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August 3, 2023

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023 IFMSPORTS

D’tigress Overcome Mozambique To Qualify For Afrobasket Semi-Finals

D’Tigress have advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket competition in Rwanda.

The Nigerian women defeated Mozambique 59-52 to advance to the semifinals against hosts Rwanda and extend their unbeaten streak to 22 games with their last loss coming against Cameroon in the 2015 edition.

D’Tigress came through in determined fashion as they returned from losing the first two quarters, 16-18 and 13-15, to win the last two quarters, 18-10 and 12-9, and edge the dogged Mozambicans.

Amy Okonkwo top-scored for D’Tigress with 17 points and six rebounds, while Elizabeth Balogun added 12 and six rebounds.

Coach Rena Wakama started with Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Okonkwo, Balogun, Sarah Ogoke, and Blessing Ejiofor. Kunaiyi-Akpanah won the jump ball, but Mozambique got the first points of the encounter through Stefania Chiziane.

Okonkwo gave Nigeria her first points after 70 seconds and took the lead through Balogun with a three-pointer. Ogoke pushed the lead to 7-2 after three minutes of the encounter. Murjanatu Musa, off the bench, made it 9-2, and at that stage, D’Tigress looked to be heading for another easy win.

But Ingvild da Ofilia Agostinho Mucauro sparked the fightback even though Nigeria led 14-9 with about three minutes left in the first quarter. Ifunaya Okoro committed a foul and allowed Chiziane two free throws, which she made, and from there, the Nigerian team withered.

Balogun made a layup, giving Nigeria a 16-15 lead, and then committed a turnover, from which Mucauro made a three-pointer to take an 18-16 lead into the break.

The two teams evenly fought the second quarter, with Okonkwo scoring five points to keep the deficit at 29-33 at the end of the second quarter.

Balogun made two free throws with four minutes left on the clock in the third quarter to draw the Nigerians’ level at 40-40. By the end of the quarter, D’Tigress had reversed the four-point deficit into a four-point lead, 47-43.

The Nigerian team consolidated their lead in the fourth with superior rebounding power on both ends of the court to take the 59-52 win.

August 2, 2023

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 IFMSPORTS

Sadio Mane Departs Bayern Munich to Team Up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has made a significant move, leaving Bayern Munich to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he will play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite an initially promising start at Bayern, the 31-year-old's season was deemed underwhelming, with 12 goals in 38 games.

Mane's time at Bayern was not without challenges, and it was reported that he was involved in a physical altercation with Leroy Sane in the Manchester City dressing room after a Champions League defeat. However, it appears that the German champions have managed to recoup a substantial part of the £35 million they paid Liverpool for Mane just a year ago.

Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of Bayern, acknowledged that Mane had faced difficulties since his move from Anfield. He stated that the Senegal player had not experienced an "easy year" with the club and hadn't been able to contribute as much as everyone, including himself, had hoped.

Earlier on Tuesday Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel said he and Mane agreed "it was the best solution to untie the knot".

"We had a long, big hug and we both agreed we don't like what's happening now, but we think it's for the best in this situation," said the Bayern coach.
"Sometimes things don't work out as everybody wants. I have always had a very good relationship with him and this will stay.

"I can totally understand he feels hurt and I also wouldn't feel happy if things like this happened.

"Obviously it's something that we didn't bring into the full potential, which is my responsibility, but in this particular situation it was the best solution to untie the knot."

August 2, 2023

August 2, 2023 IFMSPORTS

Sweden Triumphs Over Argentina To Set Up USA Last-16 Clash

Sweden continued their impressive run at the Women's World Cup, securing a perfect record of three wins from three matches in Group G.

Their latest victory, a 2-0 result against Argentina in Hamilton, guarantees them the top spot in the group and sets up an enticing last-16 encounter with the USA.

With their superior goal difference essentially sealing the top position, Sweden made nine changes to their starting lineup in Hamilton. Despite lacking the same level of cohesion displayed in their previous games, Sweden proved to be too strong for their Argentine opponents.

The match remained fiercely contested for an hour until Sweden's superior quality came to the fore. Rebecka Blomqvist found the space she needed in the box to convert Sofia Jakobsson's cross from close range, putting Sweden in the lead.

Late in the game, Elin Rubensson calmly converted a penalty after Blomqvist was fouled in the box while Argentina was attempting to defend a free-kick. This second goal sealed the result, making it a 2-0 victory for Sweden.

Argentina's journey in the tournament ends with a last-place finish in the group, having earned only one point. Although they put up a valiant effort against Sweden, they were unable to break through their opponent's defense and achieve a historic milestone of winning a maiden match and progressing to the knockout rounds in a World Cup finals.

In the same group, South Africa secured their spot in the last 16 with a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Italy in a dramatic encounter in Wellington.

The stage is now set for Sweden and South Africa to compete in the knockout stages, promising further excitement and exhilarating matches in the Women's World Cup.

August 2, 2023

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 IFMSPORTS

Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele Set to Join Paris St-Germain

Barcelona's 26-year-old forward, Ousmane Dembele, is all set to make a move to Paris St-Germain, according to Barca coach Xavi.

In a pre-season friendly against AC Milan in Las Vegas, Dembele remained an unused substitute on Wednesday, and Xavi shed light on the situation, stating that the player has personally decided to leave.

Xavi revealed, "He has been very direct, stating that he has a proposal from Paris St-Germain, and they have approached him. Regrettably, there is nothing we can do about it, which is why he didn't play today."

The news of Dembele's departure saddened Xavi, who emphasized that the club had taken great care of the player, ensuring his happiness and contentment while he continued to make a difference on the field for Barcelona.

Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for £135 million, Dembele has scored 40 goals in 185 games. Last year, he signed a new two-year contract with Barcelona after leading the league in assists during the season.

Despite being part of the French squad that reached the World Cup final, Dembele's season was marred by a thigh injury, causing him to miss a significant portion of the latter part of the season. Nevertheless, he managed to score in a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in Dallas during their pre-season tour in the United States.

Paris St-Germain's interest in Dembele comes as they seek to bolster their squad. The club has been a dominant force in Ligue 1, securing nine out of the past eleven league titles.

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Author: IFMSPORTS

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