Sports
2023 AFCON: Ryan Mendes Pushes Cape Verde To First AFCON Quarter-Finals
Cape Verde seems ready to go all the way in the 2023 AFCON, as they waited until the last five minutes of regulation time to knock out Mauritania from the tournament.
Cape Verde and Mauritania were arguably the lowest-ranked teams left in the tournament ahead of their round of 16 clash at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny earlier today, January 29.
The two teams played the entire first half of the encounter without scoring a goal, as they both played a very balanced match.
In the second half, the caging encounter continued until the last five minutes, when a Mauritanian defender committed a foul in the eighteen-yard box.
Ryan Mendes, who currently plays as a winger for a Turkish club, Karagümrük, stepped up and converted the spot-kick to make it 1-0 for the 73rd-ranked team in the world.
Ryan Mendes’ goal against Mauritania was his 17th international goal for the island country of West Africa and the 100th goal at the 2023 AFCON.
The lone goal has taken the island country, with a population of about 587,925 people per the 2021 research, to their first quarter-finals in the biggest football tournament in Africa.
The Cape Verdeans achieved this feat after featuring in four editions of the tournament – 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
They will now face South Africa or Morocco in the quarter-finals at 9 p.m. on February 3, 2024.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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