Holders Paris Saint-Germain fell 2-1 to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, making their chances of direct qualification for the Champions League last-16 more difficult.

Luis Suarez scored twice for Sporting in the second half, sealing victory with a 90th-minute header after substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had equalised for PSG after 79 minutes.

The French club are fifth with 13 points. They face Newcastle next Wednesday in their last group stage fixture.

More to follow…

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Gabriel Jesus pushed Arsenal into the last 16 of the Champions League with a double in Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Inter Milan which made the Gunners mathematically sure of a top-eight finish.

Two close-range finishes in the first half gave Arsenal a deserved seventh straight league phase win at the San Siro and manager Mikel Arteta a selection conundrum with Manchester United visiting the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Jesus started in place of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, who has struggled this season but made sure of the win with a fine shot in the 84th minute, and the former Manchester City striker offered a threat all game.

The 28-year-old had only started twice this season before Tuesday’s win but appears to be back to his best after coming back from a cruciate ligament tear which kept him out of action for nearly a year.

READ ALSO: Bodo/Glimt Stun Man City In Epic Champions League Upset

Arsenal are now on 21 points and were effectively in the last 16 before kick-off as 16 points was enough to be in the top eight last season.

But the 28-year-old was key to Arsenal going six points clear at the top of the classification ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich’s home fixture with Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night.

Inter, who levelled through a fabulous Petar Sucic strike in the 18th minute, sit eighth after losing a third straight match in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in their history.

The Serie A leaders look set to drop out of the top eight on Wednesday with five teams that can overtake them, and their maximum possible points tally of 15 — should they win at Borussia Dortmund next week — makes a playoff spot likely.

More worryingly it was another big game defeat for Cristian Chivu’s team who have struggled in high-profile contests and were sloppy for both of Jesus’ goals.

Arsenal looked like they would stroll to victory when Jesus poked home the Gunners’ opener in the 10th minute, the Brazilian pouncing on Jurrien Timber’s mishit shot to score his first Champions League goal November 2023.

But his goal was quickly cancelled out by Sucic’s thumping drive as Inter abandoned their initial cautious strategy and began to cause Arsenal problems.

Sucic spurned a perfect chance to unleash another shot in the 27th minute when sent charging through by Lautaro Martinez, but he dawdled and then played a poor pass to Marcus Thuram who slashed his effort high and wide.

Inter were punished for spurning that opportunity four minutes later by Jesus, who was left completely unmarked near the goalline for one of Arsenal’s special set-piece routines.

Bukayo Saka’s deep, looping corner was headed back onto the crossbar by Leandro Trossard and the ball fell straight to Jesus who made no mistake.

Inter didn’t roll over, with Federico Dimarco and substitute Pio Esposito both going close with angled drives, but Gyokeres struck on the break to seal the deal and allow fans to look ahead to United.

AFP

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England defender Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

City stepped up their pursuit of Guehi in a deal reportedly worth £20 million ($27 million) after suffering an acute injury crisis at centre-half and confirmation of the move had been widely expected.

“I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” the centre-back said in a statement released by City.

“This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.

“It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.”

READ ALSO: FIFA, CAF Condemn ‘Unacceptable Scenes’ In AFCON Final, To Take Appropriate Action

City director of football Hugo Viana said Guehi had been “one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now”.

“I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve,” he said. “He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.”

Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September, is City’s second signing of the January transfer window after their capture of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth last week for about £65 million.

The defender captained Palace to FA Cup glory in May against City — the first major trophy in the London club’s history — and has won 26 England caps.

Other clubs reportedly interested in the defender, including Liverpool once again and Bayern Munich were understood to be targeting a move at the end of the season, when Guehi was due to be a free agent.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner said on Friday that he understood the deal was in the final stages.

Pep Guardiola’s City are second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

Central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were all missing from Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

AFP

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The Moroccan Football Federation said Monday it has formally referred to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA incidents involving Senegalese players and supporters protesting a penalty to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Senegal’s protest in added time of normal play during Sunday night’s clash in Rabat led to the match being paused for nearly 20 minutes as the players walked off the pitch in anger.

Some Senegalese fans at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play.

READ ALSO: Senegal Declares Public Holiday After AFCON Win

The AFCON hosts’ football federation said these acts “had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance”, with Morocco then missing the penalty that could have granted them their first African title in 50 years.

