The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is nearing its end in Morocco, with eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The matches will take place on January 9 and 10, featuring top teams like Senegal, Morocco, and Nigeria. Morocco's Brahim Diaz leads the goal-scoring charts with four goals.
Key Facts
The AFCON 2025 quarterfinals feature eight teams: Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Ivory Coast.
Matches are scheduled for January 9 and 10 in various stadiums in Morocco.
Ivory Coast and Morocco started as favorites, with Nigeria and Algeria now considered strong contenders.
Morocco's Brahim Diaz is the top scorer with four goals.
Al Jazeera Sport and regional broadcasters will cover the quarterfinal matches.
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test century during the fifth Ashes Test, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this for England. Bethell's performance is seen as a promising sign for England's cricket future. His mature batting style and past experiences have prepared him for this achievement.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test century in the fifth Ashes Test.
He is the seventh youngest player to score a Test hundred for England.
Bethell previously came close to a century against New Zealand in November 2024.
England made Bethell their youngest captain during a white-ball tour of Ireland.
Bethell moved from Barbados to the UK at age 12 for a cricket scholarship.
He scored his first first-class hundred in a Test match against South Africa.
Bethell's batting style is described as mature, combining classic techniques with modern flair.
David Batty, a retired footballer who played for England and clubs like Leeds United and Newcastle United, has kept a low profile since retiring in 2004. Despite attempts by former teammates to reach him, Batty remains out of touch, having chosen to focus on his family life instead of staying in the football industry.
Key Facts
David Batty played football for England and clubs like Leeds United and Newcastle United.
He retired from football in 2004 and has stayed out of the public eye since then.
Batty is not involved in football anymore and does not attend reunions or events.
Former teammates tried to contact him, but they haven't succeeded.
Despite rumors, Batty has not pursued a career as a superbike champion or butcher.
After retiring, Batty chose to focus on his family life in Yorkshire.
Batty briefly appeared in public to honor a friend who passed away in 2011.
He is remembered by teammates for his toughness on the field and supportive nature.
Darren Fletcher is serving as interim manager for Manchester United's game against Burnley following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Fletcher, who has been with Manchester United since his youth, is noted for his leadership and extensive experience both on and off the pitch. He has previously been captain at West Brom and is now a coach for Manchester United's under-18 team.
Key Facts
Darren Fletcher is the interim manager for Manchester United in their game against Burnley.
He has been a part of Manchester United since he was a teenager, making his first-team debut in 2003.
Fletcher played 342 games for Manchester United during his career as a player.
Fletcher was signed by West Brom in 2015 and became their captain.
Known for his leadership, he started 86 consecutive league games while at West Brom, setting a record at that time.
Fletcher's contribution is praised by former colleagues, including Tony Pulis, who regarded him as one of the best signings.
Fletcher has been the technical director of Manchester United between 2021 and 2024 and is currently coaching the under-18 team.
He is seen as a potential candidate for a permanent managerial role at Manchester United.
Jacob Bethell scored his first Test cricket century during the fifth Ashes Test match in Sydney. He reached the milestone by hitting a four, bringing England to a score of 210-3, giving them a 27-run lead over their opponent.
Key Facts
Jacob Bethell achieved his first Test century.
Bethell hit the ball to score four runs and complete his century.
The event occurred during the fifth Ashes Test match.
The match took place in Sydney.
England had a score of 210-3 after Bethell's century.
England led by 27 runs at that point in the game.
The coverage of this moment was limited to UK audiences only.
West Ham United is struggling in the Premier League, facing a 10-game winless streak and sitting seven points away from safety. Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has managed only 11 points in his 16 matches, leading to concerns about relegation from the top league.
Key Facts
West Ham has not won in their last 10 Premier League matches.
They are seven points below the safety line with 17 games remaining.
West Ham lost a recent match 2-1 against Nottingham Forest after leading.
Ten games without a win is West Ham's worst run since 2006-2007.
Nuno Espirito Santo is the team's manager and started in September.
West Ham has earned only 11 points from 16 matches under Nuno.
The team failed to win any of the last five games despite scoring first.
Upcoming challenges include matches against Tottenham and Chelsea.
The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons following a narrow loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl win in 2013 and other significant achievements. Several teams are interested in hiring him, including potentially the New York Giants.
Key Facts
The Baltimore Ravens fired John Harbaugh, their head coach for 18 seasons.
Harbaugh's dismissal happened after the team lost 26-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl in 2013.
Harbaugh was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2019.
