Africa Cup of Nations 2025 hosts Morocco began their campaign to win a second continental title with a somewhat nervy win over Comoros in the tournament opener in rainy Rabat. The Atlas Lions spurned a glorious chance to take an 11th-minute lead but broke the deadlock in the second half through Brahim Diaz and an acrobatic finish from Ayoub El Kaabi.
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Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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The football world has been left devastated by the death of the Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota in a car accident in north-western Spain. The 28-year-old father of three, who married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, 11 days earlier, was killed alongside his brother André Silva when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off a road.
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Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager. The AC Milan legend replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sacking at a news conference last week. Gattuso, 47, made 73 appearances for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and will now lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.
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The Republic of Ireland ended their season with a largely underwhelming 0-0 draw away to Luxembourg. The ‘end-of-term’ vibes were evident at Stade de Luxembourg as Ireland struggled to find any real rhythm against a side ranked 91st in the world, hitting the woodwork in both halves without looking like cutting the hosts apart.
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