Kante sees red as Al-Hilal take a step toward Asian Champions League semi-finals

Kante sees red as Al-Hilal take a step toward Asian Champions League semi-finals
Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante contest possession in the first leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-final, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mar. 5, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 06 March 2024
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Kante sees red as Al-Hilal take a step toward Asian Champions League semi-finals

Kante sees red as Al-Hilal take a step toward Asian Champions League semi-finals
  • Riyadh side defeat Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the first leg of the tie thanks to first-half goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salem Al-Dawsari
  • Hugely difficult task of finding a way back into the game became almost impossible for the visitors from Jeddah when Kante was sent off midway through the second half

Salem Al-Dawsari was the star of the show and N’Golo Kante was sent off as Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, moving them a step closer to a fifth continental title.

Two goals in the final few minutes of the first half did all the damage in this “Saudi Classico” at the Kingdom Arena. Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring from the penalty spot and two minutes later, Al-Dawsari added a second.

The hugely difficult task of finding a way back into the game became almost impossible for the visitors from Jeddah when Kante was sent off midway through the second half for a dangerous tackle on former Chelsea colleague Kalidou Koulibaly. The Tigers did end strongly, however, to perhaps give themselves a little hope for the second leg next week.

“It was a difficult game today, Ittihad are a good team,” said Koulibaly. “We got two goals in the first half and then we tried to control the game but it was difficult with their counterattack. But to win 2-0 at home is a good result and we will wait until the second game.”

This Champions League clash came just four days after Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ittihad 3-1 at home to go nine points clear of closest rivals Al-Nassr at the top of the Roshn Saudi League. It was their 25th straight win in all competitions and Tuesday’s result, similarly comfortable, extended the run to an incredible 26 games.

Al-Dawsari was a constant threat. After just seven minutes, the Asian Player of the Year lifted the ball over Saad Al-Mosa on the edge of the area but shot just wide.

Al-Ittihad had their chances, too. Eight minutes later, for example, the lively Abderrazak Hamdallah cut in from the left and skipped past two defenders, but his low shot from a tight angle was saved by Mohammed Al-Owais, all of whom’s appearances this season have been in the continental competition. From the resultant corner, Ahmed Hegazi blasted the ball over the bar.

Eight minutes before the break, Mitrovic went down in the area under a challenge from Madallah Al-Olayan. The penalty was given and the Serbian strolled up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Minutes later, the lead was extended. Malcom broke free down the right and squared the ball across to the penalty spot, where Al-Dawsari was waiting to sweep it home and then perform the celebratory somersault Al-Hilal fans know so well.

The visitors were shell-shocked and knew that conceding a third goal could doom their dreams of a third Asian Champions League triumph, and their first since 2005. They tried to get back into the game but struggled to do so, and things became worse shortly after the hour mark when Kante received his marching orders for his challenge on Koulibaly while stretching for the ball.

From that point on, it seemed like a case of damage limitation for Al-Ittihad. Indeed, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has been in fine form of late, had a chance to make it three when he tried his luck with a bouncing half-volley from outside the box, to no avail.

Overall however, when Al-Hilal had the chance to put the tie beyond the reach of their Jeddah rivals they failed to make the most of their one-man advantage.

Indeed, the game could have ended very differently indeed. With seven minutes remaining, the visitors had perhaps their best chance of the match. Marwan Al-Sahafi sent over over a cross from the right that found Hegazi unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, but the Egyptian defender could not quite find the power or direction he needed and his header was comfortably saved by Al-Owais.

The Tigers went even closer just before the end of regulation time. First Al-Sahafi fed Hamdallah in the area and Moroccan marksman’s first touch took him past Koulibaly. His second touch was a shot that seemed destined for the bottom corner of the net, only for Al-Owais to get down quickly and make a fine save.

These late scares were perhaps a warning for the hosts that the tie is not over yet. But given Al-Hilal’s incredible form, it is hard to imagine that they might slip up and fail to reach the final four, where they would face either Al-Ain of the UAE or Riyadh rivals Al-Nassr, who lost the first leg of their tie 1-0, away from home, on Monday.


Ito’s Bayern debut further delayed after foot surgery

Ito’s Bayern debut further delayed after foot surgery
Updated 56 min 36 sec ago
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Ito’s Bayern debut further delayed after foot surgery

Ito’s Bayern debut further delayed after foot surgery
  • “Hiroki Ito required further surgery on his metatarsal. This took place today, Tuesday, and went well,” Bayern said
  • Bundesliga leaders Bayern had expected Ito to return at the end of October

BERLIN: Bayern Munich and Japan center-back Hiroki Ito underwent another surgery on his injured foot on Tuesday, the latest setback for the Japan defender.
The 25-year-old is yet to play a competitive match for Bayern, having arrived in the summer from Stuttgart for a reported fee of 23.5 million euros ($25.6 million).
“Hiroki Ito required further surgery on his metatarsal. This took place today, Tuesday, and went well,” Bayern said in a statement.
“The FC Bayern defender will therefore be sidelined again for the time being and will restart his rehab program as soon as possible.”
Bundesliga leaders Bayern had expected Ito to return at the end of October or start of November.
He broke his metarsal in a pre-season friendly against lower division side FC Dueren in July.
Ito made his Japan debut in 2022 and has since played 19 international games, scoring one goal.


