In a grand celebration of its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, Angola is set to host Lionel Messi and the World Cup-winning Argentina national soccer team as special guests this week. The festivities, which commenced on Wednesday, will feature an exhibition match between Angola’s national team and Argentina on Friday at the iconic 11 November Stadium in Luanda, named in honor of the country’s independence day. Reports indicate that Angola has invested a staggering $13 million to secure the participation of the reigning world champions. The Argentine squad is scheduled to arrive in Angola on Thursday, as confirmed by the Argentine soccer federation. The celebrations kicked off with a ceremonial event at Republic Square in Luanda, where President João Lourenço presided over the raising of a massive Angolan flag by soldiers. Angola gained independence on November 11, 1975, but the nation was soon engulfed in a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people before finally concluding in 2002. Since independence, the oil-rich nation has been governed by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the sole ruling party.
分类： sports
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Wales captain Morgan missing rest of autumn rugby tests including key Japan match
CARDIFF, Wales — In a significant blow to Wales’ rugby ambitions, captain Jac Morgan has been ruled out for the remainder of the autumn internationals after sustaining a dislocated shoulder during a recent match against Argentina. The injury occurred as Morgan scored a try from his own tapped penalty in the 52-28 defeat on Sunday. He was forced to watch the remainder of the game from the stands with his left arm in a sling.
Morgan, who recently represented the British and Irish Lions in two tests during their tour of Australia, will miss the upcoming test against Japan on Saturday. This match holds particular importance as it serves as a crucial stepping stone for Wales’ Rugby World Cup aspirations. Uncapped flanker Harri Deaves has been called up to replace Morgan in the squad.
Wales coach Steve Tandy expressed his disappointment, stating, ‘We’re all gutted to lose Jac — he’s a world-class player, as well as a great man off the pitch.’
The upcoming clash against Japan carries added significance, as Wales ended their 18-match losing streak by defeating Japan in July. The two teams will meet again in Cardiff this weekend, with both vying for a spot in Band 2 for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, scheduled for December 3 in Sydney. Currently ranked 12th and 13th in the world, respectively, the team that finishes higher by the end of the autumn tests will secure a more favorable position in the World Cup draw.
This match represents a critical opportunity for Wales, as their remaining fixtures include formidable opponents New Zealand and South Africa, making a victory against Japan all the more essential.
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Turkey FA suspends 1,024 players in betting probe
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken decisive action by suspending 1,024 players from its professional leagues amid an ongoing investigation into betting activities. This sweeping measure includes 27 players from Turkey’s top division, all of whom have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) for further scrutiny. In response to the scandal, matches in the third and fourth divisions have been postponed for two weeks, while the top two divisions will continue as scheduled. The TFF has also requested an additional 15 days beyond the winter transfer window from FIFA to help clubs manage potential squad shortages. Besiktas, one of Turkey’s most prominent clubs, has expressed confidence in the innocence of two of its players who were implicated. The investigation has also led to the arrest of eight individuals, including a club chairman, as part of a broader crackdown on betting and match-fixing. The scandal first came to light on October 27 when TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu revealed that hundreds of referees were linked to betting accounts. Out of 571 referees in Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 had betting accounts, with 152 actively placing wagers. The TFF, along with FIFA and UEFA, strictly prohibits match officials from participating in betting activities. Turkish prosecutors have recently issued detention orders for 21 individuals, including 17 referees and two club presidents, as part of this extensive investigation.
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Sri Lanka wins toss and fielding first against Pakistan in 1st ODI
In a strategic move, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first in their one-day international (ODI) clash against Pakistan on Tuesday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Captain Charith Asalanka cited the anticipated dew factor later in the evening as the primary reason for the decision, believing it would favor the bowling side. The match marked the return of star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga to the ODI format, alongside the debut of 24-year-old left-handed opener Kamil Mishara. Pakistan, led by new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, made a forced change to their lineup, replacing the unwell leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who had delivered a career-best performance in the previous match, with fast bowler Naseem Shah. In Abrar’s absence, Pakistan will rely on spin all-rounders Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz to bolster their bowling attack. Rawalpindi is set to host all three ODIs in the series this week, followed by a Twenty20 tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan enters the match with renewed confidence after securing a 2-1 series victory against South Africa last week, marking a turnaround from their earlier struggles in 2025.
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Historic games cycling race a testament to GBA integration
The 15th National Games witnessed a groundbreaking event on Saturday as over 100 cyclists participated in the men’s individual road race, traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. This 231.8-kilometer race, a first in the games’ 66-year history, linked Guangdong province with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, symbolizing the deepening integration of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event highlighted the region’s advanced infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, offering a unique experience for both athletes and spectators. Starting in Zhuhai, the route passed through Macao’s Taipa Island and Hong Kong’s Lantau Island before returning to Zhuhai, with riders crossing checkpoints six times without stopping. The race not only showcased the GBA’s technological advancements but also emphasized the convenience of cross-boundary travel. Macao rider Kam Chin Pok remarked on the growing ease of movement within the GBA, noting that such events foster greater public awareness of regional integration. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a marvel of engineering spanning 55 kilometers, provided a challenging yet exhilarating backdrop for the race. Cyclists faced strong sea winds and changing landscapes, from urban skylines to expansive sea views. Li Dongyu, representing Tianjin, described the experience as awe-inspiring, while Han Feng of the Chinese Cycling Association praised the boldness of the concept. The event’s seamless organization, with staff ensuring safety at every checkpoint, further underscored the GBA’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration through sports.