The federation said “it will resort to legal procedures” with CAF, the tournament’s organising body, and FIFA “in order to rule on the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team from the field”… “as well as on the events that accompanied this decision”.

It said the referee’s decision to grant the Atlas Lions a penalty was “deemed correct by unanimous opinion of specialists”.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes”.

Senegal scored the game’s only goal just four minutes into extra time after the players returned to the pitch following an appeal from star forward Sadio Mane.

Several Moroccan media outlets on Monday criticised Senegal for a lack of fair play and unsporting behaviour.

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Football governing bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned the “unacceptable scenes” that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, with CAF pledging to take “appropriate action” against those found guilty.

The AFCON final between hosts Morocco and Senegal was disrupted late in normal time when referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, with the match level at 0-0. 

In protest, most Senegal players walked off the pitch, while clashes broke out in the stands involving some Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel.

READ ALSO: AFCON: Senegal Learnt From Nigeria vs Morocco Match, Came Prepared — Dikko

CAF, in a statement issued on Monday, condemned the behaviour of some players and officials but stopped short of assigning blame to either team. 

The body said it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to its disciplinary bodies.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” the continental governing body said.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The Senegal players later returned to the pitch after intervention from former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, one of the few who initially remained on the field. 

Senegal went on to win the final with a brilliant goal from Pape Gueye in extra time, stunning the vast majority of the 66,526 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

‘Set the right example’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the incident, describing the scenes as unacceptable. He criticised the decision to leave the pitch and the violence involving supporters.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”

Infantino praised Moroccoon “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup — said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.

“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” he said.

“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

‘Heat of the moment’ 

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted to broadcaster beIN Sports that he had erred in telling the players to walk off.

“After thinking about it, I realised that I shouldn’t have asked them to go off. I apologise for that,” said Thiaw.

“Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. Before that we scored a goal that was not given. But now we accept that referees do make mistakes and we apologise.”

However, Morocco coach Walid Regragui was worried by the damage done globally to African football by the chaotic final.

“The image we gave of African football was rather shameful. Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy,” said Regragui.

CAF reiterated that disciplinary processes are ongoing and that sanctions will follow once investigations are concluded.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final when they walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”

READ ALSO: Senegal Stun Morocco In Extra Time To Clinch Second AFCON Title

African football’s showpiece event was marred by most of the Senegalese players walking off the pitch when deep into injury time of normal play, with the match all square at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his team-mates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.

They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.

Meanwhile trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel.

The game was held up for almost 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ kick was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye then went on to score a brilliant goal in the fourth minute of extra time to give his team a 1-0 win.

Infantino while congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup — said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.

“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” he said.

“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

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Senegal stunned Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over the hosts at the end of a match marred by disgraceful scenes following a controversial penalty award.

Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco when he stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 24th added minute at the end of normal time.

But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay of almost 20 minutes that followed the penalty award.

Congolese match referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty right at the end of the allotted eight added minutes following a VAR check for a challenge on Diaz in the box by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Diaz, the rest of the Moroccan team and their bench vehemently protested to the referee to check the images, but the decision to eventually give the spot-kick was met with fury by Senegal and their fans.

As most of their players walked off the pitch, some Senegal supporters in the small section of away fans at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play.

They were eventually contained by a large barrier of police and stewards, and their anger turned to delight and disbelief when the penalty was saved.

The Senegal team had initially been riled by the referee’s decision to disallow for a foul a goal they scored in the second added minute when Abdoulaye Seck headed off the post at a corner and Ismaila Sarr nodded in the rebound.

After Diaz’s penalty miss, however, it felt almost inevitable that a galvanised Senegal would go on to score, and they did so in the fourth minute of extra time to stun the home fans in the crowd of 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

 Gueye the hero

Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released his namesake Pape Gueye.

The Villarreal midfielder held off the backtracking Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi as he advanced towards the box before beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a superb strike into the top corner.

Morocco were distraught, in particular Diaz who was promptly substituted.

They could still have forced a penalty shoot-out, with Nayef Aguerd heading against the crossbar in the second half of extra time.

