Algeria in another World Cup goal feast as they beat Niger

Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani scored twice as African champions Algeria ran riot at home again in World Cup qualifying, beating Niger 6-1 in Blida on Friday.

The rout followed Algeria’s 8-0 home triumph over Djibouti last month, where Slimani scored four goals, and ensured they remained ahead of Burkina Faso in their qualifying group, albeit on goal difference.

There were also important victories for Cameroon, Egypt and the Ivory Coast as the group phase of the continental qualifiers continued.

Mahrez’s 27th minute goal had Algeria leading 1-0 at halftime but the floodgates opened after the break as the Manchester City attacker added a penalty, Slimani grabbed two goals in 10 minutes, Sofiane Feghouli contributed one and Niger added an own goal.

Algeria now have seven points from three Group A games, matched by the Burkinabe, who beat Djibouti 4-0 with Abdoul Tapsoba grabbing two in their match in Marrakech.

Mohamed Salah, who was prevented from playing for Egypt in their previous home World Cup qualifier due to Britain’s COVID-19 quarantine rules, returned to the team under new coach Carlos Queiroz as they took over at the top of Group F from Libya.

Debutant Omar Marmoush scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Libya in Alexandria as Egypt moved to seven points, one ahead of their neighbours.

Angola beat Gabon 3-1 at home in the other Group F game.

Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo Moting scored twice as Cameroon beat Mozambique 3-1 in Douala but remain one point behind the Ivory Coast in Group D.

The Ivorians beat Malawi 3-0 in Johannesburg with Max-Alain Gradel scoring in the first half and Ibrahim Sangare and Jeremie Boga adding two more near the end of the contest.

Malawi were one of the 12 countries forced to move their home matches to neutral venues because their stadia were not approved for use in the World Cup qualifiers because of poor facilities.

The African qualifiers continue on Saturday with six more matches around the continent.

The 40 countries involved in the group phase of the qualifiers are divided into 10 groups with the winner advancing to the playoffs in match which will decide the five African representatives at Qatar 2022.

The post Algeria in another World Cup goal feast as they beat Niger appeared first on SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader..

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Tragedy strikes Fish River Canoe Marathon as two paddlers die on day one

The organisers of the Fish River Canoe Marathon have confirmed the deaths of two participants on the first stage of the race on Friday.

On Friday 8 October, the 39th Fish River Canoe Marathon got underway at Grassridge Dam in the Klein Karoo. The race returns after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but tragedy has now struck on the river.

Tragedy strikes Fish River Canoe Marathon

According to a press release issued late on Friday, 53-year-old Pretoria paddler Axel Marggraf died after falling out of his K3 canoe in Soutpansdrift rapid, while 31-year-old Amanzimtoti resident Dean Chiazzari died after suffering a suspected heart attack after withdrawing from the race.

Fish River Canoe Marathon chairman Roy Copeman send his condolences to the families and friends of the two paddlers and said that the entire paddling community has been shaken by the double tragedy.

“No words can describe the pain we are all feeling at this time,” said Copeman.

He praised the race rescue and safety personnel who responded quickly to both instances.

“Our safety teams and divers, together with a groups of volunteers assisting and seconders at the scene went to great lengths, risking their own lives, to assist in locating and reaching the missing paddler,” said Copeman.

“The response was fast and effective, but sadly we were not able to save the paddler.

Chiazzari was withdrawn from the race and was being transported back to Cradock when it is believed he suffered a heart attack.

“Again we were fortunate to have skilled personnel right on hand, but they were not able to resuscitate the paddler,” Copeman said.

A full investigation into both tragedies will be carried out, with the race organisers unable to make any further comment on the matters until the proper authorities conclude their enquiry.

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Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction: World Cup qualifier vs Ethiopia

Bafana Bafana are chasing their first victory over Ethiopia on Saturday 9 October, as they seek to take control of Group G of Caf’s World Cup qualifying.

Here we predict the potential lineup for Bafana Bafana to face Ethiopia at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Saturday 9 October.

Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction

Barring a COVID-19 positive or an injury Ronwen Williams will start in goal for South Africa as the team captain and obvious first-choice gloveman.

Ronwen Williams of South Africa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Ivory Coast and South Africa at the Al Salaam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 24 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Sifiso Hlanti’s recent sending off and poor form for Kaizer Chiefs is likely to see Sydney Mobbie retain his place as the starting left back.

Bafana Bafana record vs Ethiopia

Hugo Broos hasn’t picked a specialist fullback to be deployed on the right hand side of defence, suggesting that he might opt to deploy Njabulo Blom in the position after his impressive run deputising at right back for Kaizer Chiefs.

