Match

The 2024/25 finalists and one-time champions were not convincing at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday night in the CAF inter-club competition. They struggled against the Sudanese outfit despite the massive quality that they had on the pitch. The result put Miguel Cardoso under pressure since he had the needed resources to succeed.

Cristiano Ronaldo got on the scoresheet and Joao Felix was the star of the show as Al-Nassr earnt a fourth straight Saudi Pro League victory in a 3-0 win at Al-Kholood. The win puts Jorge Jesus' side just three points off leaders Al-Hilal and saw Portuguese duo Ronaldo and Felix at the centre of things, as the 40-year-old opened the scoring from close range before Mohamed Simakan headed home a Felix corner and Kingsley Coman struck from the spot to make the result safe.

The race for the South African top-tier crown is interesting as the top dogs continue to get positive results. Apart from the Brazilians, who have won the last eight editions, the Buccaneers are determined to beat them to the prize in this edition. However, the Glamour Boys and Babina Nko have shown they can also win it.

The Glamour Boys are rebuilding this season, but have not been that busy as opposed to their rivals. Despite ending their trophy drought in the 2024/25 season, it seems Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will benefit as they lead the race for the title. It is interesting to see how Amakhosi will deal with the current gap.

Nottingham Forest and Celtic have been handed demanding routes to the last 16 of the Europa League following the knockout round play-off draw. Martin O'Neill’s Celtic side must overcome Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, while Forest face an intimidating two-legged clash against Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Both British sides face crucial tests in February as they bid to join Aston Villa in the next stage of the competition.

South Africa is expected to submit a bid to host the continental tournament. According to the top government official, a joint bid is expected alongside neighbouring countries. If South Africa wins the hosting rights, it will have another chance to try and win the AFCON trophy on home soil, having done so in 1996.

Although Bucs have made some significant signings, two exits have defined their transfer business in the January window. The exit of Monnapule Saleng to Mamelodi Sundowns and Ndah's contract termination grabbed headlines. Now, after the centre-back's exit from Bucs was confirmed, he has been linked with a move to Masandawana.

The Glamour Boys have confirmed the exit of the goalkeeper at a time their fans are waiting to see if a new player will be signed for the first team. Unlike Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Amakhosi have not yet strengthened the first team, which sends a signal that they are satisfied with the current playing unit. Meanwhile, there is stiff competition in the goalkeeping department at Chiefs currently, with Brandon Petersen the number one choice given his performance.

When the two teams meet in Rwanda, there will be two critical factors to play for: three points and the top position of the group. Both the Sudanese giants and Masandawana have five points, and a winner of the encounter will massively boost their chances of reaching the knockout phase.

Villarreal have completed the signing of U.S. international Alex Freeman on a deal that lasts through 2032. The 21-year-old arrives from Orlando City after a breakout season, as the Yellow Submarine add a full back viewed as ready to compete immediately in LaLiga. The Yellow Submarine are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight.

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has not minced his words when assessing this season's Premier League title race, while sticking the boot into leaders Arsenal. The Gunners could have gone nine points clear earlier this month, but as it stands, Mikel Arteta's men are just four points ahead of City. Now, the Portugal international has vowed to fight Arsenal tooth and nail to finish this campaign on top.

Roberto De Zerbi is in 'great danger' of being sacked after his Marseille side were dumped out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. The French side looked to be limping through to the play-off stage of the competition despite losing 3-0 to Club Brugge on Wednesday night. But Benfica's last-gasp 4-2 win over Real Madrid ensured Jose Mourinho's side pipped Marseille to the last qualifying spot.

Crystal Dunn, a cornerstone of the USWNT’s most successful era, announced her retirement at 33. A World Cup winner, Olympic gold medalist and NWSL MVP, Dunn steps away after a career defined by versatility, big-game performances and a lasting impact on and off the field. At club level, she starred with the North Carolina Courage, Washington Spirit, Chelsea and other top teams.

The Soweto giants have been balancing their books in the wake of the wholesale purchases they made in both the offseason and the current transfer window. However, the recent decision was to part ways with one of the influential figures in the Buccaneers dressing room. It will also raise questions regarding the team's PSL ambition.

