Category: Sport News

Morocco and Mali eye Olympic football tournament knockout phase
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Mali eye Olympic football knockout phase

A victory for Morocco and Mali would place them in a favourable position in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024 on Saturday.

Group B – Morocco could advance to the knockout stages by defeating Ukraine on Saturday at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, following their dramatic victory over Argentina. Kick-off at 17:00. – Ukraine v Morocco.

Valentyn Rubchynskyi scored Ukraine’s first-ever goal in the last tournament, in their 2-1 loss to Iraq. Morocco has never defeated a European team in 11 previous attempts at the Games.

“I watched highlights of the Argentina vs. Morocco game, and both teams are outstanding and very dangerous. We will try to analyze the mistakes they made in the previous game and use that knowledge to our advantage on the pitch.” – Maksym Talovierov, Ukraine defender.

Group D – West African team Mali could put themselves in a strong position with a win over Japan at the Stade de following their 1-1 draw with Israel.

Japan’s 5-0 victory over Paraguay last time out was their biggest win at the Olympics. Mali are undefeated in normal time at the Games. Their only defeat to date came in extra time against Italy in the quarter-finals of Athens 2004.

“We did well to win our first match but that counts for nothing if we lose the next one. We’re preparing now as well as we can for this next match (against Mail),” Shota Fujio, Japan forward.

Japan v Mali – Stade de Bordeaux Kick-off: 21:00
Africa's representatives have crucial encounters today in Paris for Match Day Two of the football tournament.
Africa's representatives have crucial encounters today in Paris for Match Day Two of the football tournament.
Opening defeat for Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics
by FSL News

Opening defeat for Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics

USA 3-0 Zambia – Goals: Rodman (17), Swanson (24, 25)

In the women’s football event at the Paris Olympics, the teams representing Africa, namely Nigeria and Zambia, both experienced defeat in their respective opening matches on Thursday.

Emma Hayes’ USA team in Paris showed they are determined to win a fifth gold medal. They played exceptionally well against Zambia winning 3-0.

Trinity Rodman scored their first goal after 17 minutes. Mallory Swanson then scored two goals quickly.

Zambia’s chances were further diminished when Pauline Zulu was sent off for a foul just before half-time. This allowed the USA to win comfortably.

What they said…

“Players have been in major tournaments before and we know that confidence is key. So to start like this propels us on to the next game.”Lindsay Horan, USA captain

Nigeria 0-1 Brazil – Goals: Nunes (37)

In the Paris 2024 competition, Brazil commenced their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Nigeria. The South American team gained an advantage when Marta, shortly after having a goal disallowed due to offside, executed an exquisite reverse pass to Gabi Nunes who, with two touches, spectacularly propelled the ball into the net. Despite an attempt by Marta to hit the post in the latter half, Brazil adeptly maintained their position to clinch a victory, securing all three points.

What they said…

“I’m really happy with this game. It was tough, but our team is amazing. We worked hard to play well, and I’m pleased to have scored and helped the team. Now, it’s time to rest and enjoy this moment.” – Gabi Nunes, Brazil’s goal scorer.

“Brazil is well-prepared. Arthur is doing an excellent job, and we saw today how strong our group is. Nigeria is a tough team, but we deserved to win. Our team is united and always ready to compete for the first place.” – Lorena, Brazil’s goalkeeper.

Next at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024
Sunday, 28 July

17:00 | New Zealand v Colombia

17:00 | Brazil v Japan

19:00 | Australia v Zambia

19:00 | Spain v Nigeria

21:00 | France v Canada

21:00 | USA v Germany

Nigerian native David Ozoh joins Derby County
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian native David Ozoh joins Derby County

David Ozoh, a 19-year-old central midfielder hailing from Nigerian parents, has joined the Rams on a season-long loan from a Premier League side Crystal Palace to gain valuable match experience.

He is an England youth international and featured 12 times for the Eagles last season, with nine of those appearances in the Premier League.

Ozoh is the sixth summer signing for manager Paul Warne, following the arrivals of Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Ebou Adams.

Ozoh was born in Valencia, Spain, to Nigerian parents. He joined Crystal Palace’s Academy at eight years old, signed professional terms in August 2022, and made his senior debut in January 2023 at the age of 17, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player.

He made 11 senior appearances in the 2023/24 season and represented England at Under-18 level on five occasions.

In a thrilling match held in Nice, New Zealand overcame a valiant challenge from Guinea to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory, while the Pharaohs of Egypt were held to a goalless draw.
by FSL News

Opening Olympics Defeat for Guinea as Egypt share spoils

Group A Guinea 1-2 New Zealand – Scorers: Garbett (25), Diawara (72), Waine (76)

In a thrilling match held in Nice, New Zealand overcame a valiant challenge from Guinea to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory, while the Pharaohs of Egypt were held to a goalless draw.

Guinea’s match saw a dramatic turn of events as Matthew Garbett, who missed a penalty in the 24th minute, quickly redeemed himself by finding the back of the net just a minute later, giving New Zealand the lead.

Guinea showed their determination and persistence and managed to equalize in the 72nd minute through a spectacular long-range strike from Amadou Diawara, with the ball weaving through a crowded penalty area to make it 1-1.

However, New Zealand refused to be denied and staged a spirited comeback, culminating in a 76th-minute goal from Ben Waine, whose decisive strike ultimately secured the victory for the New Zealand team.

Group C Egypt 0-0 Dominican Republic

The match between Egypt and the Dominican Republic ended in a 0-0 draw in Nantes. Both teams had opportunities to score, but the goalkeepers, Xavier Valdez for the Dominican Republic and Hamza Alaa for Egypt were exceptional and kept a clean sheet.

Alaa made a noteworthy save by tipping away a free-kick from Peter Gonzalez in the 70th minute.

Despite Egypt’s efforts to secure a late win, the Dominican Republic’s defence held firm, resulting in a shared point for both teams.

Up next

Saturday 27 July

15:00: Dominican Republic v Spain

15:00: Argentina v Iraq

17:00: Uzbekistan v Egypt

17:00: Ukraine v Morocco

19:00: New Zealand v USA

19:00: Israel v Paraguay

21:00: France v Guinea

21:00: Japan v Mali

Cheikna Doumbia nets as Relentless Mali salvage a point
by FSL News

Cheikna Doumbia nets as Relentless Mali salvage a point

Despite trailing, Mali’s unwavering determination and grit enabled them to clinch a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the Paris 2024 Men’s Football Competition against Israel.

Despite dominating possession, Mali struggled to capitalize and had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris.

Mali, making their second appearance in the Olympics, showed great determination, coming from behind to secure a point.

Cheikna Doumbia was a constant threat for Mali and scored the equalizer after an own goal from Diallo Hamidou had given Israel the lead.

Despite the setback, Mali kept pushing forward and eventually found the equalizer through Doumbia’s header.

This result puts Mali in third place in the group, with upcoming matches against group leaders Japan and Paraguay, who lost 5-0 to Japan in their earlier fixture.