分类： sports

In a gripping showdown at Allianz Stadium, South Africa emerged victorious over Argentina with a narrow 29-27 win, securing back-to-back Rugby Championships for the first time in their history. The Springboks’ triumph was fueled by standout performances from Cobus Reinach and Malcolm Marx, each scoring two tries, while fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed crucial points with his boot. Despite a spirited start from Argentina, who led 13-10 at halftime thanks to Bautista Delguy’s early try, South Africa’s relentless power game and tactical prowess turned the tide in the second half. The match, played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 70,360, saw Argentina opt for the London venue to maximize financial returns and fan engagement. South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, praised his team’s resilience and adaptability, highlighting their ability to bounce back from early championship setbacks. The victory not only cements South Africa’s dominance in world rugby but also sets the stage for their ambitious preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Erasmus’ strategic squad rotation and development of young talents like Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie underscore the Springboks’ commitment to sustained excellence. Argentina, despite finishing at the bottom of the championship table, showcased moments of brilliance, with Rodrigo Isgro’s late try earning them a losing bonus point. The Springboks’ ability to perform under pressure, coupled with their depth and tactical ingenuity, reaffirms their status as rugby’s reigning powerhouse.

England Women’s cricket team delivered a masterclass performance in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener, thrashing South Africa by 10 wickets in Guwahati. South Africa, opting to bat first, were bowled out for a paltry 69 runs in just 20.4 overs, marking their third-lowest ODI total. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer, claiming 3-7, including the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning to competitive bowling, took 2-5, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets each. England’s openers, Amy Jones (40*) and Tammy Beaumont (21*), chased down the target effortlessly in 14.1 overs, showcasing patience and discipline on a tricky pitch. This emphatic win not only boosts England’s confidence but also significantly enhances their net run rate early in the tournament. South Africa’s batting woes were evident as they struggled against England’s spin-heavy attack, managing only six boundaries throughout their innings. The match highlighted England’s strategic brilliance and South Africa’s inability to adapt to the conditions. With this victory, England have sent a strong message to their competitors, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title.

Luca Zidane, the son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane, has been selected to represent Algeria in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda. Born in Aix-en-Provence, France, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has previously played for France at various youth levels but recently opted to switch his international allegiance to Algeria, the homeland of his paternal grandparents.

Zimbabwe and Namibia have successfully secured their places in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup after advancing to the final of the African qualifying tournament held in Harare. Namibia triumphed over Tanzania by a significant margin of 63 runs in their semi-final clash, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the World Cup finals. Meanwhile, hosts Zimbabwe showcased a dominant performance, defeating Kenya by seven wickets to qualify for the first time since 2022. Kenya, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, managed to post a total of 122-6, largely due to Rakep Patel’s impressive 65 off 47 balls. However, Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett stole the show with a rapid 51 off just 25 balls, guiding his team to victory with five overs to spare. Namibia and Zimbabwe are set to face off in the tournament final on Saturday, with both teams already looking forward to competing in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Earlier in the day, Namibia overcame a shaky start against Tanzania, recovering from 41-4 to post a formidable 174-6, thanks to a crucial 88-run partnership between captain Gerhard Erasmus (55 off 41) and JJ Smit (61 not out off 43). Smit later contributed with the ball, taking 3-16, while Ben Shikongo recorded figures of 3-21 to restrict Tanzania to 111-8. Namibia, who made their T20 World Cup debut in 2021, had previously exited in the Super 12s and failed to progress beyond the group stage in the 2022 and 2024 editions. The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature twenty nations and is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8.

Rachel Iliya, a 23-year-old Nigerian rugby league player, has become a beacon of hope for her nation as the Green Falcons aim to make history by qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Iliya, who only took up the sport last year, scored two tries on her international debut against Kenya in a World Cup play-off, showcasing her immense potential. Her journey from working as a part-time cleaner to becoming a national team star is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Amir Khan, the British boxing legend who retired in 2022 after a storied career, is now embarking on a new chapter as a boxing promoter. Known for his Olympic silver medal at 17, unified world titles, and unforgettable bouts with fighters like Marcos Maidana and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Khan is shifting his focus from the ring to the boardroom. His latest venture, ‘Chaos in the Ring,’ marks the first time top-tier professional boxing will be held in Nigeria, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day celebrations in Lagos. The event, promoted by Khan’s AK Promotions in partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions, aims to bring the excitement of boxing to an untapped market in Africa. The main event features a cruiserweight clash between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne, while British light-heavyweight Dan Azeez fulfills a personal dream by fighting on Nigerian soil. Khan, who has previously organized a successful event in Ghana, believes Lagos will be an even bigger success. ‘I’m still new to the game, but I want to learn quick and move quick,’ Khan told BBC Sport from his home in Dubai. ‘Why Africa? I think it’s an untouched market.’ Khan’s promotion strategy also emphasizes reconnecting fighters with their roots, as seen with Londoner Ohara Davies boxing in Ghana earlier this year. While Khan never had the chance to fight in Pakistan, his heritage has always been a source of pride and connection with fans in South Asia. Transitioning into promotion has been a learning curve for Khan, who likens the negotiation process to a game of chess. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, drawing on his own experiences as a fighter to build trust with athletes. ‘I’m not expecting to make anything in the next couple of years as a promoter,’ Khan said. ‘I’m happy to roll the dice because I want to learn the trade as I go.’ Khan’s long-term vision includes expanding the sport in Africa and the Middle East before re-entering the UK market. He also dreams of staging fights in Saudi Arabia as part of the lucrative Riyadh Season. However, he acknowledges the need for support from broadcasters, co-promoters, and former allies. ‘I made them millions, let’s see if they do the same for me now,’ he added. While Khan officially retired after his defeat to Kell Brook in 2022, he admits that a comeback could be tempting if a fight with Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather materializes. ‘The only fight I’d come back for is a Manny Pacquiao or a Floyd Mayweather fight,’ Khan said. ‘If it happens, it happens. I’d love to take it.’ Though a return to the ring seems unlikely, Khan is determined to create a legacy outside of it, proving that his impact on boxing extends far beyond his days as a champion.