分类： sports

Sainey Sissohore Mboge, a Gambian football administrator, has turned her childhood struggles into a powerful mission to empower young girls through the sport. Growing up, Mboge was unfairly branded a ‘bad influence’ simply for her passion for football. However, she defied societal expectations, representing The Gambia at a youth World Cup and carving out a successful career in the game. Today, she leverages her position to support and inspire young girls who share her love for football. Her story, captured in a video by Joshua Akinyemi and edited by Ian Williams and Isaiah Akinremi, highlights her dedication to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in African sports. Published just a day ago, her journey serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of football.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to make equestrian history at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, as it seeks to become the first nation to clinch an endurance gold medal. The event, making its debut at the Games, will take place on October 30 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir. The UAE’s formidable squad includes Essa Rashed Al Mazrouei, Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Bastaki, Ali Abdulla Al Falasi, Humaid Fahad Al Kaabi, and Khalifa Rashed Al Ameemi, who are set to compete in both individual and team categories. Known as a powerhouse in the sport, the UAE team is among the top contenders, drawing significant attention from spectators and competitors alike. Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, expressed pride in the team’s preparation, stating, ‘Their dedication, discipline, and passion have already made the nation proud. We are confident they will deliver outstanding results.’ Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s commitment to excellence and unity. Meanwhile, the UAE has already made waves at the Games, amassing 18 medals, including seven golds, six silvers, and five bronzes. Notable achievements include gold medals in camel racing and show jumping, as well as a bronze in swimming. The UAE currently ranks sixth overall in the medal standings, trailing leaders China and Uzbekistan. With its athletes continuing to shine, the UAE is solidifying its reputation as a dominant force in regional and international sports.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira faced a stark contrast in fan sentiment following Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat to Burnley. Just months after being celebrated for securing the team’s Premier League status, Pereira was met with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” from disillusioned supporters. The loss leaves Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table with only two points from nine games, making them the only winless team across England’s top four divisions. Pereira had to be restrained by his own players after confronting angry fans at the final whistle. Despite the backlash, the Portuguese coach called for unity, emphasizing that success is unattainable without fan support. “We understand the frustration, but if we fight united, we can win games and achieve our targets,” he told reporters. Wolves initially trailed 2-0 but fought back with goals from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marshall Munetsi, only for Burnley to clinch victory in stoppage time. Pereira praised his team’s spirit and urged fans to remain proud of their efforts. Wolves now face Chelsea in the League Cup midweek before a crucial league clash with Fulham on Saturday.

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 18-year-old rising star, found himself at the center of controversy following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the latest Clasico clash. Yamal’s pre-match comments, where he jokingly accused Real Madrid of ‘stealing’ and ‘complaining,’ sparked widespread criticism and drew the ire of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. The teenager, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career, faced a harsh reality check as his subdued performance mirrored the intense scrutiny he faced. Madrid players, led by captain Dani Carvajal, confronted Yamal after the match, highlighting the heated nature of the rivalry. Barcelona’s assistant coach, Marcus Sorg, acknowledged that the hostile atmosphere likely affected Yamal’s performance, stating, ‘He is learning to deal with the crowd, the shouting, and whistles from spectators.’ Yamal, who has previously thrived in high-pressure situations, including winning Euro 2024 with Spain and a domestic treble with Barcelona, now faces the challenge of navigating the intense spotlight of one of football’s fiercest rivalries. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, the match-winner, subtly responded to Yamal’s comments with a post-match Instagram message: ‘Talk is cheap.’ Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong criticized Carvajal for publicly confronting Yamal, suggesting such discussions should remain private. Despite the criticism, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni downplayed the significance of Yamal’s remarks, stating they served as motivation rather than provocation. Yamal’s performance, hampered by a recent groin injury, was uncharacteristically lackluster, with Madrid’s defensive strategies limiting his impact. Sorg emphasized the need for Yamal to regain his rhythm and adapt to the increased attention from opponents. While Yamal’s outspoken nature has made him a compelling figure both on and off the pitch, this experience will undoubtedly shape his growth as a player in the months ahead.

Juventus Football Club has announced the termination of head coach Igor Tudor’s contract after a disappointing eight-match winless run across all competitions. The decision was made public on Monday, with the club confirming that Tudor and his coaching staff have been relieved of their duties. Massimo Brambilla, the head coach of the reserve team, will step in as interim manager for the first team. Tudor, a former Juventus player who spent nearly a decade at the club, was appointed as head coach in March, succeeding Thiago Motta. He became the first foreign manager to lead Juventus since Didier Deschamps in the 2006-07 season. Despite guiding the team to a fourth-place finish in Serie A last season and securing Champions League qualification, Juventus’ performance has significantly declined in recent weeks. After a strong start with three consecutive league victories, the team has since drawn five matches and suffered three consecutive defeats to Como, Real Madrid, and Lazio. Tudor acknowledged the team’s struggles in a post-match interview following the loss to Lazio, stating, ‘We prepared well, but something is still missing. There’s no need to dramatize; we’re all responsible for this difficult period.’ Juventus, currently eighth in the Serie A standings and six points behind leaders Napoli, will face Udinese on Wednesday as they aim to turn their season around.