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MOGADISHU — Mogadishu City Club and Horseed Sports Club will contest the Jaranaal Da’uud Tournament final on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, with the Somali Football Federation unveiling an updated format that guarantees a decisive result on the day — extra time and, if needed, penalties — as part of a broader bid to raise standards across the domestic game. In a letter signed by SFF Chairman Ali Shiino and circulated Saturday, the federation confirmed both clubs’ participation in the final and detailed the match regulations designed…

CAF on Thursday announced a string of suspensions and fines against players, coaches and federations after an investigation into the chaotic scenes that marred the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco, and dismissed a Moroccan challenge to the result. The Confederation of African Football’s Disciplinary Board said it had penalized both Senegal and Morocco following a stoppage-time penalty award that provoked protests and a walk-off by the Senegalese team. Head coach Pape Thiaw was hit with a five-match suspension from all CAF…

MEITAR, Israel — Israel on Wednesday prepared to bury Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage recovered from Gaza, in a funeral that officials and mourners cast as both an intimate farewell and a national moment of closure. Gvili, 24, an off-duty police officer from the elite Yassam unit, was killed while fighting militants during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel. His body was taken back into Gaza by the Islamic Jihad militant group, Israeli officials say. He was among about 250 people abducted during the…

Israel’s military said it has retrieved the remains of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, a development officials said fulfills a key condition in the initial phase of a U.S.-brokered plan to end the Gaza war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had “brought them all back,” after months of operations and negotiations to secure the release or recovery of the 251 people abducted during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 assault. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the return of the final Israeli hostage…

Senegal’s Dramatic AFCON Final: A Clash of Emotion and Controversy The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal's Teranga Lions and hosts Morocco will be remembered for three things: officiating, raw emotion, and a historic protest. This gripping encounter not only showcased the competitive spirit of African football but also raised questions about the integrity of officiating in such high-stakes games. In a moment that stunned spectators and players alike, Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team…

In a dramatic twist during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal's national football team briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a contentious refereeing decision. The match against hosts Morocco, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, quickly escalated beyond the realm of sport, drawing sharp rebukes from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who condemned the actions of "some Senegal players." The atmosphere was electric as Senegal faced Morocco, a match charged with national pride and the…

In a thrilling climax to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-finals, Morocco and Senegal have booked their spots in the final, setting the stage for a showdown rife with historical significance and national pride. The contrasting victories of both teams showcased not just their tactical prowess but also their resilience under pressure, enhancing the narrative leading up to the coveted championship match. Senegal secured their place in the final by narrowly defeating Egypt 1-0 at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The…

Raphinha’s brace seals Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah thriller over Real Madrid Monday January 12, 2026 JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with a breathless 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Sunday night, riding a two-goal performance from Raphinha and a wave of late resistance to lift the trophy in a raucous Jeddah final. The Brazilian winger struck first just before halftime and delivered the decisive touch in the 73rd minute, his second effort taking a fortuitous deflection off Raul Asencio…

Hamas, Red Cross resume search in Gaza for body of last Israeli hostage, key to ceasefire talks Hamas officials said Tuesday that search operations have resumed in Gaza City for the remains of the last Israeli hostage in the enclave, a move Israel has tied to the start of talks on the second phase of a fragile ceasefire agreement. The Palestinian group’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, is working “accompanied by Red Cross teams” in the Zeitun neighborhood in southeastern Gaza City after a two-week pause caused…

BOSASO, Somalia — At least five Islamic State militants were killed in U.S.-supported airstrikes in northern Somalia’s Puntland State region, local military officials said, as counterterrorism operations intensify in the Cal-Miskaad mountains and move into what authorities describe as their final phase. The strikes hit targets Saturday in the Barakalah area of Baallade Valley, a rugged corridor in the Cal-Miskaad range where Puntland State security forces have been battling ISIS cells for months. The fatalities were…