Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Salah goals & Hakimi return – six things from Afcon 2025’s group stage

    Salah goals & Hakimi return – six things from Afcon 2025’s group stage

    The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) transitions into its high-stakes knockout phase, setting the stage for dramatic encounters after a group stage that saw continental powerhouses assert their dominance. Tournament hosts Morocco, alongside formidable contenders Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, all secured top spots in their respective groups without suffering a single defeat, signaling their intent to claim the prestigious title.

    Algeria’s captain, Riyad Mahrez, emerges as the tournament’s current top scorer with three crucial goals, while Egypt’s iconic forward Mohamed Salah has already matched his personal best Afcon tally with two decisive strikes, including a masterful ‘Panenka’ penalty against South Africa.

    Despite the commanding performances from favorites, the tournament narrative has been enriched by remarkable underdog stories. Mozambique, ranked 102nd globally, achieved a historic first-ever Afcon finals victory to advance, while Sudan’s national team, operating against the devastating backdrop of an ongoing civil war that forced them to play all qualifiers overseas, heroically reached the last 16 for only the second time since their 1970 championship triumph.

    Tanzania created their own piece of history by progressing to the knockout stage with just two points—the lowest total ever for a third-placed team since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019. Benin also ended a 15-match wait for their first Afcon victory in regular time, earning a challenging matchup against Egypt.

    Significant subplots continue to unfold, particularly regarding the fitness of Morocco’s star defender and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi. The Paris St-Germain full-back made his long-awaited return from an ankle injury as a substitute against Zambia, though questions remain about his readiness for starting intensity.

    The tournament has been notably affected by uncharacteristic weather conditions for North Africa, with persistent torrential downpours and cold temperatures creating challenging playing environments. Despite the adverse weather, Morocco’s state-of-the-art facilities—developed in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal—have impressively withstood the conditions, providing excellent pitches throughout the group stage.

  • Abu Dhabi Knight Riders seal 50-run win over Dubai Capitals, stay in race to ILT20 title

    Abu Dhabi Knight Riders seal 50-run win over Dubai Capitals, stay in race to ILT20 title

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured their place in the Qualifier 2 of the DP World ILT20 Season 4 with a commanding 50-run triumph over Dubai Capitals at Dubai International Stadium. The Eliminator clash witnessed a dramatic turnaround that kept the Knight Riders’ championship aspirations alive.

    The Knight Riders’ innings commenced with explosive force as openers Michael Pepper and Phil Salt constructed a formidable 122-run partnership—their second consecutive century stand. Pepper’s dominant 72 runs off 49 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and three sixes, combined with Salt’s steady 43 from 34 balls, positioned their team for a potentially massive total. However, Mohammed Nabi’s brilliant bowling intervention triggered a catastrophic collapse, with the Knight Riders losing seven wickets for just 36 runs. Captain Jason Holder’s late unbeaten 22 from 11 balls provided crucial momentum, pushing the final score to 158/7.

    Dubai Capitals’ response proved disastrous from the outset. The Knight Riders’ spin trio of Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, and Liam Livingstone orchestrated a clinical dismantling of the batting lineup. Narine’s mesmerizing spell of 3/12 included trapping key batsmen with his signature variations, while Holder and Livingstone equally contributed with three wickets apiece. The Capitals’ innings never gained traction, collapsing to 108 all out in just 16.2 overs despite Nabi’s resilient 27 from 21 balls.

    Post-match, Player of the Match Sunil Narine emotionally reflected: ‘Victory transforms everything—this achievement carries profound significance. After three years of playoff absence, this breakthrough represents our collective perseverance. It’s particularly moving because we’ve consistently played quality cricket without receiving due rewards.’

    Capitals skipper Mohammad Nabi acknowledged his team’s shortcomings: ‘Our bowling recovery was commendable after their threatening start, but our batting unit collectively failed. Their bowlers executed precision bowling to their fields, and we couldn’t implement our rotation strategy effectively.’

    The Knight Riders now advance to face MI Emirates in Qualifier 2, with the winner earning a championship showdown against Desert Vipers on January 4th.

  • Venus Williams, 45, gets Australian Open wildcard

    Venus Williams, 45, gets Australian Open wildcard

    Tennis legend Venus Williams has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the final women’s wildcard entry for the upcoming Australian Open, making her the oldest female player to compete in the tournament’s main draw at 45 years old. The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who first appeared at Melbourne Park in 1998, will surpass the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at age 44 in 2015.

    Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating: ‘I’m thankful for the chance to return to a venue that has played such a significant role throughout my professional journey.’ The American athlete, who reached the Australian Open finals in 2003 and 2017 but fell to her sister Serena on both occasions, last competed at the event in 2021, where she was eliminated in the second round by Italy’s Sara Errani.

    In preparation for the Grand Slam event commencing January 18th, Williams has also accepted a wildcard invitation to the Hobart International warm-up tournament starting January 12th, where she will be joined by British tennis star Emma Raducanu. This marks Williams’ first international competition outside the United States since 2023.

    The former world number one recently demonstrated her enduring competitive spirit at the 2025 US Open, where she became the third-oldest woman to participate in the tournament during the Open era. Despite a valiant effort, she suffered a first-round defeat against Czech player Karolina Muchova with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

  • Pakistan-born Australian Khawaja, set to retire from cricket, criticizes racial stereotypes

    Pakistan-born Australian Khawaja, set to retire from cricket, criticizes racial stereotypes

    Australian cricket stalwart Usman Khawaja has revealed he will conclude his international career following the fifth Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, commencing this Sunday. The 39-year-old opener, who made history as Australia’s first Muslim cricketer, utilized his retirement announcement to deliver a powerful critique of the racial prejudice he encountered throughout his professional journey.

    Khawaja’s final appearance will mark his 88th Test match, appropriately staged at the same venue where he launched his first-class career. The Sydney Cricket Ground holds particular significance for the batsman, serving as the site where he notched his maiden Ashes century with 171 runs against England in 2018. Remarkably, the same ground witnessed his spectacular career resurgence at age 35, where twin centuries against England ignited one of cricket’s most impressive late-career revivals—yielding seven centuries over the subsequent two years.

    Despite his accomplishments, Khawaja faced intense scrutiny this season after back spasms prevented him from opening in Perth’s first Ashes Test and subsequently sidelined him for the Brisbane match. His position became uncertain until Steve Smith’s vertigo created an opportunity for his return in Adelaide, where his 82-run first innings performance secured his place for Melbourne’s fourth Test. Australia enters the final match holding a 3-1 series lead, having already retained the Ashes.

    During a Sydney press conference, Khawaja articulated the differential treatment he experienced due to his Pakistani heritage and Muslim faith. He recounted facing relentless media and former player criticism for five consecutive days regarding his injury, noting how racial stereotypes emerged depicting him as ‘lazy.’ The cricketer highlighted the double standard in coverage, contrasting the silence when white Australian players engaged in similar pre-match activities with the condemnation he received for golfing twice before the Perth match.

    Khawaja reflected that he anticipated this series would conclude his career, expressing satisfaction at departing on his own terms. His statistical legacy includes 6,206 runs at a 43.49 average across 87 Tests, featuring 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s dual contributions—both as one of Australia’s most elegant and determined opening batters (including ICC Test Cricketer of the Year honors) and through his off-field work with the Usman Khawaja Foundation. The retiring cricketer identified ‘contentment’ as his predominant emotion, hoping his journey has inspired others throughout his groundbreaking career.

  • Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen head star-packed AFCON last-16 cast

    Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen head star-packed AFCON last-16 cast

    The group stage of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has concluded, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase commencing Saturday in Morocco. Sixteen nations have emerged from the original field of twenty-four, now poised to compete in eight high-stakes Round of 16 matches over a compelling four-day football spectacle.

    The tournament resumes with a constellation of African football’s elite talent taking center stage. All eyes will be on the recent African Player of the Year, Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, as he leads tournament favorites Morocco against Tanzania. Liverpool’s iconic forward Mohamed Salah, fresh from decisive group-stage performances, will captain Egypt versus Benin. Meanwhile, Nigerian hopes rest on the powerful shoulders of Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker and former award winner, as the Super Eagles face Mozambique.

    The road to the final, and a record-breaking $10 million prize, is fraught with compelling narratives. Defending champions Ivory Coast enter a regional derby against neighbors Burkina Faso, where Manchester United’s Amad Diallo must overcome a stout defense featuring Edmond Tapsoba. In a clash of titans, flawless group-stage performers Algeria, inspired by captain Riyad Mahrez’s three goals, meet the formidable DR Congo.

    Other key fixtures include 2022 champions Senegal, showcasing veteran Sadio Mane and teenage PSG prospect Ibrahim Mbaye, against a resilient Sudan team that progressed despite its players not scoring a goal. South Africa and Cameroon reignite a rivalry three decades old, separated by just four places in the global rankings. Mali, after drawing favorites Morocco, faces a Tunisia side that displayed a furious late rally against Nigeria. Every match promises a dramatic step toward continental glory.

  • The standard keeps getting better year on year: Simon Doull on DP World ILT20’s growth

    The standard keeps getting better year on year: Simon Doull on DP World ILT20’s growth

    Former New Zealand international cricketer and tournament commentator Simon Doull has praised the DP World ILT20 for its remarkable evolution into a premier global T20 competition while significantly advancing the development of UAE and regional cricket talent.

    Doull, who has been involved with the tournament since its inception, emphasized the noticeable year-on-year improvement in playing standards. ‘The overall quality has been exceptional and continues to elevate annually – this progression has particularly impressed me,’ Doull stated.

    The commentator highlighted the tournament’s transformative impact on local players, noting their accelerated development through exposure to high-level competition. ‘We’re witnessing local athletes being entrusted with more crucial roles, which represents a significant positive development this season,’ Doull observed. He specifically cited pacer Khuzaima Tanveer as a standout performer, describing him as possessing all the attributes for future international success with his impressive pace and strategic variations.

    Doull also recognized consistent performances from established players, mentioning Muhammad Waseem’s tournament-leading 335 runs and Sam Curran’s all-round contributions of 323 runs and seven wickets as particularly noteworthy.

    The tournament’s strategic scheduling within the global cricket calendar has proven advantageous according to Doull. ‘The current window has been crucial – it’s an ideal time for cricket and integrates perfectly into the international schedule,’ he commented, predicting continued improvement in coming seasons.

    Expansion initiatives have seen the inclusion of players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, broadening the league’s regional development scope. Doull emphasized the importance of this regional inclusion: ‘The league initially focused on UAE player development but is now expanding its regional growth mandate. The opportunity for emerging talents to train alongside established international stars provides invaluable learning experiences.’

    The DP World ILT20 Player Development Initiative brought seven African cricketers into franchise environments this season, potentially creating ripple effects across the continent’s cricket ecosystem. Doull stressed the importance of knowledge transfer: ‘Young players gain tremendously from networking with international-caliber athletes like Kieron Pollard and Jason Roy – these interactions create learning opportunities that extend beyond individual development.’

    Contrary to early predictions about spin bowling’s decline in T20 cricket, Doull noted the continued relevance of wrist spin, with Dubai Capitals’ Waqar Salamkheil emerging as tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps. ‘Every franchise actively seeks quality wrist spin options, and these venue dimensions perfectly suit its effective utilization,’ Doull remarked.

    Addressing batting trends, Doull emphasized situational awareness over pure strike rates: ‘Context determines approach – first innings require aggressive scoring while successful run chases justify more measured batting strategies.’

  • Khawaja to retire after fifth Ashes Test

    Khawaja to retire after fifth Ashes Test

    Australian cricket stalwart Usman Khawaja has declared his retirement from international cricket, with his final appearance set for the fifth Ashes Test against England at Sydney Cricket Ground. The 39-year-old opener will conclude his distinguished career on the same venue where he debuted fifteen years ago against the same opposition in January 2011.

    Khawaja, who emigrated from Pakistan, made history as the first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket when he replaced legendary batsman Ricky Ponting during England’s 3-1 series victory in 2011. Throughout his 88-Test career, the left-handed batsman has amassed 6,206 runs at an impressive average of 43.39, including 16 centuries.

    His career highlights include participation in six Ashes series with two victories, two defeats, and two drawn campaigns. Khawaja was also instrumental in Australia’s 2023 World Test Championship triumph. Currently needing just 30 runs in his final match, he is poised to surpass Mike Hussey for 14th position on Australia’s all-time run-scorers list, trailing only the legendary Donald Bradman in 13th place.

    Despite recent challenges including back spasms that affected his performance in the current series, Khawaja demonstrated resilience with critical innings of 82 and 40 in Adelaide during the fourth Test. His career also includes 40 ODI appearances with 1,554 runs at 42.00 average and nine T20 internationals.

    The Sydney Test marks not only his international farewell but also a homecoming to the ground where he began his professional career with New South Wales in 2008. Australia currently leads the series 3-1 as they prepare for their final Test match until August, by which time Khawaja will approach his 40th birthday.

  • Meydan rings in 2026 with classy Carnival card as Dubai World Cup pathways intensify

    Meydan rings in 2026 with classy Carnival card as Dubai World Cup pathways intensify

    Meydan Racecourse inaugurated the 2026 sporting calendar with a prestigious eight-race Dubai Racing Carnival program on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the buildup to the 30th anniversary Dubai World Cup in March. The event, featuring over AED 3.2 million in prize money, showcased elite Thoroughbred talent and served as a critical proving ground for international connections targeting the sport’s richest night.