Manchester United fans in favor of leaving Old Trafford

Manchester United fans in favor of leaving Old Trafford
Updated 05 November 2024
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Manchester United fans in favor of leaving Old Trafford

Manchester United fans in favor of leaving Old Trafford
  • Of 50,000 United season ticket holders, club members and executive club members polled, 52 percent said they preferred the idea of a new facility
  • The Daily Telegraph has reported that a final decision on which option to choose is likely to be taken in the first half of 2025

MACNHESTER: A majority of Manchester United fans favor building a new stadium rather than re-developing Old Trafford, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
Of 50,000 United season ticket holders, club members and executive club members polled, 52 percent said they preferred the idea of a new facility, while 31 percent supported the re-development of one of the most recognizable stadiums in world football. Another 17 percent were undecided.
United’s cross-city neighbors Manchester City left their Maine Road stadium in 2003 to move into the new City of Manchester Stadium, but Premier League rivals Liverpool have re-developed their Anfield home.
United released artist’s images in September of a potential Old Trafford regeneration project and have indicated that a new stadium could be part of a multi-billion-pound re-development project.
The club’s owners are considering options in conjunction with the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which includes former United defender Gary Neville and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe among its members.
The Daily Telegraph has reported that a final decision on which option to choose is likely to be taken in the first half of 2025.
The Task Force is understood to have focused its discussions on building a new 100,000-capacity stadium rather than redeveloping Old Trafford.
Rick McGagh, United’s director of fan engagement, said: “We know how important our home is to fans and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.
“We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members. And if younger fans have different views to older fans.”


ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know

ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know
Updated 05 November 2024
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ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know

ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know
  • The tournament playoffs will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 8-16, with the final on Dec. 7

RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge qualifiers have officially ended and the stage is now set for the playoffs, which take place from Nov. 8-16.

After an intense round of Overwatch2 competition, the best teams from across Saudi Arabia have secured their spots and are ready to face off in the next phase, with a total prize pool of $20,000 up for grabs.

The success of the recent Esports World Cup in Riyadh highlighted the popularity of gaming among Saudi players and fans, and that looks set to continue with more competitions taking place across the Kingdom in the coming years.

The ESL Saudi Challenge, organized by esports and video game entertainment company ESL FACEIT Group, will also give the victors a chance to compete on a global stage.

During the playoffs, teams face off in an attempt to advance to the Finals, where the top three teams will go head-to-head in front of a live audience at VOV Gaming in Riyadh on Dec. 7.

Schedule and Format

Playoffs: Nov. 8-16

The best eight teams face off in the double elimination bracket matches.

Grand Finals: Dec. 7

The top three teams from the playoffs compete in lower bracket and upper bracket for the Grand Final. The winner will be crowned ESL Saudi Challenge Champion, taking home the top prize of $9,000 and qualifying for an international event in 2025.

Teams

The ESL Saudi Challenge will see some of the best teams in Overwatch compete for the grand prize:

Twisted Minds

Vision Esports

Himawari

Amigos

Roc esports

Al-Qadisiah

Dragons

Negative Mental Attitude

Prize money (USD) 

Total pool: $20,000

1st: $9,000

2nd: $5,000

3rd: $3,000

4th: $,1000

5th-8th: $500

Where to watch

Fans can watch  the playoffs on the ESL Arabia Twitch and YouTube channels. For those unable to tune in live, all matches will also be available to watch on-demand free of charge via YouTube.


Pakistan to host England, New Zealand and Zimbabwe women's cricket teams in 2026/27

Pakistan to host England, New Zealand and Zimbabwe women's cricket teams in 2026/27
Updated 05 November 2024
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Pakistan to host England, New Zealand and Zimbabwe women's cricket teams in 2026/27

Pakistan to host England, New Zealand and Zimbabwe women's cricket teams in 2026/27
  • Zimbabwe to tour Pakistan in Apri-May 2025, New Zealand to tour country in April 2027
  • Pakistan will travel to South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies in 2026 for cricket contests

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host New Zealand, Zimbabwe and England women’s cricket teams for the first time in 2026 and 2027, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said this week, saying that the tours were part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme 2025-29. 

Zimbabwe women’s team will tour Pakistan in April-May 2026 while New Zealand will be visiting the country in April 2027, the PCB said in a statement. The English women’s cricket team will tour Pakistan in October 2027 while Bangladesh will be the fourth side to tour the country in October 2028. 

“Pakistan will host England, New Zealand and Zimbabwe women’s cricket teams for the first time as ICC announced Future Tours Programme 2025-29,” the PCB said in a press release on Monday. 

Eleven countries will participate in the fourth cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship being played from 2026-29 to directly qualify for the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup in 2029, it said, adding that each team will compete against eight other teams in eight home and away matches. 

The fourth cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship, which will be played from 2026-29, will see 11 sides taking part in the event for direct qualification to the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup in 2029. 

In the Women’s Championship, each team will compete against eight other teams, following the format of four home and four away series, similar to the current edition. Across 44 series, a total of 132 ODIs will be played, with each series consisting of three matches.

“The Future Tour Programme will see an ICC Women’s tournament taking place every year, starting with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028,” the PCB added.

Pakistan will travel to South Africa in February 2026 and then play Sri Lanka in July of the same year as part of their away assignments, the board said. In November 2026, Pakistan will visit the West Indies while their final away series in the ICC Women’s Championship 2026-29 cycle will be in Ireland in June 2028.
 


Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
Updated 05 November 2024
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Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
  • Pact between the parties was inked at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh
  • Collaboration will help identify opportunities for improving public participation in physical activities

RIYADH: The Saudi Sports For All Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the STC Group to promote physical activity, encourage social integration through sports, and support the development of grassroots programs.

The signing ceremony took place last week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, which was held under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”

Shaima Alhusseini, managing director of the SFA, and Maha Alnuhait, general manager of sustainability at the STC Group, inked the agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The collaboration will focus on establishing sustainability reporting frameworks, key performance indicators, and metrics in alignment with community-driven programs.

The SFA aims to leverage the telecom group’s expertise to achieve their goals and contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030, the SPA reported.