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FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, Lagos (2025)

11/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• North Macedonia hold off Belgium attack to claim vital World Cup point
By Mark Gleeson

North Macedonia put on a defensive masterclass to hold Belgium to a 0-0 draw away in their World Cup qualifier on Friday and stay one point ahead in Group J.

The visitors kept out everything Belgium could throw at them in a near 90-minute siege and lead with 12 points from six games, one ahead of Belgium who have a game in hand.

Belgium attacked continually almost from the start, with Jeremy Doku trying to open up the defence from the left flank and Kevin De Bruyne probing from the edge of the area.

But their efforts were thwarted by a committed defence and when it was breached, goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski came up with some key saves.

Doku regularly sold dummies to defenders to set up chances only for the last effort to be blocked or saved while De Bruyne’s best effort from the edge of the area took a deflection and went away for a corner.

North Macedonia, who have never been to the World Cup but did cause a shock when they qualified for the 2020 European Championship, had two attempts on goal from rare counterattack chances but there was barely anything for home goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to do.

"We did everything we could to score but it was frustrating. If we had got a first goal, I'm sure we would have got a lot more," Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken told VTM television.

Belgium have a game in hand and are still fancied to win the group and qualify for next June’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

But they will need to be sharper in front of goal if they are to get a much needed away win against Wales in Cardiff on Monday and take over the leadership of the group. They finish their fixtures next month at Kazakhstan and at home TOMORROW Liechtenstein.

North Macedonia’s final two group games are home to Kazakhstan on Monday and they finish away against Wales on November 18.ho
Wales, who have 10 points from five games, benefitted from the draw and remain in contention but their cause rests on beating Belgium on Monday.

Source - Reuters

11/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• Mbappe leads the charge as France beat Azerbaijan in qualifier
By Julien Pretot

Striker Kylian Mbappe played saviour as France closed in on qualification for next year's World Cup with a lacklustre 3-0 home win over Azerbaijan in their Group D qualifier on Friday, before coming off late with a painful ankle knock.

The 26-year-old opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime and set up Adrien Rabiot for the second, with substitute Florian Thauvin adding a third to put Les Bleus on nine points from three games and give Didier Deschamps' side a chance to secure qualification on Monday when they travel to Iceland.

France were missing several key players, with Paris St Germain forwards Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola all sidelined through injury, but former PSG duo Mbappe and Rabiot got the job done despite an appalling first half.

Azerbaijan, who next play second-placed Ukraine (four points), remain bottom of the table with one point behind Iceland who have three after three games.

"We got the result we wanted but not the performance — especially in the first half," Deschamps told a press conference. "Our ball circulation was too slow, it was all a bit too flat. I can’t stop players from thinking the goal will come eventually, but we didn’t do enough to unsettle them."

Les Bleus stretched their unbeaten run in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers to 26 games, although they did not do it in style.

Mbappe had their first chance within seconds followed by a powerful angled strike from Malo Gusto at a quiet Parc des Princes. Hugo Ekitike also tested goalkeeper Shakhrudin Magomedaliyev, but France lacked a cutting edge in a largely underwhelming first half.

On the stroke of halftime, however, Mbappe slalomed through the visitors’ defence and found the back of the net with a neat low shot to put France ahead.

Ekitike came close early in the second half, his angled right-footed effort bouncing off the far post.
Rabiot finally put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute, heading home from Mbappe’s cross from the left.

Six years after his last cap, Thauvin — a world champion with Les Bleus in 2018 — replaced Mbappe in the 83rd minute after the captain took a knock to his ankle and scored a subtle volley with his first touch a minute later.

"Kylian is in great shape — he’s the leader, the captain, and he was already in this kind of form back in September," said Deschamps. "He had a sore ankle, and as often happens, he took another knock in the same spot. He preferred to come off because the pain had become quite intense."

Source Reutersy

10/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• Kimmich double fires Germany top in win over 10-man Luxembourg
By Trevor Stynes

Germany's Joshua Kimmich netted twice to power his side to a 4-0 home win over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier on Friday where the visitors went down to 10 men in the first half and the hosts moved top of the standings in a tight Group A.

