Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has strongly dismissed expectations from some Kenyan fans demanding that the team reach the semi-finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The former Manchester United coach insisted that such ambitions ignore the realities of African football.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsKenya will automatically qualify for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with excitement steadily building around what could become one of the country’s biggest football moments in recent history.After years of inconsistency, including missing several AFCON tournaments and exiting at the group stage in the 2019 edition, supporters are desperate to see Harambee Stars emerge as genuine continental contenders.FIFA confirms slight change to date of 2027 Africa Cup of NationsSince taking charge, McCarthy has overseen encouraging progress with the national side. Harambee Stars recently impressed during the African Nations Championship (CHAN)..

Harambee Stars forward Mohamed Bajaber marked a significant milestone in his budding career after clinching his first piece of silverware with Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club, following their hard-fought 1-0 triumph in the Muungano Cup on Wednesday, 29 April.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsIt was, however, a night of mixed fortunes for Kenyan exports, as compatriot Duke Abuya endured heartbreak, missing out on the coveted title in a tense and fiercely contested final.The showdown, staged at the New Amaan Complex Stadium, lived up to its billing as one of East Africa’s fiercest rivalries, the Kariakoo Derby with Simba squaring off against arch-rivals Young Africans Sports Club.The clash lived up to expectations, ultimately stretching into extra time after both sides failed to break the deadlock in regulation.Bajaber, who started on the bench, was introduced late into the contest, in the 105th minute, tasked with injecting energy into Simba’s attack as the match edged towa..

Crystal Palace continue their historic European journey with a trip to Krakow, Poland, where they face Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe winner over two legs will advance to face either Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg in the final.Palace are enjoying a memorable debut campaign in Europe and are just three wins away from making history, while Shakhtar bring experience, reaching their third semi-final in the last 11 seasons and aiming to improve on past exits.##NAJAVA_MECA_9712229##Shakhtar Donetsk arrive in strong form, unbeaten in their last six matches, registering four wins and two draws.Across their last five games, they have scored 10 goals and conceded six, averaging 2.17 goals scored and one conceded per match.Dembele and Upamecano never left home – even on football’s biggest nightTheir fixtures have been open and attacking, with 83% producing over 2.5 goals and 67% seeing both teams score.Dome..

After a nine-goal blockbuster in a clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich last night, no one expected anything similar tonight in Madrid, and their expectations were met. In a game with few chances, a lot of duels and fighting in the midfield, and “only” two goals, neither Atletico nor Arsenal managed to gain an edge ahead of the return leg in London, as the two sides drew 1-1.Both goals came from the spot, as Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock in the 44th minute and Julian Alvarez equalized 12 minutes later.Goalkeepers or just spectators? Neuer sets negative UCL record, Safonov barely edges himGenerally speaking, Atleti were way better, especially in the second half, as Mikel Arteta’s men once again tried to defend the lead and ended up exposing their weaknesses and fighting for their lives in the end. Fortunately for the visitors, David Raya was in a good mood, while Los Colchoneros’ forwards – Ademola Lookman, in the first place – lacked focus in the decisive moments. A..

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) President Aleksander Čeferin on Wednesday, 29 April signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration, growth and development of football across Europe and Africa.The MoU, signed in Vancouver, Canada, underlines the guiding principles shared by CAF and UEFA, highlighting football’s role in promoting inclusion, participation and social cohesion, while reaffirming a joint commitment to solidarity, integrity and openness.https://t.co/tgcnB2qECLThe Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the Union of European Football Associations (“UEFA”) President Mr Aleksander Čeferin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) aimed at strengthening collaboration,…— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) April 29, 2026 “African Football has experienced significant growth over the past few years and we continue to build towards ..

Chelsea’s obsession with goalkeepers has lasted for some time. One of the first hints of their “special condition” came up in 2018, when they brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for €80 million, making him the highest-paid custodian in football history.The Spaniard didn’t meet the expectations, while his successor, Edouard Mendy, did well between the posts, winning the Champions League with the Blues in 2021. However, the Senegalese’s departure opened the old wound at Stamford Bridge that has yet to heal.Todd Boehly’s Seven Keepers Army: why does Chelsea have so many custodians!?In the last five seasons, Chelsea have signed six keepers, spending over €92 million on their arrivals, yet the proper solution isn’t on the horizon.They tried with various names – from an experienced free agent Marcus Bettinelli and youngster Gabriel Slonina to lavishly paid Djordje Petrovic, Mike Penders, Filip Jorgensen, and Robert Sanchez.The latter two have been the first choices in the curre..

The news that a hamstring injury has ended Lamine Yamal’s club season (he should be fit for the World Cup) has shaken everyone at Camp Nou. Even though Barcelona are on the verge of winning the La Liga title, the youngster’s injury layoff is a significant blow, considering his importance for Hansi Flick’s squad.Nevertheless, only a few days later, the Catalans received good news, as Raphinha is back in action after a month-long absence.Raphinha, Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen do part of the session! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7LLDgdcYKU— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 29, 2026 The Brazilian was sidelined due to the same injury as Yamal, missing Champions League and La Liga duels against Atletico Madrid as well as the league clashes against Espanyol, Celta Vigo, and Getafe.Barca did well without him, recording five wins and only one defeat, but a costly one, as it eliminated them from the UCL.Rashford won’t return to Manchester at any cost – willing to take pay cut to stay at BarcelonaEi..

The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs ended in a 1-1 stalemate, but the scoreline barely scratches the surface of a tactically rich and dynamically evolving encounter. As always, this fixture carried immense competitive weight, with both sides not only chasing points but also local bragging rights. Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe narrative heading into the match hinted at contrasting approaches: Orlando Pirates’ structured positional play against Kaizer Chiefs’ transition-heavy and compact defensive scheme. Ultimately, the match was closely contested, shaped by phases of dominance rather than outright control, with each team imposing their identity in different moments.##NAJAVA_MECA_9712478##From the outset, Orlando Pirates set up in a 4-2-3-1 base shape that morphed fluidly depending on the phase of play.Their double pivot of Makhehleni Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha provided the foundational stability for build-up, often dropping to facilitate circul..