Barcelona, Osasuna appeals rejected over rearranged match date

Barcelona, Osasuna appeals rejected over rearranged match date
Osasuna’s Spanish coach Vicente Moreno and staff members react upon the decision to cancel their Spanish league match against FC Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on Mar. 8, 2025. (AFP/File)
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Updated 20 March 2025
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Barcelona, Osasuna appeals rejected over rearranged match date

Barcelona, Osasuna appeals rejected over rearranged match date
  • The La Liga leaders will host Osasuna on March 27
  • Osasuna also appealed against the new date

BARCELONA: Barcelona and Osasuna’s appeals against the rescheduled date of their postponed La Liga match were rejected Thursday by the Spanish football federation’s appeals committee.
The La Liga leaders will host Osasuna on March 27, after the game was canceled when a Barcelona club doctor died on the original date, March 8.
Barcelona appealed against the new date because it allowed some of their players “insufficient time to rest” following international duty.
“Precedent... establishes that national team call-ups are not sufficient grounds for rescheduling a match... when the team effected has enough players to play the match,” said the federation’s appeals committee.
Winger Raphinha is part of Brazil’s squad for a World Cup qualifier at Argentina set to kick-off at 0000 GMT on March 26, while defender Ronald Araujo travels with Uruguay to visit Bolivia on March 25 at 2000 GMT.
Osasuna also appealed against the new date because they would be left with less than 72 hours rest before their next match, which was scheduled for March 28 at Athletic Bilbao.
The committee said the Bilbao match would be moved to March 30, to allow Osasuna recovery time.


AlUla set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May

AlUla set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May
Updated 26 March 2025
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AlUla set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May

AlUla set to host Arabian Warrior: The Ultimate Obstacle Course Race in May
  • Event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including a number of elite OCR athletes
  • Arabian Warrior aims to promote fitness and community engagement across the Kingdom

ALULA: The Arabian Warrior, the premier Middle Eastern obstacle course race series, is set to make history with its first-ever event in AlUla.

The event will take place against the background of one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic historical sites and is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including a number of globally recognized OCR athletes.

Event highlights will include:

Two days of thrilling competition: Featuring elite 10-km and 20-km races for both men and women, with two further elite team races both in a 50-km ultra-endurance format, a dynamic 5-km team race, along with open categories for 5-km, 10-km, and 20-km distances.

KSA schools championships: Encouraging youth participation with races for under-13 teams and 13+ team competitions.

Immersive camping experience: Participants can enjoy three nights under the stars with a range of glamping and traditional camping options. Discover Saudi and Nirvana Europe tour operators both provide tailored travel packages for racers looking to explore AlUla beyond the event.

The Arabian Warrior series has seen significant growth since its inception in 2024. Following the resounding success of events in Jeddah in December of last year, Riyadh in January 2025, and Half Moon Beach in Dammam on Feb. 15, 2025, AlUla promises to elevate the series to new heights.

In partnership with AlUla Moments and the Saudi Sports for All Federation, Arabian Warrior aims to promote fitness and community engagement across the Kingdom.


Rally Jameel 2025 to head off against idyllic backdrop of Petra

Rally Jameel 2025 to head off against idyllic backdrop of Petra
Updated 26 March 2025
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Rally Jameel 2025 to head off against idyllic backdrop of Petra

Rally Jameel 2025 to head off against idyllic backdrop of Petra
  • Rally Jameel will start in Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological wonders, before crossing into Saudi Arabia
  • Munir Khoja: The rising interest in Rally Jameel 2025 underlines its significance as a pioneering platform in women’s motorsport

JEDDAH: The fourth Rally Jameel, the world-class navigational rally for women in the region starting on April 22, is set to ignite another exciting year of motorsports action in the Kingdom with a challenging mix of terrains, desert dunes and mountain trails.

This year’s event boasts a record number of participants and international representation, with 70 teams representing 39 countries and 25 motorsport federations, underscoring its global appeal and growing status as a premier motorsport event for women.

For the first time, Rally Jameel will start in Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s most breathtaking archaeological wonders, before crossing into Saudi Arabia.