Germany were playing catch-up after losing their opening game 2-0 in Slovakia, their first away defeat in a World Cup qualifier. After a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland, Julian Nagelsmann's side continued their revival against Luxembourg.

The win combined with Slovakia's 2-0 defeat in Northern Ireland puts the Germans top on goal difference, with the Irish second and the Slovaks dropping to third, with all three teams on six points. Luxembourg are bottom without a point.

The group winners qualify automatically with the runners-up advancing to the playoffs. Germany are already assured of a playoff spot thanks to their Nations League ranking.

Germany laid siege to the visitors' goal from the start and Nick Woltemade appeared to have scored his first international goal after he deflected in Serge Gnabry's shot, but his effort was ruled out for handball.

David Raum opened the scoring in the 12th minute, netting his first goal for Germany in style by curling a free kick around the wall which beat goalkeeper Anthony Moris at his near post.

Luxembourg lost defender Dirk Carlson to a red card for a handball in the area and Kimmich converted the resulting penalty in the 21st minute but, despite their numerical advantage, the hosts failed to increase their lead before the break.

That quickly changed after the interval, when a Karim Adeyemi pass sent Gnabry racing into the box and he smashed his effort past Moris three minutes into the second half.

Two minutes later, after Luxembourg failed to clear the ball from inside the six-yard box from a corner, Kimmich pounced to net from close range.

The last time the sides met resulted in a 7-0 win for Germany in 2006, with current Luxembourg manager Jeff Strasser on the pitch for the losers and he must have feared a repeat scoreline but his side repelled much of the constant pressure.

Germany next travel to face the Irish on Monday, when Slovakia host Luxembourg.

Source - Reuters

10/10/2025

FIFA U-20 WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE:
• Morocco is ready for a tough USA test after kicking out South Korea ..Coach Ouahbi calls for patience as Morocco advances to the quarter-finals
By Maxwell Kumoye

Morocco’s U-20 team reached the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said his players handled a tricky match well against a side with nothing to lose.

“It was a tough game because we played against a team that didn’t start the tournament well and had nothing to lose,” Ouahbi said.

“In the first half, they defended with clear fear because they knew we could hurt them on the counter. They tried not to leave us any space.”

Morocco managed to stay composed and find openings. “Praise be to Allah, with calm and focus, we managed to create some spaces and chances,” he said. “At first, we lost the ball in silly ways a few times, which is exactly what they wanted. So we asked the players to stay calm, especially since we were already leading.”

Ouahbi said some of his players were too eager at the start: “Sometimes young players want to finish the game quickly. Their enthusiasm is understandable. But this is the World Cup knockout stage. We’re not here to show off. We’re here to represent Morocco in the best way.”

He added. “The players showed good tactical awareness, fighting spirit, and teamwork. We did struggle towards the end as they pushed with long balls, so we need to defend better against crosses and set-pieces.”

Morocco will face the United States on Sunday October 12 in the quarter-finals. The winner will meet either France or Norway in the semi-finals.

Ouahbi expects another demanding contest. “We’re facing a very strong opponent. As I said before in Morocco, the United States is one of the favourites to win the title. We’ve faced them three times and know them well. It will be a tough quarter-final.”

10/10/2025

Super Eagles second goal against Lesotho off the boot of Akor Adams

10/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• Super Eagles rekindle faint World Cup hope with a slim win over Crocodiles..Cheetahs of Benin open two points lead ahead final day battle with Super Eagles in Group C ..South Africa share spoils with Zimbabwe in Durban to the close gap with Cheetahs
By Maxwell Kumoye, Sports Editor

Captain Troost Ekong and Akor Adams provided oxygen to the faint hope of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their quest to reach the finals of the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by America, Canada and Mexico.

Troost Ekong and Akor Adams scored in the second half in Polokwane, South Africa to give Nigeria a 2-1 away win over the Crocodiles of Lesotho on MatchDay nine of the race to reach the World Cup finals next year.

Ekong scored from the spot in the 55th minute before substitute Akor Adams made it 2-0 with ten minutes left on the clock. Lesotho reduced the margin just three minutes after Adams had struck but it was too little, too late as the Eagles held on to win 2-1.

