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Author: Stephen Awino

  • Daystar Falcons Crowned Kings of Africa University 7s Champions

    [Photo courtesy of Uganda Rugby Instagram]

    Daystar Falcons were crowned champions of the 2023 King’s of Africa University 7s held at the Makerere University In Uganda on Sunday October 9.

    Falcons had a great run in the tournament winning in all of the four rounds they participated in to be crowned champions.

    The Daystarians opened the action against Makerere University who had the home advantage but Falcons proved too hot for the hosts to handle, blitzing them 31-05.

    Up next for Falcons was Kyambogo who suffered a similar fate to Makerere University, falling 34-05 to the on-fire Daystarians.

    Round 3 saw Falcons pitted against fellow Kenyan team, Kenyatta University. KU put up a spirited fight to push Falcons all the way but the Daystarians were not to be outdone as they narrowly edged the fellow Kenyans 14-10.

    The final Round saw Daystar pitted against yet another fellow Kenyan team in USIU. Falcons run riot against USIU easing past them in a 32-07 thrashing.

    That excellent run of games saw the Daystarians crowned champions of the 2023 King’s of Africa University 7s on foreign soil.

    Uganda Rugby Union President, Godwin Kayangwe was present at the tournament to hand Daystar Falcons the trophy.

  • East Africa Pamoja Bid Prevails

    [Photo courtesy of CAF online]

    Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been granted the privilege to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a collaborative bid by East African nations.

    The joint effort, dubbed “The Pamoja bid,” competed against Egypt, Senegal, and Botswana.

    The announcement was made on September 27 by the President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe. Motsepe emphasized the importance of these three nations meeting specific requirements, including freedom of movement and infrastructure support as ealuation teams will assess their progress.

    In response to Kenya’s successful bid, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Ababu Namwamba, assigned the Nyayo National Stadium, Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium to the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) for renovation, with the aim of hosting the 2027 AFCON.

    The challenge now is to complete these four projects by 2025, as Kenya previously missed out on hosting opportunities due to stadium standards not meeting FIFA criteria in 1996 and 2018.

  • Tasty Champions League Encounters to Look out for

    [Photo courtesy of champions league Instagram]

    The Champions League will commence with the first round of the group stages to be played on Tuesday 19, September.

    The footballing world is set to be treated to a number of tasty encounters especially in group F. Dubbed as the group of death, the group consists of German side Borrussia Dortmund, French giants PSG, Premier League side Newcastle and seven times winners AC Milan.

    AC Milan will take on Newcastle in an early kick off as the premier league side hopes to brush off their start of the season blemishes. The toons have endured a horrid start to the new season compared to their trajectory at the back end of last season. With just two wins in five, the toons will hope their form is not long lasting.

    Milan on the other hand have won three of their four league games and will be looking to bounce back after a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of fierce rivals, Intermilan. The Rossoneri will hope the result of that derby was a one-off occurrence as they take on the Toons.

    In another promising encounter,German side Borrusia Dortmund will take on French champions, PSG. The Bundesliga outfit are yet to taste defeat in their opening four league games, winning two and drawing two.

    The French champions have been back and forth in their last five games with two wins, two draws and a loss. After succumbing 2-3 to Nice on home turf, PSG will hope to bounce back as they take on Borussia Dortmund. The French will look to Kylian Mbappe and hope that he will be up and firing.

    Group F has been dubbed the group of death because of the possibility of either combination of teams progressing. As the first round of the group stages kick-off, all four teams will hope to secure their first wins to help their chances of proceeding to the knockout stages.

    On wednesday it will be a clash of giants as Manchester United take on German champions Bayern Munich. Manchester United going through a rough patch might be poised to be on the losing end but the red devils are not to be written off when the lights of the champions league are the brightest.

    Bayern Munich are yet to taste defeat in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to keep it that way in the champions league as they take on the red devils. The Bavarians are on a good run of games despite being held to a draw by joint top league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

  • Premier league round-up: Manchester United & Chelsea Woes Continue

    [Photo courtesy of Reuters]

    Arsenal stormed to fourth after a hard fought 1-0 victory against Everton.

    The gunners had a goal disallowed as Eddie Nketiah was offside for Martineli’s goal. The Brazilian was taken off with a knock as his subsitute, Leandro Trossard scored the match’s solitary goal.

