Category: Sport News

DR Congo edge Nigeria to reach inter-confederation play-off
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo edge Nigeria to reach inter-confederation play-off

The DR Congo maintained their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 in a penalty shootout in Rabat on Sunday evening, after a 1-1 draw that extended into extra time during the African play-off final.

Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles ahead in the third minute, but Meschack Elia equalised the score in the 32nd minute, and after 120 intense minutes, captain Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty to propel the Leopards into the inter-confederation play-off scheduled for March in Mexico.

Nigeria’s aspirations come to an end at this point. – Held at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the match had a crucial prize: a spot in the six-team play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup spots are up for grabs.

Nigeria, fresh off a 4-1 victory over Gabon, started strong, with Onyeka scoring after a deflection from Tuanzebe. DR Congo equalised when Elia capitalised on a mistake by Ndidi, levelling the score.

The match settled into a pattern, with Nigeria pushing forward through Iwobi and the wings, while DR Congo remained disciplined and dangerous on counterattacks, led by Mbemba.

After halftime, Osimhen came close to scoring twice, but both teams struggled to break through as fatigue set in. In the penalty shootout, Nigeria faltered after an initial equal exchange, while Mbemba scored the winning penalty for DR Congo.

This victory marks DR Congo’s first step towards the inter-confederation play-off from March 23-31, 2026. Nigeria will reflect on missed opportunities and a strong start that did not lead to victory.

Striker Augustine Williams and Hounds reach USL Final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams and Hounds reach USL Final

For the first time in 26 years, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will compete in a league final after a 1-0 win over Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Final. They will face FC Tulsa in the USL Championship Final on Saturday, Nov. 22, at noon on CBS.

Robbie Mertz scored the decisive goal just 10 minutes into the second half, igniting a crowd of 6,745 fans. Goalkeeper Eric Dick made a season-high five saves, securing his 15th shutout and setting a new single-season record for the Hounds.

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams recorded nine goals in all competitions, helping the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the process. Island started strong, with Noah Fuson forcing Dick into a diving save early on.

The Hounds gained momentum when Marc Ybarra’s foul on Perrin Barnes led to a yellow card. Danny Griffin came close to scoring in the 36th minute, but his effort was denied by goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Mertz received a nod from Griffin, skillfully cut inside, and scored with a shot that hit under the crossbar. The situation worsened for Rhode Island five minutes later when Ybarra received a red card, leaving them with 10 men.

Dick shone in the 74th minute, denying JJ Williams on a breakaway and making another critical save from a free kick. The Hounds’ defence held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time, clinching the victory without conceding another shot on goal.

Burkina Faso and Uganda advance to the U17 World Cup round of 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso and Uganda advance to the U17 World Cup round of 16

Burkina Faso and Uganda have joined Mali, Morocco, England, Italy, Japan, Korea DPR, Austria, and Uzbekistan in advancing to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

It was a remarkable day for Uganda and Burkina Faso, as the newcomers to the World Cup fought hard to overcome Senegal. At the same time, Oscar Barro’s team stunned reigning champions Germany to secure their places in the knockout stage.

England, Italy, and Japan also enjoyed comfortable victories, with Korea DPR narrowly defeating Venezuela and Uzbekistan winning against Croatia in a tense penalty shootout.

In the matches:

– Senegal fell to Uganda 0-1, with Walusimbi scoring the only goal in the 15th minute. Edrisah Waibi from Uganda was named Player of the Match.

– Burkina Faso edged out Germany with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Zongo in the 5th minute. Mohamed Zongo earned the Player of the Match award for his stellar performance.

– Japan triumphed over South Africa with a decisive 3-0 victory, featuring goals from Asada (48), Yoshida (59), and Fujii (72). Antony Udemba Motosuna was recognised as the Player of the Match for Japan.

Elsewhere, Austria secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a pair of late goals against Tunisia. The first half saw a tight contest, with Austrian forward Dominik Dobis missing a chance after being thwarted by Tunisia’s goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar.

However, Austria changed the game in the closing stages when Bouaskar fouled Vasilije Markovic in the penalty area, allowing Johannes Moser to convert the ensuing penalty.

Shortly after, they struck again when a shot from Mazen Slama Essefi took a significant deflection and found the back of the net, sealing Austria’s victory.

Egypt knockout of U17 World Cup after defeat to Switzerland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt knocked out of U17 World Cup after defeat to Switzerland

At the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, Switzerland produced a complete team performance to see off Egypt and book their spot in the Round of 16.

They drew first blood when Nevio Scherrer slotted them in front early on. The Swiss then netted one of the finest team goals of the tournament to make it 2-0, with Ethan Bruchez applying the finishing touch after a scintillating one-touch move.

Jill Stiel got Switzerland’s third after the break, finishing smartly from the edge of the area. Anas Roshdy netted a late consolation for Egypt, but the result had already been put beyond doubt.

Mali beat Zambia to set date with Morocco in U17 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali beat Zambia to set date with Morocco in U17 World Cup

Raymond Bomba and Seydou Dembele formed a formidable partnership as Mali outshone Zambia, setting themselves up for a Round of 16 showdown against Morocco, who knocked out the USA.

Raymond Bomba and Seydou Dembele formed a formidable partnership as Mali outshone Zambia, setting themselves up for a Round of 16 showdown against Morocco, who knocked out the USA.

Mali showcased their attacking prowess early on and thought they had taken the lead when Seydou Dembele fired in a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

However, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Bomba in the buildup. Undeterred, the big striker celebrated his earlier shot by somersaulting in excitement early in the second half.

This time, Dembele turned provider, sending in a brilliant free-kick that allowed Bomba to rise and nod it in at the near post.

Zambia fought back, levelling the score when Kelvin Chipelu delivered a perfect right-foot cross that Mapalo Simute expertly finished off. But Mali regained their advantage with a well-crafted effort from Dembele, followed by a late goal from Lamine Keita to secure a 3-1 victory.

Final Score: Zambia 1-3 Mali  – Zambia’s goal: Simute (63)  –  Mali goals: Bomba (51), Dembele (85), Keita (90+2)  

Player of the Match: Seydou Dembele (Mali)

In the other match, the USA faced Morocco, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Jude Terry opened the scoring for the States with a well-placed shot from a Cavan Sullivan cut-back, but they missed a golden opportunity to double their lead when Mathis Albert misfired from the penalty spot just after halftime.

Morocco capitalised on that missed chance after having one goal ruled out for offside. They equalised stunningly with a solo effort from Abdellah Ouazane.

With the score tied, the match went to penalties, where Morocco’s Chouaib Bellaarouch shone brightly, saving attempts from Cooper Sanchez and Maxi Carrizo, ultimately guiding Morocco to victory.

Final Score: USA 1-1 Morocco (Morocco wins 4-3 on penalties)  

USA goal: Terry (21) – Morocco goal: Ouazane (90)  

Player of the Match: Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco)