Khama Billiat appears poised to rejoin the Warriors roster for World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against South Africa and Lesotho, despite Zimbabwe's elimination from contention. Coach Michael Nees faces mounting pressure as he prepares to announce his squad, with the team scheduled to face Bafana Bafana on Oct. 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. FIFA stripped South Africa of three points on Tuesday after officials determined the squad fielded an ineligible player during a March victory over Lesotho. The world governing body imposed a CHF 10,000 fine on the South African Football Association for allowing Tebogo Mokoena to play despite his suspension from accumulated yellow cards.
The ruling demoted South Africa from first to second...
Zimdancehall artist Nyasha Reginald Mano, known as Ras Pompy, granted his first interview from prison after being convicted of possessing illegal cough syrup. The musician told PaHasha TV during a family visitation that incarceration resembles any other safe place, and he has used the time to write 60 songs. On July 16, 2025, police pursued Mano through Harare after spotting his vehicle linked to drug distribution, and the chase ended when he crashed into a pole. Officers discovered nearly 100 bottles of controlled cough syrup worth almost $400 in his car, leading the Harare Magistrates Court to sentence him in late Sept. 2025 to six months for violating the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.
Jeddah will stage the Spanish Super Cup 2026 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium after agreements between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sports and the Spanish Football Federation. Real Madrid faces Atletico Madrid in one semifinal, and Barcelona meets Athletic Bilbao in the other during the four-team competition. The opening semifinal occurs on Jan. 7, 2026, and the second takes place on Jan. 8, but the championship match arrives on Jan. 11. The kingdom pursues global sports prominence through Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting major tournaments to diversify its economy.
Paris Saint-Germain visits Barcelona at Montjuïc Stadium on Wednesday, October 1, for their UEFA Champions League group stage second-round fixture. French newspaper Le Parisien reported the return of midfielders Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz after recovering from recent injuries. Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's status remains doubtful after he failed to appear at Monday's training session. The Parisian club confirmed that Djerizé Doi, Ousmane Dembélé, and Lucas Hernandez will miss the Barcelona contest due to ongoing fitness problems.
Al Ahly rallied from behind to defeat Zamalek 2-1 during Egyptian Premier League action on Monday evening. Hossam Abdel-Maguid converted a penalty in the 32nd minute to give Zamalek the early advantage, but Hussein El-Shahat equalized in the 71st minute, and Mahmoud Trezeguet netted the decisive penalty seven minutes later. Injuries disrupted both squads as Aadi Al-Dabbagh departed during the opening period for Zamalek, and Taher Mohamed Taher left the contest after halftime for Al Ahly. The victory lifted Al Ahly to 15 points in third position, while Zamalek maintained the league lead with 17 points through nine rounds.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended his squad's recent form ahead of the Champions League match against Benfica on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge. The Italian tactician noted his team lost just five contests across six months, and four defeats occurred with 10 players after red card dismissals. Maresca acknowledged better tactical choices could have prevented some setbacks, but expressed confidence in the squad's development compared to last campaign. He praised Jose Mourinho ahead of facing the Portuguese manager's Benfica side, and called the meeting an honor against a coaching legend. The club will evaluate injuries to Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, and Andre Santos before kickoff. Maresca stressed fan sentiment connects directly to match...
Barcelona plans diplomatic efforts to block Lamine Yamal from joining Spain's upcoming squad due to lingering groin discomfort, according to Spanish newspaper ARA. The teenager entered as a substitute during the victory over Real Sociedad, and set up Robert Lewandowski's winner, but manager Hans Flick emphasized careful management of his fitness. The club intends to ease Yamal back through appearances against Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League action, and then Sevilla in domestic competition while treatment continues. Flick previously accused the national team of mishandling the youngster during the previous international window after deploying him twice despite his pain.
Al-Hilal secured three points after defeating Nasaf 3-2 at Pakhtakor Central Stadium during the AFC Champions League second-round contest. Sergej Milinković-Savić opened scoring in the 22nd minute before Bakhramov leveled five minutes later, and Theo Hernandez restored the Saudi side's advantage during first-half stoppage time. Sidikov equalized again in the 61st minute, but Marcos Leonardo netted the decisive strike in the 79th minute to complete the comeback victory. The result lifted Al-Hilal to six points in second position, while the Uzbek hosts remained pointless through two matches.
Al-Ittihad Club dismissed speculation about striker Karim Benzema departing for European competition on Monday evening. Riyad Al-Muzhar, the Saudi team's institutional communication director, and official spokesperson, refuted media reports suggesting the French forward planned to leave before his contract expires. Earlier accounts claimed Benzema sought a return to Champions League action with Benfica before retirement. Al-Muzhar stated through his X platform account that supporters should reject false information targeting club stability, and emphasized authentic updates emerge solely from verified institutional sources.