At the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic made their trip count, with a 1-0 Victory over Rwanda who are now out of the race to reach the mondial.

Aiyegun's 80th minute strike gives Benin Republic a two points lead over Bafana Bafana of South Africa who shared spoils with Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida in Durban. 0-0 it ended with both sides ending the game with ten men.

These are the top 3 of Group C after nine matches:

Benin Rep. 17 pts and plus 5 goals
South Africa 15 pts and plus 3 goals
Nigeria 14 pts and plus 3 goals

On Tuesday, South Africa host Rwanda, Benin Republic will visit Nigeria in Uyo while Zimbabwe and Lesotho have a formality game to complete the pairings in Group C.

A win for South Africa and a defeat for Benin will see the rainbow nation in the World Cup finals next year.

However, the Super Eagles of Nigeria can advance into the finals with a 2-0 win over Benin Republic and South Africa drops points but a draw for Benin in Uyo and South Africa fails to win means the Cheetahs will be in the Americas for the World Cup.

Benin Republic can also reach the World Cup finals with a win over Nigeria irrespective of the result of the game between South Africa and Rwanda.

10/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• Full Time in Group C

Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
Zimbabwe 0-0 South Africa
Rwanda 0-1 Benin Republic

10/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• Half Time in Group C

Rwanda 0-0 Benin
Lesotho 0-0 Nigeria
Zimbabwe 0-0 S. Africa

10/10/2025

2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS UPDATE:
• Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire move closer to World Cup finals ..Former African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang sees red after hitting four
By Maxwell Kumoye

Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon were scoring freely on MatchDay nine of the 2026 African World Cup Qualifiers on Friday.

Despite the fact that these countries were scoring at will, they will have to wait till the final day of the Qualifying series to know if they will make the trip to the World Cup finals from Group B and F.

African champions Côte d'Ivoire hit Seychelles 7-0 away to stay one point ahead of Gabon that also won 4-3 away to The Gambia in the Group F.

Former African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was just too hot for the Gambians to handle as he scored all four goals for Gabon, before he saw red, five minutes from time.

Senegal's dream of reaching the World Cup finals will materialize on the final day of the Qualifying series. This is because DR Congo defeated Togo in Lome 1-0 while in Juba the Teranga Lions smashed South Sudan 5-0.

Ismaila Sarr with a double, Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Pape Cherif Ndiaye all scored for the Lions.

Senegal are two points ahead of DR Congo and they host Mauritania that has no business with the World Cup finals on Tuesday while Sudan will be a guest of DR Congo the same day.

In Group F on Tuesday Côte d'Ivoire will take on Kenya in Abidjan while Gabon without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang host Burundi in Libreville.

So far, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are the African countries that are through to the World Cup finals next year.

Today's results

South Sudan 0-5 Senegal
Togo 0-1 DR Congo

Seychelles 0-7 Côte d'Ivoire
Gambia 3-4 Gabon

10/10/2025

SPORTS BAR:
• Arsenal handed suspended fine over FA Cup ticketing rule breach
By Chiranjit Ojha

Arsenal have been given a suspended fine of 500,000 pounds ($664,000) for breaching ticketing rules for their FA Cup third round tie at home to Manchester United in January, the FA said on Friday.

Arsenal, who lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw on January 12, did not provide the required full allocation of 9,000 tickets for United fans, the FA said in a statement.

British media said Arsenal had allocated only 8,000 tickets for United supporters, citing safety concerns.

"The fine is suspended pending Arsenal FC’s confirmation that it is able to comply with this requirement for the 2025-26 FA Cup third round and continued compliance for any further rounds," the FA added.

Source - Reuters

10/10/2025

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES:
• Estevao and Rodrygo at the double as Brazil thrash South Korea
By Fernando Kallas

Brazil's Estevao and Rodrygo each netted twice as the visitors cruised to a 5-0 victory over South Korea in a friendly on Friday, showcasing a dominant display under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Brazil opened the scoring in the 13th minute through 18-year-old winger Estevao from close range after a perfectly weighted through ball from Bruno Guimaraes.