Under Harbaugh, the Ravens won multiple divisional titles.
Harbaugh is the second-ranked NFL coach in playoff appearances since 2008.
Several NFL teams are reportedly interested in hiring Harbaugh.
He might become the head coach for the New York Giants.
Category: sports
Ben Stokes, the captain of England's cricket team, left the field due to a groin injury during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. England has had a difficult Ashes series, losing the first three Tests and facing potential defeat in the current match. Stokes' injury adds to the team's existing challenges with injured players.
Key Facts
Ben Stokes is the captain of England's cricket team.
He left the field with a groin injury during the fifth Ashes Test.
Harry Brook, the vice-captain, took over team control after Stokes left.
England lost the first three Tests in the series.
Stokes has struggled with various injuries over the years.
He has bowled a significant number of overs during this series.
Three other fast bowlers on the England team are also injured.
Stokes plans to continue as captain, with a contract until 2027.
Rangers closed the gap to three points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts after a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. Since head coach Danny Rohl took over in October, the team has moved from sixth place and 13 points behind to second place. Rohl is focused on continuing improvement as the season progresses.
Key Facts
Rangers are now three points behind the league leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
Danny Rohl became the head coach of Rangers in October.
Under Rohl, Rangers have won 10 out of 13 league games.
Rangers were initially 13 points behind the league leaders and in sixth place.
Rangers defeated Aberdeen 2-0 in their latest match.
Rohl mentioned the need for further improvements, especially in midfield.
Rangers plan to strengthen their team during the January transfer window.
Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has decided to enter the transfer portal despite recently agreeing to stay with the Huskies until 2026. LSU is reportedly interested in Williams as they look to fill their quarterback position. Washington is considering legal action to enforce Williams' contract.
Key Facts
Demond Williams Jr., a quarterback for Washington, is entering the transfer portal.
Williams recently signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal to stay with Washington until 2026.
LSU is interested in Williams to fill their quarterback needs.
Lane Kiffin is the coach of LSU, seeking a new quarterback for his team.
Williams' entry into the transfer portal has a "do-not-contact" tag.
Washington may pursue legal action to keep Williams, as he signed a contract.
NIL deals allow athletes to earn money from their likeness and have changed athlete decision-making in college sports.
Demond Williams, a quarterback for the Washington Huskies, planned to compete in the 2026 season but announced he is entering the transfer portal. He had reportedly signed a contract to stay with the Huskies, leading to controversy about whether he can transfer. There is speculation that Williams may join another team such as LSU.
Key Facts
Demond Williams is a sophomore quarterback for the Washington Huskies.
He was expected to be a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2026.
Williams announced he is entering the transfer portal, which allows college athletes to explore transferring to another school.
He reportedly signed a contract to play for Washington in 2026, causing disputes about his eligibility to transfer.
The Washington Huskies consider Williams to have a binding contract with them.
There are rumors linking Williams to the LSU Tigers and other teams.
Nottingham Forest won against West Ham with a late penalty by Gibbs-White. This victory leaves West Ham seven points away from safety in the league standings.
Key Facts
Nottingham Forest played an away game against West Ham.
Gibbs-White scored a late penalty for Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest won the match with a final score of 2-1.
This game was part of the Premier League.
West Ham is now seven points away from safety in the league standings.
LSU is trying to recruit Sam Leavitt, a talented quarterback, as he explores college transfer options. Leavitt attended an LSU basketball game with the school's head football coach, signaling strong interest. However, he also plans to visit the University of Tennessee, potentially affecting LSU's chances of signing him.
Key Facts
Sam Leavitt, a promising football quarterback, is in the transfer portal considering college options.
LSU is strongly interested in recruiting Leavitt and hosted him at a basketball game with their head coach.
Leavitt has not yet committed to LSU and plans to visit the University of Tennessee.
The transfer portal allows college athletes to switch schools, with Leavitt's tag indicating a focused approach on whom to contact.
Tennessee aims to strengthen its football team after losing a key recruit to UCLA last year.
The NCAA transfer portal for this period closes on January 16, 2026.
If LSU does not secure Leavitt, they may consider another transfer quarterback, Demond Williams.
Darren Fletcher has become the interim manager of Manchester United, following the exit of Ruben Amorim. Before taking the position, Fletcher spoke with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and received his approval. Fletcher will lead the team in upcoming matches against Burnley and Brighton.
Key Facts
Darren Fletcher is now the interim manager of Manchester United.
He took over after Ruben Amorim was dismissed.