But it was not to be for the hosts, who had been dreaming of winning the title in front of their own fans to end a 50-year wait to become African champions for just the second time.

Senegal could have been more comfortable had Cherif Ndiaye not squandered a glorious chance to make it 2-0 late in the extra period, but they held on.

It is their second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions, after they defeated Egypt on penalties in Yaounde in 2022 to win the trophy for the first time in their history.

They can now look forward to heading to the United States for the World Cup in June, and will hope to persuade star man Mane to play at another AFCON after he declared that the final would be his last ever game at the tournament.

Any investigation into the disgraceful scenes during the game will focus on the conduct of the Senegal team and their fans as well as any shortcomings by Moroccan organisers.

The incidents came at the end of a tense final which had been low on goalmouth action — not exactly surprising given the defensive strength of Africa’s best teams according to the FIFA rankings.

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou when clean through with the best chance in the first half, while Morocco should have scored just before the hour mark but Ayoub El Kaabi prodded wide from a Bilal El Khannouss cross.

Then came the late drama, with Senegal surviving the penalty award before Gueye became their hero — remarkably that was the first goal scored by the Lions of Teranga in an AFCON final after they had failed to find the net in any of their three previous appearances in the tournament’s deciding game.

It was an agonising way for Morocco’s campaign to end, and many of their fans had left the stadium before the final whistle on a cold and wet night in Rabat.

AFP

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which began with 24 teams reached its climax as two sides battled for the ultimate prize at the 69,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat  on Sunday.

Hosts Morocco and Senegal, both former champions, aimed to add a second AFCON title to their history when they clashed in the final for the coveted trophy.

It was Senegal who too the dat after a pulsating 120 minutes of football, preventing Morocco from ending a 50-year wait to win a second continental title.

Channels Television brought you live updates from the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. 

Full Time: Senegal 1:0 Morocco

108′ Aguerd hits the bar! His header beats Mendy but crashes off the crossbar as Senegal survive the scare. Senegal 1:0 Morocco.

106′ Second half of extra time starts: Morocco restart as Senegal bring on Jakobs for Diouf. Fans tense at both ends.

103’ – Morocco on the attack, Senegal defending.

98′ Morocco sub: Diaz off, Akhomach on after a tough night, including the missed penalty.

94′ GOAL! Papa Gueye puts Senegal ahead, 1-0 vs Morocco.

Extra time begins: Morocco start the first half.

90+24′ Diaz misses penalty! He tries a panenka, but Mendy reads it and makes the save.

90+17′ Penalty Controversy. Senegal leave the field: The team heads off sadly, while Morocco gather at midfield.

90+8′ Penalty! Morocco awarded a late spot-kick in stoppage time of the AFCON 2025 final. Senegal protest, but it could decide the game.

90+2′ Senegal goal overruled due to foul. Senegal almost land a late winner, but it is quickly turned away by the referee!

89′ Morocco make a change: El Yamiq replaces the injured, tearful Masina.

86′ Papa Gueye misses! He mishits a volley from outside the box.

77′ Senegal make first changes: Mbaye, Sarr, and Seck replace Ndiaye, Mendy, and Camara.

66′ Morocco win a corner! Hakimi’s cross is cleared, but El Aynaoui goes down bleeding after a clash with Diouf. Play paused. Senegal 0:0 Morocco.

63′ Morocco miss again! El Kaabi’s shot is blocked, then Ezzalzouli fires over. Senegal survive. Senegal 0:0 Morocco

59′ El Kaabi misses! He’s left with an easy chance but shoots wide. Senegal stay in the game.

51′ Senegal handle a dangerous second corner as Morocco grows into the half.

50′ Morocco win an early corner in the second half. Hakimi swings it in, El Khannous keeps it alive, but Senegal clears for another right-side corner. Senegal 0:0 Morocco

45′ Second half begins

It is Senegal that get us underway this time, and interestingly, no changes from either side so far.

Half-time: Senegal 0:0 Morocco

Despite both sides having three shots each, Senegal have been the more threatening, with Bounou producing two brilliant saves to keep Morocco in the game.

38′ Bounou to the rescue! Ndiaye breaks free on the right and fires at the far post, but the keeper blocks with his right shin to force a corner. Morocco clears the danger.