As a centre back pairing Siyanda Xulu and Rushine de Reuck ensured that Bafana Bafana kept Ghana quiet last time out, and we’d expect Broos to keep faith in the duo.

Rushine De Reuck of South Africa during the 2021 COSAFA Cup match between South Africa and Eswatini at Nelson Isaac Wolfson Stadium, Port Elizabeth, on 08 July 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala should start as the central midfield pairing provided both come through the testing regime. The pair were excellent against the Black Stars and appear well suited to Broos’ style.

Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat (C) fights for the ball with South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena (L) during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying round Group G football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on September 3, 2021. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP) (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ethan Brooks started against Ghana but it would be a surprise to see him start ahead of Sipho Mbule in Bahir Dar.

Percy Tau has been left out of the Bafana Bafana squad which should open up a place in the front three for red-hot Royal AM striker Victor Letsoalo.

Broos should retain faith with Evidence Makgopa up front despite a mediocre run in the qualifiers to date.

South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa (C) vies with Zimbabwe’s Marshal Munetsi during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying round Group G football match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on September 3, 2021. (Photo by Jekesai NJIKIZANA / AFP) (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP via Getty Images)

After netting the winner against Ghana, Bongokuhle Hlongwane should complete the Bafana Bafana starting XI.

Bafana Bafana starting XI predicted

Ronwen Williams, Sydney Mobbie, Siyanda Xulu, Rushine de Reuck, Njabulo Blom, Mothobi Mvala, Tebogo Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Victor Letsoalo, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Evidence Makgopa.

Confirmed starting XI

TBA

Starting XIs must be confirmed by teams one hour before kick-off.

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How to watch Fury vs Wilder III in South Africa

Fury vs Wilder III: The Gypsy King defends his Lineal Heavyweight Championship and his WBC title against the Bronze Bomber in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The coverage of the highly anticipated third instalment of this rivalry only begins at 03:00 on Sunday 9 October South African time.

After the first fight between these two ended in a controversial split decision draw, and Fury knocked out Wilder in the rematch, this fight could put an end to this heavyweight serial.

How to watch Fury vs Wilder III

BROADCAST DETAILS

Sunday, 10 October | SuperSport Action and Grandstand | from 3:00

* Stream it LIVE on DStv *

* Watch it LIVE on Showmax Pro *

TALE OF THE TAPE

WILDER		FURY
42-1-1	RECORD	30-0-1
35	AGE	33
6′ 7″	HEIGHT	6′ 9″
83 inches	REACH	85 inches
Orthodox	STANCE	Orthodox
98%	KO	70%
2%	DECISION	27%

Fury vs Wilder III: Tale of the Tape

What they said

“It’s definitely going to be a war but I don’t think [Fury] is going to be able to stand toe to toe with me,” Wilder told CBS Sports on Thursday. “Even on my worst day, in the condition that I was in, he couldn’t get me out of there. I finished the fight on my feet. I had a disloyal trainer throw in the towel when I had told him for many years before to never throw a towel in. You don’t throw a towel in on a warrior, a king like myself. You let him fight to the end because I do have the equalizer.” 

“You can go to college and get a master’s degree in nearly two years, so for a boxer, that’s very easy to do,” Fury said during Wednesday’s final press conference. “But no matter what Deontay Wilder does, I’m still going to knock him the f— out … [in] quick time, quick fashion. Like my trainer SugarHill says, we just bang and get it over with.” 

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Mercurial Chamberlain inspires Sharks to victory in Wales

A flawed but at times brilliant game from Boeta Chamberlain inspired the Sharks to a 27-13 win over Ospreys oin Swansea on Friday.

Ospreys 13-27 Sharks: Match report

Chamberlain kicked three drop goals, two of them from goal-line drop outs, and had a hand in the Sharks first try as they achieved their first win of the United Rugby Championship.

The Sharks flyhalf made a few errors, especially in the first half when the Sharks were under pressure early.

However the Ospreys might rue their failure to make the Sharks pay and with the score 6-6 at half time with Chamberlain’s first two drop goals cancelling out a pair of penalty goals from Gareth Anscombe.

The Sharks started the second half with a bang as a clever little grubber from Chamberlain allowing Hyron Andrews to burst into the Ospreys 22 and offload to Jeremy Ward who went in under the sticks.

A second try for the Sharks, finished off by Marnus Potgieter gave them control of the game and allowed them to keep the Ospreys pegged back into their half for much of the second period.

