The second Group B showdown between the Pharaohs and South Africa delivered drama from the first whistle on Friday, December 26. While Egypt’s narrow 1-0 victory dominated the headlines, the match left more questions than answers, with contentious decisions sparking debate and demanding closer inspection long after the final whistle.
Ruben Amorim has revealed he still believes Kobbie Mainoo is the "future of Manchester United", despite the 20-year-old's continued struggles for game time under the Portuguese at Old Trafford. Academy graduate Mainoo has been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club but Amorim suggested that he intends to keep the midfielder and believes that he still can thrive with the Red Devils.
Emmanuel Adebayor has leapt to Mohamed Salah’s defence after Jamie Carragher criticised the Liverpool forward, branding the pundit’s treatment of the Egyptian as "unfair". The former Premier League striker questioned Carragher’s comments and legacy debate, insisting Salah’s achievements and standing in English football demand far greater respect.
Pep Guardiola has admitted he would prefer Manchester City to be top of the Premier League rather than chasing down Christmas leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens have assumed the role of hunting down the early pace-setters, with a current two-point deficit which they will hope to overturn in the coming weeks. But Guardiola has revealed that he would find it easier if his side were "ten points clear of everyone".
After a standout season with Tigres, Ángel Correa has drawn interest beyond Liga MX. Despite being settled in Monterrey and among the league’s top earners, the 30-year-old Argentine forward is reportedly now on Inter Miami’s radar as the club explores ambitious ways to bolster its squad ahead of the 2026 MLS season.
Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrust back into the spotlight after reports emerged of an approach from Fenerbahce, amid growing speculation over his standing under Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian superstar’s agent has now moved to shut down talk of an Istanbul switch, offering clarity on where the 33-year-old’s immediate future may lie.
Bafana Bafana marched into Stade Adrar for their second Group B showdown, locking horns with the mighty Pharaohs on Friday, December 26. Fresh off a spirited 2-1 triumph over Angola in their opener, the South Africans carried momentum and belief, ready to test their mettle against Egypt in a clash brimming with drama, pride and continental stakes.
Arne Slot has backed Hugo Ekitike to continue his electric run in front of goal, praising the Liverpool striker for his "hard work" off the pitch and determination to succeed in what is proving to be a fruitful first season in England. Ekitike looks set to have increasing pressure placed on his shoulders following a broken leg suffered by Alexander Isak, but Slot praised the Frenchman for his efforts to get "fitter and fitter".
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up emotionally ahead of the Reds' final match of 2025, admitting the squad are still struggling to process the devastating loss of Diogo Jota. Speaking as captain, the Dutch defender reflected on a year of extreme highs and heartbreaking lows, as the Merseyside giants prepare for an emotional Anfield clash with Wolves.
For the first time in English football history, Saturday 3PM kick-offs could reportedly be broadcast live on domestic television, with the Premier League and the English Football League set to open formal discussions early next year about lifting the long-standing blackout. England is now the only major footballing nation in Europe to maintain the restriction, which prevents live broadcasts between 2.45PM and 5.15PM on Saturdays.
Mikel Arteta has recalled feeling “hacked off” over Declan Rice’s red card in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton last season - but the head coach is pleased his side’s disciplinary issues are now behind them ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides. The Gunners are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome the Seagulls to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United legend Louis Saha has urged the Red Devils to sign Morgan Rogers in January. The Red Devils will head into a Premier League fixture without Bruno Fernandes for only the second time in almost six years when they host Newcastle United on Boxing Day, a rarity that has intensified debate around the club’s creative depth. The Portuguese captain is sidelined with a hamstring injury and his absence is expected to leave a significant hole in Ruben Amorim’s side at a moment when margins at the top end of the table are unforgiving.
Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock move for their former midfielder James Garner as they look to bolster their depleted options in the upcoming January transfer window. The Red Devils are weighing up whether to swoop for the Everton man as Ruben Amorim plots a midfield revamp which also includes breakout England star Elliot Anderson.
The 33-year-old has not found the going easy since leaving for the Middle East as a free agent after being released by the Glamour Boys after struggling for goals over two seasons at the club. The striker had made his name while with Marumo Gallants where he scored 17 goals in 30 appearances in his final year with them.
Arsenal are edging closer to a significant injury lift after Mikel Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz is on the brink of returning to action. The German forward, absent since undergoing knee surgery in August, is now just days away from rejoining the squad, offering renewed depth and flexibility as the Premier League leaders prepare for a demanding festive schedule.
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly moved a step closer to leaving Barcelona as his representatives prepare to hold a fresh round of talks with the Saudi Pro League over a lucrative move to the Middle East. The Poland international is also being courted by Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Roman Abramovich has assembled a formidable legal team as a protracted court battle in Jersey continues to block the release of billions of pounds from the sale of Chelsea, funds that were pledged for victims of the war in Ukraine. While the £5.3bn dispute over frozen assets on the island remains unresolved, Abramovich is refusing to bow to mounting political pressure to immediately release the money.
Erling Haaland issued a cheeky two-word jibe in the direction of Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager warned his players not to overindulge on Christmas Day. The Norway international’s playful response comes after the City head coach delivered his stern ultimatum ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The 21-year-old has been recognised just five months after signing for Al Ettifaq from the Buccaneers, underlining the promise he has already shown and hinting at even bigger contributions in the months ahead. The award is a timely reward that could also serve as a major confidence boost at the ongoing AFCON finals, inspiring him to perform at a higher level and emerge as one of the tournament’s standout players.
Lamine Yamal’s love of the game knows no bounds as the Barcelona wonderkid was spotted playing beach football with a group of children while enjoying his Christmas time off. The teenage sensation has been taking in plenty of sun, sea and sand while holidaying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Spanish football having shut down for the winter break.
Mason Mount believes "there’s an opportunity" to still make England's 2026 World Cup squad as the Manchester United midfielder enjoys a resurgence under Ruben Amorim. After years disrupted by injury, inconsistency and a painful separation from Chelsea, the 26-year-old is finally enjoying a sustained run of starts that feels like progress rather than promise.
William Saliba has called on Arsenal to end their trophy drought in style by pushing hard to win an unprecedented quadruple this season. The Gunners are currently well-poised in their pursuit of a first piece of silverware since the 2019-20 season, with the France international insisting he and his team-mates are good enough to claim all four trophies in 2025-26.
City Football Group have brought their association with Mumbai City FC to a close, ending one of the most significant foreign investments in Indian football amid deepening uncertainty over the future of the Indian Super League. The CFG-owned network, which also controls Manchester City, has divested its entire shareholding in the Mumbai-based club, returning full ownership to founding partners Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh.
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