33′ Ezzalzouli with a free kick into the box, but it sails over.
He puts too much height and curl on it, and it drifts past the back post for a Senegal goal kick.

31′ Mazraoui is taken down! Ndiaye’s late challenge sends the Manchester United defender crashing to the ground in obvious pain.
Morocco earns a free kick on the left flank

24′ First yellow of the match goes to Camara after a late sliding tackle on El Aynaoui, leaving Moroccan players and fans fuming.

14′ Saibari’s effort flashes wide of the target. Salibari, cutting in from the left, lets fly with a fierce shot, but it sails well wide of the near post. Still Senegal 0:0 Morocco.

9′ Morocco attacks! Ezzalzouli plays a squared ball into the box, but it goes begging.

6′ Senegal secure the first corner of the match. It is delivered from the left side towards the back post.

The ball finds Papa Gueye, who tries to direct his header across goal, but Bounou is able to push away the opportunity for a right-side corner.

20:20 Kick Off

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The Federal Government has praised the Super Eagles over Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the feat is a testament to the team’s hard work and “Nigeria’s rich football tradition”. 

“Congratulations, Super Eagles. On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, I congratulate you on winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, said in a late Saturday statement. 

“Your performance throughout the tournament was a source of pride and joy for our nation. You have upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart, skill, and resilience.

“From the group stages to the final whistle in Casablanca, you showed courage, unity, and belief in one another. You didn’t just play; you inspired millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.”

READ ALSO: Nwabali’s Heroics Help Nigeria Beat Egypt To Win AFCON Bronze

‘An Unbroken Fighting Spirit’

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the day, saving two crucial spot kicks in the penalty shootout against the Pharaoahs of Egypt.

The Chippa United shot-stopper denied Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City to help Nigeria land their ninth AFCON bronze medal.

Saturday’s game ended barren after 90 minutes before Ademola Lookman converted the final spot-kick, taking advantage of Nwabali’s saves, to hand Nigeria the victory in Casablanca.

Mohammed said with the win, the Super Eagles have added to Nigeria’s rich history at Africa’s premier football competition.

“The way you competed, especially against strong teams, showed discipline and an unbroken fighting spirit,” he said. 

“To our coaches, support staff, and every player who wore the green and white jersey, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. You faced challenges with determination and gave your best on every pitch.” 

Nigeria lost to Morocco in a heartbreaking semi-final penalty shoot-out on Wednesday, but the minister told the team that “this bronze medal is earned with dignity and effort”. 

“It belongs not only to you but to every Nigerian who cheered, believed, and stood by you throughout this competition,” he said. 

With the win, Nigeria’s bronze medal count at the AFCON now stands at nine, the highest tally by any country. They are also undefeated in all third-place games in the tournament.

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Arsenal opened up a seven-point Premier League lead despite failing to break down a resilient Nottingham Forest in a 0-0 draw at the City Ground on Saturday.

The Gunners had the chance to stretch into a nine-point advantage after Manchester City lost 2-0 at local rivals Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off.

Arsenal were made to pay for a lacklustre first-half performance as Forest held out to boost their own chances of survival.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men remain in a promising position to end a 22-year wait to win the title.

Forest boss Sean Dyche had blasted his side for their first-half performance in crashing out to second-tier Wrexham in the FA Cup last weekend.

READ ALSO: Man Utd Stun Man City In Carrick’s First Game In Charge

Dyche received the response he craved as the home side battled hard to edge five points clear of the relegation zone.

City have failed to apply any pressure to Arsenal during a four-game winless Premier League run since the turn of the year.

But back-to-back goalless draws against Liverpool and Forest has prevented Arsenal from building a big lead.

Third-placed Aston Villa could narrow the gap at the top to four points should they beat Everton on Sunday.

The visitors did not have a shot on target in the first half.

It was not until Arteta flexed his strength in depth off the bench in the second period that Forest began to be stretched.

Leandro Trossard was introduced at the break with Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus all brought on before the hour mark.

Saka came closest to breaking the deadlock when his looping header from Declan Rice’s cross was brilliantly turned behind by goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Merino should have scored but could not turn Rice’s inviting free-kick delivery on target.

Arsenal were able to rely on their solid defence to at least edge further clear at the top, thanks to an 11th clean sheet in 22 league games.

AFP

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