    In another sunday kick off Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw at the vitality stadium by Bournemouth.

    The blues enjoyed dominance in possesion but could not capitalize on that dominance. Colwill’s goal should have given the london side the lead but was disallowed for being offside.

    Early on in the weekend Manchester City maintained their top spot as they brushed West Ham United aside with goals from Jeremy Doku, Bernardo silva and Erling Haaland.

    Their Manchester counterparts, the red devils fell to abrighton thumping on home turf. Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro put the seagulls three goals ahead as Hannibal scored United’s consolation goal.

    Tottenham left it late as they came back from a goal down against Sheffield United to win the game in stopppage time with two goals in quick succesion from Richarlison and Kulusevski.

    Liverpool brushed of a wolves threat as they fought from a goal down to win 3-1.

    Goals from Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson saw the res through.

    Later in the evening Nottingham Forest will take on Burnley in the last encounter of Match week 5.

  • Daystar Falcons’ Patrick Odongo Shines at Olympic Qualifiers

    [Photo courtesy of officialkru Instagram]

    21 year old Daystar University student Patrick Odongo has emerged as the youngest and best player for Kenya 7s in the qualifiers.

    The rookie dazzled in Africa’s rugby 7s tournament, propelling the Shujaa to a 2024 Olympics spot.

    With 2 tries in the final against South Africa’s Blitzboks the Daystar Falcons Rugby player sealed Kenya’s place in the 2024 Olympics as Shujaa captain Vincent Onyala heaped praises on him.

     

    The boys stood out, having six rookies joining the team and giving an outstanding performance. I’d like to dedicate this win to our winger Patrick Odongo.

    Expressed the captain.

    Odongo showed true resilience playing through grief of having lost his dearest mother Sophia Atieno Ogak as confirmed by official Kenya Rugby Union Instagram.

    In the communication, the union complimented the resolve of the young lad and asked the fan base to join with them in prayers for the grieving rookie.

    The explosive winger is one of many Daystar Falcons players to have represented national teams on the international stage.

     

     

  • Vihiga United Handed Transfer Boost

    [Photo courtesy of Festus JR]

    Vihiga United received a significant boost on Tuesday, the 12th, as the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) lifted their transfer ban. This ban had been imposed at the start of the 2021/2022 season due to the club’s failure to settle the outstanding wages of former player Junior Adeyafa, amounting to Ksh 200,000.

    Junior Adeyafa, a Nigerian international, had a stint with Vihiga United during the 2019/2020 season, during which his wages remained unpaid. However, an out-of-court settlement has now been reached between Vihiga United and the player, in accordance with FIFA’s communication via a letter addressed to Vihiga United, effectively ending the transfer ban.

    Vihiga United has faced significant challenges, including having to field just nine players in a match against Kajiado FC at one point. The club confirmed this positive development via their Facebook page, expressing their intent to enter the transfer market to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming national super league season.

  • Uncertainty Over the Future of Manchester United Star

    [Photo courtesy of Getty images]

    Antony’s future at Manchester United has taken a sudden turn as the club has announced a “period of absence” for him, and his return to the field is now uncertain.

    This decision comes in the midst of disturbing allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavalin, which have led to investigations by police in both Sao Paulo and Manchester. These allegations include claims of physical and mental abuse.

    As a result, Antony will not be participating in the training sessions at Carrington, reserved for players not on international duty. Although he denies any wrongdoing, he has agreed with the club to postpone his return to training until further notice to address the allegations properly.

    Manchester United has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and is taking the matter seriously. Players who have not been involved in international matches are expected to return to training, but Antony’s situation remains uncertain as the investigations continue.

  • Premier League Match Week 1 Round-up

    [Photo courtesy of AFC]

    Manchester City kicked off their title defence in style with striker Harling Haaland picking up where he left off last season. The Norwegian did not take long to break the deadlock, scoring in the 4th minute after being set up by Rodri.

    The Norwegian added a second goal in the 36th minute to put the citizens 2 goals to the good after being set up by Julian Alvarez. Rodri added to his assist by putting the game to bed by netting City’s third in the 75th minute.