They doubled the lead in the 41st with a piece of brilliance as Rodrygo curled a strike into the bottom corner to finish a fine collective effort by the five-times world champions.

Brazil struck again after the break as Estevao capitalised on a misplaced pass from Kim Min-Jae in the 47th for his second before Rodrygo finished off a swift move started by Vinicius Jr, who wrapped up the win after another counter in the 77th.

The result highlighted the attacking dynamism of Ancelotti's Brazil side as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

The Italian, who took over in May after a tricky qualifying campaign, has prioritised attitude and adaptability in the limited time before next year's tournament in North America.

Brazil's win marked their third in five matches under Ancelotti as his bold attacking set-up overwhelmed a South Korean side left chasing shadows.

Brazil lined up with four forwards and only two midfielders, relying on high pressing and rapid transitions.

BRAZIL'S TACTICAL APPROACH BEARS FRUIT

Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo swapped roles between the left wing and central attack, while Matheus Cunha operated as a deep-lying playmaker and Estevao ran up and down the right channel.

The tactical approach bore fruit early as Estevao opened the scoring. Guimaraes' superb low pass through a crowded defence allowed the teenager to ghost in at the far post and fire home.

South Korea struggled to contain Brazil's relentless speed and movement, resorting to tactical fouls that earned two yellow cards. Jo Hyeon-woo produced excellent saves to deny Vinicius and Rodrygo, while Casemiro had a goal disallowed for offside.

Rodrygo made it 2-0 just before the break with a stunning finish after a flowing move involving Vinicius and Casemiro.

Brazil came out firing in the second half with Rodrygo and Estevao each scoring within three minutes and Vinicius capping off the rout by racing through the defence to slot home.

"(Ancelotti) stressed the importance of everyone staying committed and playing with intensity and that starts with the forwards pressing," Rodrygo told Brazilian TV Globo.

"Everyone defends, everyone helps ... little-by-little, the attack starts to work. I'm very happy with the victory and with my personal performance too. Let's keep it up,"

Brazil face Japan on Tuesday in another friendly as they continue to prepare for the World Cup in North America.

Source - Reuters

10/10/2025

SPORTS BAR:
• Norway FA president Klaveness welcomes Israel peace deal ahead of vital World Cup qualifier
By Philip O'connor, Reuters

Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness is looking forward to meeting her Israeli counterpart ahead of a World Cup qualifier between the two on Saturday following the announcement of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, she said.

The Norwegian FA said in August that it would donate profits from ticket sales from Saturday's Group I game against Israel to support the work of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza, prompting immediate criticism from the Israelis.

"I always meet other football presidents before we play games. I'm very much into dialogue, and the more difficult it gets, the more important is that we meet, even if it's difficult," Klaveness said in an interview on Friday.

Israel's FA criticised the ticket money move at the time, saying: "It would be nice if some of the amount were directed to try to finding a condemnation by the Norwegian FA of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli citizens and children."

Israel's government ratified the ceasefire with Hamas in the early hours of Friday morning, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held there within 72 hours after that.

"We are, of course, extremely happy, on behalf of the involved parties in the whole world that there is a ceasefire. Football is nothing compared to peace, and now the bombs can stop over Gaza, and that hostages can come home," Klaveness said.

"That's very important, and I think it's very important now that all of us, football leaders and leaders in all big organisations, now give this peace plan energy and momentum. We all know it's a long way to sustainable peace, but it's everyone's responsibility to give it energy and momentum."

The Norwegian FA has worked closely with police in Oslo on security matters around the game, and Klaveness said she hoped Israeli fans would feel safe attending.

"They are warmly welcome, and nothing that we say or state should ever be interpreted as directed towards them or that we don't feel sympathy for what they've gone through with this horrific trauma of October 7th 2033," she said.

"When we say something about condemning the attack on Gaza, it does not mean that we condemn the attack on their people any less."

Norway's men's team, who have not qualified for the World Cup since 1998, top the five-team group on 15 points, six ahead of third-placed Israel, who are behind Italy on goal difference.

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