The Sea Robbers have had a strong run in domestic competitions this season, winning the two tournaments - MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, respectively. The Buccaneers are still determined to win the top-tier crown as well as the Nedbank Cup since they have what they need to go all the way. However, the supporters have been warned that nothing is guaranteed.

The Glamour Boys are showing their hunger to deliver the South African top-tier crown in the 2025/26 campaign. Despite being regarded as the dark horses, Amakhosi are proving to be serious title contenders with critical wins against some tricky teams. They are just two points behind the defending champions.

Fans have been left in disbelief after Anatoliy Trubin scored a sensational 98th-minute header to keep Benfica in the Champions League. The goalkeeper was sent up for a last-gasp free-kick against nine-man Real Madrid by head coach Jose Mourinho and, amazingly, powered a stunning header beyond Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner.

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a remarkable 98th-minute goal to send Jose Mourinho's side into the Champions League playoffs after beating Real Madrid 4-2. The Portuguese giants were heading out of the competition on goal difference but the keeper's last-gasp effort sparked wild celebrations at Estadio da Luz on Wednesday. The result also meant nine-man Los Blancos face a two-legged playoff in February.

Harry Kane went from zero to hero as his late goal ensured Bayern Munich beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 to end their Champions League league phase campaign on a high. Jamal Musiala gave the visitors the lead in a breathless game at Philips Stadion before Kane's sloppy pass led to Ismael Saibari's long-range stunner. But the England captain righted his previous wrong with the winner to dump 10-man PSV out of the competition.

The Soweto giants leapt one place up the Premier Soccer League ladder to position two just behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. This followed the victory over Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday. It was a result that keeps Amakhosi firmly in contention for the league title.

Rats have been spotted at the newly-refurbished Camp Nou, just days after Barcelona's sparkling new stadium sprung leaks during the club's La Liga clash with Real Oviedo. A new viral video has shown rodents frolicking by the side of the new playing surface, just hours before they are scheduled to play Copenhagen in the Champions League.

United States Women's National Team manager Emma Hayes joined Trinity Rodman in performing the viral "Sexy Dexy" dance after the star scored in a thumping win over Chile in midweek. The former Chelsea boss drew laughter from her squad after copying Rodman's moves.

The Stellies are determined to get back into the top positions on the Premier Soccer League table. In the off-season transfer window, they lost some big names to top teams in the country, something that weakened them. It got worse when coach Steve Barker dumped them for Tanzanian Premier League heavyweights Simba SC.

With the emerging keepers at Naturena, the Amakhosi senior team is expected not to struggle for top stars in that department. However, the challenge for the Soweto giants is to produce dependable goalkeepers who can match or go above Itumeleng Khune in terms of performance and longevity. Replacing the former Bafana Bafana custodian has been a mission that Chiefs have not successfully accomplished since Khune left in 2024.

Neymar has returned to training with Santos following his latest injury lay-off and has been joined on the training ground by partner Bruna Biancardi and their two children. Daughter Mavie stole the show as she gave her famous father a helping hand as he closes in on a return to action following knee surgery. Neymar recently extended his contract with Santos through to the end of 2026.

The tactician is unhappy that he was illegally dismissed before being asked to go back, but as an assistant to an ex-Manchester City star who had taken over. The South African believes the ex-club has a case to answer, explaining the reason for seeking legal redress. He is unhappy that he was lied to when he had already signed a contract with them.

In a bid to get a constant supply of future stars, the Sea Robbers have added two upcoming youngsters into their ranks. Considered promising talents that could be the next big names in the South African football circles, Bucs have moved with speed to ensure they belong to them. In recent times, the Soweto giants have produced top stars who have ended up making their names at relatively young ages.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions are working hard to ensure they have enough depth. Apart from the domestic assignments, the Brazilians are hoping to win the CAF Champions League after falling in last season's final to Pyramids. Coach Miguel Cardoso is under pressure to deliver, explaining the new arrivals.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has claimed that he's "transformed" Scott McTominay into a "complete player" since the Scotland international's switch from Manchester United. The midfielder was named Serie A Player of the Year last season after helping fire Napoli to the Scudetto. He's since been joined at the club by former United team-mate Rasmus Hojlund, who has also come in for praise from his manager.