    The program spotlighted two major Group contests offering early-season form insights. The Group 2 Zabeel Mile (1600m, AED 1.5 million) emerged as a key indicator for milers aspiring toward the Godolphin Mile. Trainer Charlie Appleby—seeking a record-extending seventh victory—pitted Aomori City against formidable rivals including Audience (Lockinge Stakes winner) and Quddwah (representing Simon and Ed Crisford’s stable).

    Simultaneously, the Dubawi Stakes (1200m dirt) provided a crucial trial for the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Despite the absence of dual winner Tuz, the sprint featured compelling narratives: El Nasseeb (Oasis Stables) arrived with Listed race credentials, while Mufasa’s trainer Bhupat Seemar touted his colt as ‘the next Tuz.’ Veteran campaigner Dark Saffron also returned seeking redemption after gate-related setbacks.

    Supplementary races enriched the card with developmental storylines. The UAE Guineas Trial featured unbeaten Lino Padrino testing his classic potential, while the Zoho Handicap (2810m) introduced stayers like Burdett Road launching Middle Eastern campaigns. Competitive handicaps featuring Arabie and Twilight Calls completed a strategically diverse program emphasizing speed, stamina, and emerging talent.

    Supported by partnerships with the Jockey Club, France Galop, and Churchill Downs, this Carnival meeting demonstrated Meydan’s growing influence in global racing circuits. The event provided owners and trainers with actionable intelligence for refining World Cup preparations, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a winter racing destination of unparalleled quality and opportunity.

  • Government suspends Gabon team and bans Aubameyang

    Government suspends Gabon team and bans Aubameyang

    In a drastic response to a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the Gabonese government has officially suspended its entire national football team. The decision, announced by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula, includes the immediate dismissal of head coach Thierry Mouyouma and imposes bans on two key players: veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

    The disciplinary action follows Gabon’s premature exit from the tournament held in Morocco, where the team finished at the bottom of their group. Their campaign concluded with a 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on December 31st, despite initially holding a two-goal lead. Earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique had already sealed their fate before the final match.

    Minister Mamboula characterized the team’s overall performance as ‘disgraceful,’ justifying the government’s severe measures. The suspension of the national side remains in effect indefinitely pending further review.

    Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer with 40 international goals, was notably absent from the final match due to a thigh injury that required treatment back at his club, Marseille. The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward responded to the sanctions by suggesting the team’s issues extend far beyond his individual contributions.

    This move marks a return to a previously common practice in African football, where governments would dissolve national teams following poor results. However, such direct interference has become less frequent in recent years due to FIFA’s stricter regulations regarding political intervention in football matters. Coach Mouyouma’s tenure, which lasted just over two years, has now been abruptly terminated.

  • Threatening, durable, learning – what makes Starc elite?

    Threatening, durable, learning – what makes Starc elite?

    Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has etched his name into cricket’s history books during the 2025-26 Ashes series, establishing himself as the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history. The 35-year-old speedster has been England’s primary tormentor throughout the current campaign, claiming 26 wickets at a remarkable average of 17.42.

    Starc’s historic achievement came when he surpassed Pakistani legend Wasim Akram on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, joining an elite group of bowling greats. His consistent performance has been instrumental in Australia’s Ashes campaign, where he has stepped up significantly in the absence of other vaunted pace colleagues.

    The veteran bowler’s durability has been equally impressive, featuring in 27 consecutive Australian Test matches and missing just four of the past 56. This remarkable fitness streak defies his early career challenges when then-coach Tim Nielsen urged the young Starc to ‘harden up’ and push through physical limitations.

    Former England batter Dawid Malan provided insight into facing Starc’s bowling: ‘I always felt like I was in against him until he’d bowl an absolute jaffa and you’d just be walking back. He has just always got that wicket-taking ball.’

    Starc’s evolution as a bowler has been key to his longevity. After being dropped during the 2019 Ashes tour, he developed the wobble seam delivery by studying English veterans Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Since adding this weapon to his arsenal, no bowler worldwide has taken more than Starc’s 118 Test wickets since the start of the 2023 series.

    Former Australian pace bowler Jason Gillespie praised Starc’s adaptability: ‘Mitchell Starc just shows you can teach an old job new tricks. For a player aged 34 or 35 to stride and get better to improve is fantastic.’

    With four more wickets in the upcoming Sydney Test, Starc would achieve the best Ashes series haul since Mitchell Johnson’s dominant performance 12 years ago. Australian coach Andrew McDonald has even suggested the 37-year-old Starc could tour England for the 2027 Ashes, potentially joining the exclusive club of pace bowlers with 500 Test wickets.