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‘Sea legs meant I couldn’t bowl’ – when England travelled to Australia by boat
The Ashes, cricket’s most storied rivalry between Australia and England, has always been more than just a series of matches—it’s a journey steeped in history, tradition, and evolution. As the 2025-26 Ashes series approaches, the contrast between modern-day tours and those of the past couldn’t be more striking.
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Dutch legend in Dubai: Gullit gives verdict on GOAT debate
Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit, during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times in Dubai, shared his insights on the evolution of football, the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate, and the emergence of new talents like Lamine Yamal. Gullit, a former Ballon d’Or winner and key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, reminisced about his playing days and the transformative impact of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi on the sport. He also discussed the challenges facing modern football, including the physicality of players and the shifting dynamics of leagues like Serie A. Gullit praised the rapid development of Dubai, drawing parallels to the changes in football over the decades. He highlighted the immense potential of young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, while cautioning against overburdening the 18-year-old with responsibilities. Gullit also reflected on the Netherlands’ World Cup heartbreaks and shared his predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming Spain, France, Argentina, and his beloved Holland as top contenders.
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Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club hosts high-stakes inaugural Golf Society League
The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) recently hosted the first-ever Golf Society League (GSL), a thrilling competition that brought together sixteen golf societies from across the UAE. Supported by Golf Away, the event offered participants the chance to vie for the prestigious title of GSL Champions, with the winning team securing an exclusive golfing holiday in Thailand. The tournament, which kicked off last weekend, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances across three leagues, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. The leagues were structured to ensure fierce competition, with the top teams from each league advancing to the knockout stages. League 1 saw the defending champions, Nepalese Golf Society, begin their title defense with a solid start, while The Hole Seekers emerged as early leaders with a standout performance. In League 2, Social 1 dominated their matches, securing a perfect start, while League 3 witnessed The Spartans making a strong statement with two consecutive wins. Additionally, players competed in the Betterball Stableford competition, with Deepak Mandory and Prashant Athreya of The Hole Seekers claiming the top prize with 42 points. The event concluded with high anticipation for the next round, scheduled for December 7th, promising more thrilling golf action at SGSC. For further details about the GSL, visit golfandshootingshj.com or contact Samjhana Lama at golfsales@golfandshootingshj.com.
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Rory’s stage gets bigger: Emirates NBD steps into the heart of the DP World Tour Play-offs
The DP World Tour Play-offs, renowned for their high-stakes drama in the world of golf, have secured a significant new ally. Emirates NBD, a leading financial institution in the Middle East, has stepped into the spotlight as the Official Banking Partner for two premier events: the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship. These tournaments, pivotal in the season’s Race to Dubai, attract the world’s top golfers competing for trophies, ranking points, and a place in golfing history. The DP World Tour Championship, scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course, remains a crown jewel of the Rolex Series. Last year, it was crowned Major Event of the Year, highlighted by Rory McIlroy’s thrilling victory on the 18th hole, a defining moment of the 2024 season. Emirates NBD’s expanded involvement, which now includes the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, underscores its commitment to supporting the UAE’s rise as a global golfing hub. The 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links will further showcase the bank’s presence, enhancing fan engagement and hospitality. Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the bank’s dedication to celebrating the UAE’s role in global sports and culture. Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour, praised the partnership, noting its potential to elevate the fan experience and drive regional golf growth. With Rory McIlroy set to headline the 2025 championship, Dubai remains poised for another historic moment in world golf.
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Solo Ball and Alex Karaban lead No. 3 UConn past Columbia 89-62
The third-ranked UConn Huskies showcased their dominance with an 89-62 victory over Columbia on Monday night, extending their unbeaten streak to 3-0. Solo Ball led the charge with 23 points, while Alex Karaban contributed 20 points and six rebounds. Tarris Reed Jr. added 19 points and eight rebounds, and Jayden Ross chipped in with 10 points off the bench. Despite a slow start, UConn found their rhythm, hitting 10 of their last 12 shots to take a commanding 50-27 lead at halftime. Columbia, led by Miles Franklin and Blair Thompson with 10 points each, struggled to keep pace, especially after missing 10 consecutive shots during a critical first-half stretch. The second half saw frequent substitutions by UConn coach Dan Hurley, as the Huskies maintained their lead without serious challenge. The game was marred by injuries to Columbia’s Avery Brown and Richard Nweke, who did not return after first-half incidents. Columbia will next face UMass Lowell at home, while UConn prepares for a high-stakes matchup against No. 7 BYU in the Hall of Fame Series at TD Garden in Boston.