The six-day journey will cover 1,500 km, traversing five cities, including Tabuk, AlUla, Hail and Qassim. Competitors will navigate through some of the region’s most stunning and historically rich landscapes, with many stages set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reinforcing the rally’s role in promoting adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Munir Khoja, managing director of Jameel Motorsport and Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The rising interest in Rally Jameel 2025 underlines its significance as a pioneering platform in women’s motorsport. This year’s edition not only builds on past successes but also introduces new challenges and opportunities for competitors. With an expanded route, the rally elevates the competition, allowing participants to experience a blend of history, strategy and adventure like never before. We look forward to welcoming all participants for what promises to be a milestone edition.”

The 2025 event takes competitors through some of the most breathtaking and rarely explored landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This year’s expanded route offers a test of endurance and skill, blending the thrill of motorsport with the essence of adventure tourism, as participants navigate diverse terrains, from desert dunes to rugged mountain trails.

From the rose-red cliffs of Petra to Tabuk’s mountain landscapes, AlUla’s sandstone formations, Hail’s legacy as an ancient trade hub and Qassim’s deep-rooted heritage in Arabian hospitality, competitors will navigate a course that is as demanding as it is awe-inspiring. Each stage offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich cultural heritage, diverse topography and storied past — transforming the rally into more than just a competition.

Reflecting on her experience, last year’s champion Ewelina Chlebowska said: “Rally Jameel 2024 was an unforgettable experience and winning it was a proud moment that pushed me to my limits. Every stage tested my ability to adapt, strategize and stay focused under pressure. Coming back this year, I’m excited to take on new challenges and see how the rally’s expansion elevates the competition even further.”

Second-place winner Maha Al Hamali added: “This rally is about determination, strategic thinking and skill. Competing alongside incredible women from around the world not only pushes you to be your best but also fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. The upcoming edition will set a new benchmark, bringing even greater competition and opportunities for growth, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”

Since its inception in 2022, Rally Jameel has championed women’s participation in motorsports, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by breaking barriers and fostering a platform where skill and determination take center stage. Unlike traditional speed-based rallies, Rally Jameel focuses on navigation and strategy, offering competitors an experience that blends adventure with technical expertise.


Pakistan set New Zealand 129-run target in final T20

Pakistan set New Zealand 129-run target in final T20
Updated 26 March 2025
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Pakistan set New Zealand 129-run target in final T20

Pakistan set New Zealand 129-run target in final T20
  • Captain Salman Agha scores half-century in fifth T20 in Wellington
  • New Zealand team has 3-1 lead in the series against Pakistan so far

Wellington: A half-century by captain Salman Agha lifted Pakistan to 128-9 in the fifth and final Twenty20 against New Zealand in Wellington on Wednesday.
Salman was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over for 51 after he and Shadab Khan rescued Pakistan from 52-5 in the 10th over.
Jimmy Neesham, who removed both Salman and Shadab, was the most successful New Zealand bowler with 5-22.
New Zealand, with an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series, need 129 to win.
After another poor start by Pakistan, Salman and Shadab shared a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Shadab was caught behind off Neesham for 28.B
Pakistan again had problems with the top order.
Jacob Duffy claimed the first wicket in the second over when he removed Hasan Nawaz for his third duck in the series.
He added Omair Yousuf in his following over as Pakistan struggled to cope with Duffy’s swing and seam movement, as well as the bounce generated by Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears.
New Zealand, who won the toss, made one change for the match with Sears coming in for Zak Foulkes.
Pakistan made five changes with Omair, Usman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Sufyan Moqim and Mohammad Ali all coming in.


Paulo Bento fired as head coach of the UAE national football team

Paulo Bento fired as head coach of the UAE national football team
Updated 26 March 2025
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Paulo Bento fired as head coach of the UAE national football team

Paulo Bento fired as head coach of the UAE national football team
  • Sacking announced just hours after a UAE win on Tuesday over North Korea
  • UAE’s next qualifier is against Uzbekistan at home on June 5

Paulo Bento has been fired as head coach of the United Arab Emirates football team just hours after a 2-1 win Tuesday over North Korea kept alive its slim automatic hopes of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
That victory, which came with a goal in the 98th minute, puts the UAE four points behind second-place Uzbekistan in Group A with two games remaining. The top two teams from each of the three Asian groups are guaranteed a place in the tournament to be hosted next year by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The UAE Football Association has decided to dismiss the head coach of the national team, Paulo Bento, along with his coaching staff,” the UAE football association posted on social media.
The 55-year-old Portuguese coach led South Korea to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, 10 years after he took Portugal to the last four of the European Championships. He was appointed in July 2023 to succeed Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
If the UAE misses out on second place, then there is another round of qualification as the teams that finish third and fourth in their respective groups play off for two remaining World Cup places.
UAE’s next qualifier is against Uzbekistan at home on June 5.


Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes dealt major late blow; Egypt, Morocco move closer

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes dealt major late blow; Egypt, Morocco move closer
Updated 26 March 2025
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Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes dealt major late blow; Egypt, Morocco move closer

Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying hopes dealt major late blow; Egypt, Morocco move closer
  • Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa scored in the final minute to silence the home fans in Uyo, Nigeria as the visitors claimed a 1-1 draw
  • South Africa defeated Benin 2-0 to consolidate the top spot

Nigeria conceded a last-minute goal in a major blow to its World Cup qualifying hopes on Tuesday, when Egypt and Morocco all but booked their places at next year’s tournament.

Zizo’s goal was enough for unbeaten Egypt’s 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in Cairo, while Morocco looks assured of qualifying with a nine-point lead over its rivals after a 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz scored a penalty after Nayef Aguerd broke the deadlock on a rebound for Morocco’s fifth win from five games in Group E.

Zizo struck just before the break for Egypt to maintain a five-point lead over Burkina Faso, which had defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-1 on Monday in Group A.

Nigeria’s nightmare

Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa scored in the final minute to silence the home fans in Uyo, Nigeria as the visitors claimed a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen put the Super Eagles on course to claim just their second win in Group C after Friday’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda had rekindled Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

But the 21-year-old Chirewa, a late substitute, equalized in the 90th to earn Zimbabwe’s draw.

Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Benin 2-0 to consolidate the top spot. Bafana Bafana leads with 13 points from six rounds, five clear of Rwanda (which drew with Lesotho 1-1) and Benin. Nigeria stayed fourth in the group with just seven points.

Only the nine group winners secure automatic qualification. The four best-placed runners-up will compete to be the African contender in FIFA’s six-country playoff for the last two qualification spots at the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Algeria makes a statement

Wolfsburg forward Mohammed Amoura scored a hat trick as Algeria defeated Mozambique 5-1 to open a three-point lead over the visitors in Group G. Guinea’s qualification hopes are all but over after a 1-0 loss to Uganda, the team’s third defeat leaving it eight points behind Algeria in fifth.

Cape Verde remained top of Group D with a 2-1 win in Angola, though Cameroon responded with Vincent Aboubakar scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Libya. Cape Verde stayed a point ahead of Cameroon.

Sudan’s missed chance

Sudan lost control of Group B with David Sebit scoring in stoppage time to earn South Sudan a 1-1 draw.

It allowed both Congo and Senegal to take advantage, which they did with 2-0 wins over Mauritania and Togo, respectively.

Congo moved top of Group B on 13 points, one ahead of unbeaten Senegal and Sudan. Sudan dropped to third on goal difference.

Black Stars twinkling

Ghana moved atop Group I by scoring a total of eight goals in back-to-back wins over Chad and Madagascar, helping ease the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in November.

Otto Addo’s team eased to a 5-0 rout of Chad in Accra on Friday, then enjoyed a 3-0 win over Madagascar on Monday to seize control of the group.

Comoros, the surprise early leader, stayed three points behind Ghana on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Chad.

Elephants hold on

Ivory Coast needed goalkeeper Yahia Fofana at his best as they held on for a 1-0 win over Gambia on Monday to stay a point above Gabon atop Group F.

Sébastien Haller’s early goal was enough for the Elephants to win in Abidjan, keeping the team top after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had scored twice for Gabon to beat Kenya 2-1.

Ivory Coast, the reigning Africa Cup champion, had previously beaten Burundi 1-0 in Morocco on Friday, while Gabon had a 3-0 win over the Seychelles on Thursday.

Tunisia consolidated top spot in Group H on Monday with two late goals to beat Malawi 2-0.

Four rounds of qualifiers remain.