The Sharks edged the kicking battle in the second half and it was a great kick from Chamberlain and energetic chase from Anthony Volmink forced another goal-line drop out and in the 62nd minute the man of the match slotted his third drop goal to make it 21-6.

Ruan Pienaar’s penalty goal in the 68th minute took the game right away from the Ospreys and despite a consolation try from Gareth Thomas, another penalty goal from the Sharks number 9 settled the contest.

Teams

Ospreys: 15. Dan Evans 14. Mat Protheroe 13. Tiaan Thomas Wheeler 12. Owen Watkin 11. Luke Morgan 10. Gareth Anscombe 9. Rhys Webb; 1.Nicky Smith 2. Sam Parry 3. Tom Botha 4. Adam Beard 5. Alun Wyn Jones 6. Will Griffiths 7. Jac Morgan 8. Morgan Morris 

Replacements: 16. Elvis Taione 17. Gareth Thomas 18. Tom Botha 19. Rhys Davies 20. Ethan Roots 21. Reuben Morgan-Williams 22. Stephen Myler 23. Joe Hawkins

Sharks: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Henco Venter, 7 Gerbrandt Grobler, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu 

Substitutes: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Dylan Richardson, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Werner Kok

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EC Premier Oscar Mabuyane to challenge Mkhwebane report

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has instructed his lawyers to take a report by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane on judicial review, after it made damning findings against him.

Mkhwebane found that Mabuyane unduly benefitted to the tune of R450 000 from a R1.1 million tender that was meant for the memorial service of struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The public protector says the funds were directed towards the renovation of his private residence, when he was the province’s Economic Development MEC.

It was Buffalo City metro resident Xolile Mashukuca who lodged the complaint in July 2019 following a report in a local newspaper. ANC Eastern Cape treasurer Babalo Madikizela was also implicated in Mkhwebane’s report, together with Mabuyane, having pocketed R350 000 from the tender.

Oscar Mabuyane vs Public Protector

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane says Oscar Mabuyane denies having received any money. The premier also wants the implementation of remedial actions related to the report be halted.

“As a result, he has instructed his legal representatives to take the report on judicial review because it ignored substantial information that sought to respond to the allegations levelled against him. The premier has further instructed his legal counsel to urgently interdict the implementation of the remedial actions,”

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s office

Mabuyane’s spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga said the premier remained unwavering in his commitment to fight corruption and maladministration and was still focused on serving the people of the province.

“The premier maintains his public statement issued on the matter in 2019 and maintains his position that he was never involved in any acts of fraud or corruption,” Mbananga said.

Mkhwebane has recommended that the Hawks look into the matter since “the nature of the allegations

and complaints referred to above are largely of criminal nature and may not be executed fully by the Public Protector, without bringing them to the attention or notice of the relevant public authorities charged with criminal investigation and prosecution”.

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Kaizer Chiefs star in talks with LaLiga side over blockbuster move!

Kaizer Chiefs youngster Njabulo Blom has reportedly caught the eye of LaLiga outfit RCD Mallorca.

The 21-year-old utility midfielder has already made 58 appearances for the Glamour Boys and according to reports, Spanish outfit Mallorca have already made contact with Kaizer Chiefs.

Blom rose to prominence during the Amakhosi’s lengthy transfer ban over the previous two seasons. He made his debut under Ernst Middendorp before getting consistent game-time under coach Gavin Hunt.

The midfielder who can also slot in at full-back was thrown into the deep end by the Amakhosi during the 2019/20 campaign at just the age of 19.

He has since established himself as a regular player at Kaizer Chiefs and the club have in return valued their prized youngster at an incredible R20 million!

Kaizer Chiefs star attracts LaLiga interest!

According to reports, Kaizer Chiefs massive asking price may be the only stumbling block in a blockbuster move to Europe for Njabulo Blom.

“Phakaaathi has caught wind of talks between a Spanish club and Kaizer Chiefs about a possible transfer of Njabulo Blom.” a Citizen report read regarding a possible transfer for the Amakhosi youngster.

“It is believed RCD Mallorca are interested in the Dobsonville born young versatile player but could be scared off by Amakhosi’s asking price.

“It is rumoured that Amakhosi want in the region of R20-million while Mallorca believes that is a bit too stiff considering Blom’s age and experience.”

Blom is currently away with the national team in Ethiopia for Bafana Bafana’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier before facing the same opponents three days later in Johannesburg at the FNB stadium.

The Kaizer Chiefs star made his debut in Bafana Bafana’s previous qualifier against Ghana. South Africa defeated the Black Stars 1-0 and currently sit atop Group G.

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