Author: Ata Ekwere

Morocco are through to the CHAN 2024 final after edging Senegal 5-3 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on August 26, 2025.

Key Highlights

• Early Breakthrough: Senegal struck first through Layousse Samb’s towering header inside the opening 15 minutes.
• Instant Response: Morocco hit back just before halftime when Sabir Bougrine smashed home a stunning volley to level it up.
• Penalty Drama: Morocco stayed flawless from the spot, converting all five penalties. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar pulled off a vital save, while Senegal’s Mbaye Ndiaye rattled the crossbar with their opening kick.

What’s Next

Morocco now set their sights on Madagascar in the grand final on August 30 at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. Senegal will have to regroup quickly as they face Sudan in the third-place playoff on August 29.

This semifinal lived up to its billing—fast, physical, and nervy. Morocco’s composure in high-pressure moments proved the difference as they moved one step closer to a third CHAN crown.

The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, sets the stage tonight, August 26, 2025, for a heavyweight clash between Morocco and Senegal in the CHAN semi-finals. Kick-off is at 8:30 PM local time (Morocco/Senegal) – 20:30 EAT.

Team Form & History

• Morocco – Two-time CHAN winners (2018, 2020). Reached the semis after edging Tanzania 1-0.
• Senegal – Defending champions, booked their spot with a 1-0 victory over hosts Uganda.

Match Highlights

• Head-to-Head – Morocco defeated Senegal 2-1 in the 2020 CHAN quarter-finals.
• Morocco’s Strengths – Rock-solid defense (7 goals scored, 2 conceded); Oussama Lamlaoui leads the attack with 4 goals.
• Senegal’s Edge – Best defensive record in the tournament (only 1 goal conceded); Oumar Ba delivered the winner against Uganda.

What to Expect

This semi-final is already being called an “early final”, with both sides boasting elite pedigree. Morocco’s attacking sharpness meets Senegal’s defensive resilience — a clash that could easily be decided by penalties.

Tottenham Hotspur stunned Manchester City with a statement 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on August 23, 2025. Under new coach Thomas Frank, Spurs earned their third win in their last five league visits to City, showing that their resurgence is no fluke.

Match Highlights

• Goals: Brennan Johnson broke the deadlock in the 35th minute before Joao Palhinha doubled Spurs’ lead in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a costly error by debutant goalkeeper James Trafford.
• Performance: Tottenham delivered a disciplined display, pressing intelligently and exploiting defensive lapses in City’s backline.
• Tactics: Frank’s strategy targeted City’s high defensive line, and his players executed it with precision and confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Spurs’ Statement: Tottenham combined organization with aggression, cutting off City’s rhythm in midfield and looking clinical in attack.
• City’s Setback: Pep Guardiola’s side looked unusually sloppy, vulnerable in transition, and short of creativity when chasing the game.
• Debut to Forget: James Trafford endured a nightmare debut, his mistake gifting Spurs their second goal and killing City’s momentum.

Final Thoughts

This result sends a clear message: Tottenham are not just outsiders but serious contenders this season. Frank’s tactical discipline and fearless approach have given Spurs a flying start, while City must regroup quickly to avoid further early stumbles in their title defense.

Manchester City takes on Tottenham Hotspur today, August 23, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium in Gameweek 2 of the Premier League. Both teams are coming off strong wins in their opening matches.

Team Form

Manchester City opened their season with a commanding 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace.
Tottenham Hotspur impressed under new coach Thomas Frank, securing a 3-0 victory over Burnley, with Richarlison netting twice.

Key Matchups

Erling Haaland continues to chase scoring records after his double against Wolves and will be Manchester City’s main threat.

Richarlison, who also scored twice in Tottenham’s opener, will be pivotal to Spurs’ attacking hopes.

Team News

Manchester City will be without Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips (both Achilles injuries), as well as Savinho, Josko Gvardiol, and Marcus Bettinelli.
Tottenham Hotspur are missing James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and Bryan Gil, all sidelined with knee injuries.

Prediction

With both sides boasting attacking firepower but also missing key players, this promises to be an open, entertaining contest. City’s home advantage and Haaland’s form could tilt it their way, but Spurs under Frank look organized and dangerous on the counter.
Expert predictions lean towards a close scoreline, ranging from a 2-1 to a 3-2 victory for City.

Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward and reigning African Footballer of the Year, has returned to Atalanta after his proposed transfer to Inter Milan collapsed.

Transfer Standoff

• Lookman was keen on a move to Inter Milan, but Atalanta rejected Inter’s €45 million bid, holding firm on their €50 million valuation.
• In response, Lookman submitted a transfer request, skipped team training, and even trained privately in England to push for the move.

Return to Atalanta

• On August 19, 2025, Lookman rejoined Atalanta’s training camp after Inter Milan officially withdrew their interest.

Potential Disciplinary Action

• Atalanta is reportedly considering disciplinary measures, which could include fines and wage deductions for Lookman’s unauthorized absence.

What’s Next for Ademola Lookman? 🤔

• His representatives are now exploring options with Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.
• His availability for Atalanta’s Serie A opener against Pisa remains uncertain given the tension between the player and the club.

Long-Term Outlook

For Lookman, resolving this standoff will be crucial. A clear decision on his future , whether staying at Atalanta or securing a transfer is needed to allow him to move forward and continue building on the impressive career trajectory that has earned him recognition across Europe.

Real Madrid kicked off their La Liga 2025/26 campaign with a narrow but vital win over Osasuna on August 19, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match ended Real Madrid 1 – 0 Osasuna, giving Los Blancos a positive start to the new season.

Match Highlights

• Dominance in possession: Real Madrid controlled 70% of the ball, dictating the tempo from start to finish.
• Shots on target: Madrid registered 5 attempts on target, while Osasuna failed to test the goalkeeper with a single shot on goal.
• La Liga context: This clash marked part of the 2025/26 La Liga season, which runs from August 15, 2025, to May 24, 2026.

Man of the Match

Kylian Mbappé proved decisive on his league debut at the Bernabéu. The French superstar won a crucial penalty and converted it with confidence, sealing all three points for Real Madrid.

Recent Head-to-Head

• November 9, 2024 – Real Madrid 4-0 Osasuna
  • Vinícius Júnior scored a brilliant hat-trick.
  • Jude Bellingham added a goal to complete the rout.

Alexander Isak’s future is quickly becoming one of the biggest talking points of the transfer window.

The Swedish forward, currently leading the line for Newcastle United in the No. 14 shirt, has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool. Despite already securing Hugo Ekitike for a hefty fee this summer, Liverpool are reportedly keen to add more firepower up front — and Isak’s name is at the top of their list.

For Newcastle, Isak remains a vital piece of their project. His sharp movement, clinical finishing, and growing consistency in the Premier League have made him one of the league’s most desirable strikers. In the early stages of the 25/26 campaign, he has continued to show his importance, with his presence evident even in hard-fought games like the recent 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.

At this stage, nothing is concrete. Newcastle are expected to fight hard to keep their star, while Liverpool’s pursuit signals serious intent. The question remains: will Isak stay and lead Newcastle’s charge, or will he be tempted by a move to Anfield and the chance to spearhead Slot’s new-look attack?

For now, all eyes are on St. James’ Park. The saga is only just beginning.