    Last season’s runner-up Arsenal kicked off their season with a win against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners took the lead through Eddie Nketiah after Gabriel Martinelli brilliantly beat two defenders to set him up. Bukayo Saka put the Gunners two goals ahead with a beautifully curved left foot shot.

    Nottingham forest however made the game a nervy ending pulling one back through a well orcahstrated counter by Anthony Elanga and Taiwo Awoniyi. The Gunners saw the fame out as 2-1 victors.

    At St James’ Park, Newcastle run riot against Aston Villa, thrashing them 5-1. Tonali opened the scoring for his team in just the 6th minute, setting the tone for an action-packed game. Villa replied well with Diaby in the 11th minute but that would be their only consolation. Isak quickly responded in the 16th minute with a precise strike, leveling the score.

    Isak found the net again in the 58th minute, displaying his clinical finishing. Callum Wilson’s contribution couldn’t be ignored as he netted a goal in the 77th minute, keeping the match intense. Barnes sealed the victory for his side with a last-minute goal in stoppage time.

    Brighton thrashed Luton 4-1 with goals from March in the 36th minute before Joao Pedro converted a spot kick in the 71st minute.

    Luton pulled one back Carlton Morris’ penalty kick but their efforts were undone by Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson in quick succession who netted Brighton’s third and fourth in the 85th and 95th minutes respectively.

    Brentford held Spurs to a 2-2 draw fighting back from a goal down as Romero gave Tottenham the lead in the 11th minute. Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford on leveled terms after converting a spot kick in the 27th minute before Yoane Wissa put them ahead in the 36th minute. Spurs got on leveled terms again when Emerson Royal brilliantly found the back of the net in first half stoppage time.

    In London Chelsea took on Liverpool in what ended in a 1-1 draw. The Reds started well with Luis Diaz converting a brilliant cross from Mohamed Salah in the 18th minute. The Blues got themselves on level terms in the 36th minute through Alex Disasi after being set up by Ben Chilwell.

    Manchester United are set to take on Wolves at old Trafford in the final game of Match week 1

     

     

     

     

  • Dramatic Twist in Caicedo Transfer Saga

    Moisés Caicedo has conveyed to Liverpool his exclusive desire to join Chelsea. Staying true to his commitment, Caicedo is sticking with Chelsea, having reached personal terms agreement since late May.

    Chelsea is preparing another bid to finalize the deal with Brighton after the recent developments.

    Liverpool’s British record bid of £111 million ($140 million) to secure the Ecuadorian services was accepted by Brighton and medicals scheduled.

    Chelsea have persued Caicedo as their main summer transfer target and are not willing to give up on him yet until all the paperwork is done.

     

     

  • Women’s World Cup Round of 16 Drama

    France Vs Morocco concluded the Round of 16 fixtures as Les Bleues run riot against the Moroccans to come out a the resounding 4-0 victors. A brace from Le Sommer and goals from both Diani and Dali ensured Les Blues progressed to the last 8.

    Meanwhile the World Cup holders USA saw a shock exit against Sweden after a 0-0 draw that sent the match into extra time and eventually shootouts. USA’s Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelly O’Hara failed to convert their penalties whereas Sweden’s winning penalty from Lina Hurtig had to be reviewed by VAR before being eventually given.

    In another narrowly decided match England edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to get through to the last 8. Nigeria’s Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie failed to convert their penalties before England’s Chloe Kelly won it for the Three Lionesses.

    Netherlands edged South Africa 2-0 with goals from Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn.

    Denmark Vs Australia ended with a 2-0 scoreline as well in favour of the Matildas with goals from Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso.

    Colombia secured a spot in the final 8 for the very first time after a narrow win over Jamaica. Maria Usme netted the winner that saw Colombia through.

    Japan eased past Norway with goals from Risa Shimizu and Hinata Miyazawa. Japan pulled one back through Guro Reiten but an early own goal ensured the match ended 3-1 in Japan’s favour

    In the highest scoring match of the round, Spain thrashed Switzerland 5-1 to go through to the last 8. A brace from Aitana Bonmati and goals from Alba Redondo, Laia Codina and Jenni Hermoso saw the Spaniards through despite an own goal.

    Spain will now take on the Netherlands as England take on the Colombia. Japan will take on Sweden as France take on Colombia.