th minute marked the beginning of Tanzania’s World Cup qualification journey with a triumph.

Senegal’s early lead in Group B establishes them as a formidable force, and their competitors are aware of the challenges presented by Aliou Cisse’s team. Despite their victory over Niger, Tanzania currently sits second in Group E, trailing leaders Zambia. This group also features Morocco and Congo, with Eritrea initially part of the pool but subsequently withdrawing from the tournament.

As the qualifiers progress, the stage is set for intense competition and strategic battles, with teams vying for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Alisson Becker’s Injury Update: Klopp Reveals Positive News Despite Two-Week Absence

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has provided an update on Alisson Becker’s injury, indicating that the Brazilian goalkeeper’s condition is not as severe as initially feared. However, Alisson will be sidelined for the next two weeks due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury sustained during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Although Alisson managed to complete the match despite the injury, he is set to miss five upcoming games, including the Europa League clash against LASK tomorrow night. Klopp remains optimistic about Alisson’s recovery, targeting his return for the crucial fixture against Manchester United on December 17.

Speaking about the fitness of both Alisson and Diogo Jota, Klopp stated, “Both are out. Ali is a bit lesser, so we have to see. Not day by day — he cannot play tomorrow or Sunday. Probably not, the week after should be kind of OK. Alisson is not as bad [as we thought] but still bad enough. Diogo will take a little bit longer, don’t know exactly.”

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Manchester United’s Champions League Dreams Dangle as Galatasaray Clash Ends in 3-3 Thriller

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Manchester United’s aspirations in the Champions League are on precarious ground following a chaotic 3-3 draw against Galatasaray, leaving Erik ten Hag’s men at the mercy of other results in Group A. Despite a rocking atmosphere at Galatasaray’s Rams Park, the Red Devils squandered a two-goal lead in a frenetic encounter that could spell an early exit from the prestigious tournament.

Needing a win to keep their knockout hopes alive, United witnessed an ideal start with Alejandro Garnacho’s early goal and a sublime 25-yard rocket from Bruno Fernandes in the 18th minute. However, their advantage crumbled as Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick and Scott McTominay’s goal were countered by Galatasaray’s resurgence, fueled by Andre Onana’s howler and a spectacular strike from substitute Kerem Akturkoglu.

The draw leaves Manchester United at the bottom of Group A, and their fate hinges on Wednesday’s late fixtures, where Copenhagen’s victory over Bayern Munich could seal their exit from the Champions League.

The match, played in an ear-splitting atmosphere, saw doubts over its occurrence due to torrential rain in Istanbul, but UEFA gave it the green light after thorough checks.

In the thrilling encounter, Garnacho’s early goal set the tone for United’s dream start, celebrated amidst objects thrown from the stands. Fernandes extended the lead with a powerful long-range shot, but Galatasaray retaliated as Ziyech’s free-kick beat Onana.

Despite Fernandes hitting the post and Facundo Pellistri missing a golden opportunity, Galatasaray clawed back with Akturkoglu’s stunning equalizer in the 71st minute. The relentless back-and-forth continued, with both teams missing chances in a fervent backdrop.

United’s failure to capitalize on Galatasaray’s defensive lapses and Pellistri’s missed opportunity compounded their struggles. Fernandes hit the post once more, and the young Pellistri couldn’t convert a favorable cross from Diogo Dalot.

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Carlo Ancelotti Praises Jude Bellingham’s Impact, Drawing Comparisons to Zinedine Zidane

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Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has drawn parallels between young midfielder Jude Bellingham and former Galactico Zinedine Zidane after an impressive performance in the Champions League. Bellingham’s goal contributed to Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Napoli at the Bernabeu, securing top spot in Group C.

Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge of comparing players across different eras, stating, “It is difficult to compare two different generations.” However, he highlighted distinct qualities in both players, noting Bellingham’s ability to make impactful arrivals inside the area, a trait not as prominent in Zidane. Ancelotti emphasized the demands of modern football, praising Bellingham’s physical strength and quick coverage of the entire field.

The 20-year-old England international joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £88.5 million in June, and his remarkable adaptation to the club has surprised many. With 15 goals in just 16 appearances for the LaLiga giants, Bellingham has become a key asset.

Ancelotti expressed his admiration, stating, “He is spectacular when he arrives in the area. He is a gift for football. He has great talent. He is a modern player, ideal for today’s football, with intensity and ability.” The manager commended Bellingham’s professionalism and seamless integration into the locker room, labeling him a “spectacular signing for the club.”

In the Napoli match, goals from Rodrygo, Nico Paz, and Joselu, along with Bellingham’s contribution, secured the victory for Real Madrid. Despite falling behind to Giovanni Simeone’s opener and a temporary 2-2 tie after Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s goal, Real Madrid dominated in the closing stages.

As they look ahead to domestic action, Real Madrid will face Granada on Saturday, aiming to continue their success in both domestic and international competitions.

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