Ruben Amorim has challenged Manchester United's hierarchy to let him do his job without interference.

Senegal and Mali on Saturday qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. While Senegal came from behind to ease past Sudan 3-1 ⁠and book their ‍place, Mali on its part used a 10-man squad to eliminate Tunisia on penalties. Former champions Senegal will face Mali in the quarterfinals.

Super Eagles captain, Victor Osimhen has sent a bold warning to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations rivals, insisting the Super Eagles can “trample on any team” as they chase an end to the country’s 13-year wait for continental glory.

Nigeria’s commanding 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, achieved with a largely second-string side, sealed a perfect group-stage record of three wins from three matches. It marked only the fourth time Nigeria have achieved that feat in 20 AFCON appearances.

Victories over Tunisia and Tanzania further underlined the Super Eagles’ status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams, according to the Galatasaray striker.

Ghana's Michael 'Black Spider' Abban became the new WBA Pan African and Commonwealth Silver super flyweight champion on New Year's Day following the failure of Tanzanian opponent, Muhsin Kizota to answer the bell for round 3 on an electrifying night of fight action in Accra presented by Bishop Boxing Promotions.

22 year old Abban, a former national champion who also won the Commonwealth Youth belt only last October, didn't do much in round 1 as he appeared to study the opponent who was virtually inactive, only interested in not getting hit at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

The Ghanaian went into full gear in round 2, but Kizota will not allow him to fight, frustrating Abban with incessant clinching as the clocked ticked away. Abban however will not be thwarted and still found a way to land some good shots even as Kizota tried his best to clinch and frustrate the Ghanaian.

Brennan Johnson is set to be included in Crystal Palace’s squad for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle after the Wales forward completed a club-record £35m move from Tottenham on Friday, January 2.

Bournemouth were also keen to sign Johnson as a potential replacement for Manchester City target Antoine Semenyo. However, following talks with Palace manager Oliver Glasner on Thursday, the 24-year-old opted for a move to Selhurst Park.

“I’m really excited and really happy,” Johnson said.

“Crystal Palace are a great club—one I’ve always admired. It’s a great time for me to be here and to join the journey this club is on.”

The men’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the centrepiece of an action-packed sporting calendar in 2026.

England and Scotland have already qualified directly for the expanded 48-team tournament and could be joined by either Wales or Northern Ireland, who will compete in March for one of four remaining European play-off places.

England, among the favourites to lift the trophy, will open their Group L campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June before facing Ghana and Panama.

West Ham have completed the signing of Brazilian striker Pablo Felipe from Portuguese side Gil Vicente on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 22-year-old arrives at the London Stadium for a reported fee of €25 million (£21.8m), becoming the club’s first signing since Nuno Espírito Santo took charge in September.

With the knockout stage about to begin at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the tournament’s heavyweights have largely enjoyed smooth passage so far.

Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three of their group matches, while Mohamed Salah’s goals helped Egypt progress comfortably with seven points.

Hosts Morocco also went unbeaten, easing captain Achraf Hakimi back into action after injury.

Sudan captain Mohamed Abdelrahman says pride and a strong sense of responsibility are driving the Falcons of Jediane after they secured qualification from the group stage of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.

The 1970 champions booked a place in the Round of 16 after finishing among the four best third-placed teams. Abdelrahman described the achievement as a moment of joy for the Sudanese people, particularly amid the difficult realities caused by the ongoing conflict back home.

Gabon's government has suspended the national team, banned striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and sacked coach Thierry Mouyouma after their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

AFCON 2025: Knockout Dreams and Continental Heavyweights Collide

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations enters its most unforgiving phase as the Round of 16 brings together proven champions, dark horses and history-makers, all chasing a place in the quarterfinals. With margins tightening and pressure peaking, every fixture across four gripping days promises drama, intensity and defining moments.

The Ghana Bowls Federation has intensified efforts to expand and institutionalise the sport within Ghana’s security services, formally introducing bowls to the Ghana Police Service as part of a broader strategy to prepare athletes for international competition, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea head coach after a run of poor results. Maresca became Blues boss in June 2024 after the Italian guided Leicester to promotion from the Championship. Chelsea now seek a seventh managerial appointment in as many years and the fifth since American investor Todd Boehly and private firm Clearlake Capital bought the club in May 2022.

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital in Nigeria days after a fatal car accident that killed two of his close friends.

Senegal underlined their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin in their final Group D match, played in Tangiers on Tuesday, December 30.

The former African champions started purposefully and were rewarded in the 38th minute when Abdoulaye Seck rose highest to power home a header from Krépin Diatta’s well-delivered set piece, giving Senegal a deserved lead at the break.

Benin showed greater urgency after the restart, testing Édouard Mendy with efforts from Aiyegun Tosin and Junior Olaïtan. However, Senegal remained well organised defensively and clinical in attack.