Fletcher consulted with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson before accepting the role.
Fletcher will manage the team's matches against Burnley in the Premier League and Brighton in the FA Cup.
Fletcher has a strong relationship with Ferguson and values his advice.
Fletcher has not had time for individual meetings with all his players since taking over but has spoken to key senior players.
Ruben Amorim gave Fletcher's sons opportunities in recent matches but is no longer in contact with Fletcher.
Kirk Cousins, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, may not return to the team. His contract restructuring has made it easier for the Falcons to release him. Cousins expressed uncertainty about his future in the NFL after the recent season.
Key Facts
Kirk Cousins is currently the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
He hinted that his future with the Falcons is uncertain after a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons have restructured the guarantees in Cousins' contract, potentially allowing for his release before free agency.
Cousins has a $67.9 million guarantee for the 2027 season, possibly influencing the Falcons' decision.
Injuries led Cousins to start the last games of the season, winning five out of seven.
The Minnesota Vikings might consider bringing Cousins back as they look to strengthen their quarterback lineup.
Anthony Davis wants to remain with the Dallas Mavericks and sign a contract extension. The Mavericks, however, are looking to trade him due to concerns about his health and the cost of his contract.
Key Facts
Anthony Davis was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks over a year ago.
Davis desires to stay with the Mavericks and aims for a contract extension.
The Mavericks are considering trading Davis because of his injury history and high salary.
Davis currently has a three-year contract with a possibility to earn $62.7 million in 2027.
Dallas Mavericks have not performed well this season, starting with a record of 13-23.
Dallas's Kyrie Irving, who was injured, has played limited minutes with Davis.
The potential trade involves Rich Paul, Davis's agent, seeking a team willing to sign him for a lucrative, long-term deal.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick is looking to win the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia to boost the team's confidence and performance for the rest of the season. Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, and Flick hopes the victory will give them energy like last season. Ronald Araujo might return to action, and Barcelona is close to signing Joao Cancelo.
Key Facts
The Spanish Super Cup takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal.
Barcelona aims to win the Spanish Super Cup to boost the team's morale.
Coach Hansi Flick was previously with Bayern Munich.
Last season, Barcelona won the Super Cup as part of a domestic treble.
Ronald Araujo may return after a break following a red card.
Joao Cancelo is close to joining Barcelona from Al-Hilal on loan.
Athletic Bilbao last won the Super Cup in 2021, defeating Barcelona.
Ivory Coast defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to advance to the quarterfinals. Amad Diallo scored the first goal and helped create the second, while Bazoumana Toure added a third goal. Ivory Coast will now face Egypt in the quarterfinals.
Key Facts
Ivory Coast beat Burkina Faso 3-0 in the AFCON knockout stage.
Amad Diallo scored the first goal and assisted on the second goal for Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast's third goal was scored by Bazoumana Toure.
Burkina Faso's Adamo Nagalo received a yellow card early in the match.
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed Ivory Coast's first goal.
Ivory Coast will play against Egypt next in the quarterfinals.
Egypt has won the AFCON title a record seven times.
Burkina Faso's team made several changes during the match to try to improve their performance.
The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 years with the team. Harbaugh, who led the team to a Super Bowl win in 2013, was praised by former player Robert Griffin III. Several NFL teams, including the Ravens, are looking for new head coaches.
Key Facts
The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 years with the team.
Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 against his brother's team, the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens recently missed the playoffs after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Robert Griffin III, a former player under Harbaugh, praised him on social media, calling him the "Greatest Coach in Ravens History."
Griffin III suggested that the Atlanta Falcons should consider hiring Harbaugh as their next head coach.
Several NFL teams, including the Falcons, Cardinals, Raiders, Browns, Titans, and Giants, are searching for new head coaches.
Tom Brady shared his list of the top 10 NFL teams ahead of the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks were his top pick, while teams like the Steelers and Packers were not included. Brady is set to cover the 49ers vs. Eagles game for Fox Sports.
Key Facts
Tom Brady ranked the Seattle Seahawks as the number one NFL team.
The Seahawks have a 14-game winning streak.
Brady's top five teams included the Rams, Jaguars, Patriots, Broncos, and Seahawks.
The 49ers, Eagles, Texans, Bills, and Bears were ranked 10th to 6th, respectively.
Four playoff teams not in Brady’s top 10 are the Steelers, Chargers, Panthers, and Packers.
Brady will commentate on the 49ers vs. Eagles game for Fox Sports.
