Sports

Real Madrid’s Title Hopes Dented by Isco’s Heroics for Real Betis

Published

12 months ago

March 1, 2025

Samuel Kobina Amu

Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez commonly known as Isco

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In a pivotal La Liga encounter, Real Madrid faced a significant setback in their quest for the title after a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis. The match was highlighted by Isco, who, despite not being confirmed as captain, played a crucial role by scoring the winning goal and assisting another, earning him the Man of the Match honors.

His performance against Real Madrid, his former team, has stirred discussions across social media, with fans split between celebrating his skill and questioning the etiquette of his celebration. This loss has implications for Real Madrid’s league position, potentially benefiting rivals like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the race for the championship.

The match began with Real Madrid taking an early advantage in the 10th minute. Kylian Mbappé’s precise pass found Ferland Mendy, who squared the ball for Brahim Díaz to tap into an empty net, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

However, Betis, under the guidance of former Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini, responded strongly. Cardoso’s goal leveled the score, and after the break, Isco capitalized on a penalty opportunity—earned when Antonio Rüdiger fouled Jesús Rodríguez in the box—firing past Thibaut Courtois to give Betis a 2-1 lead. Despite late pressure from Madrid, including a saved shot from Vinícius Jr. by Betis goalkeeper Adrián, the hosts held firm, ending with 18 shots to Madrid’s nine in a deserved victory.

This loss leaves Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions, vulnerable in the tight title race. They remain second, level on points with leaders Barcelona—who face Real Sociedad on March 2—and could drop to third if Atlético Madrid defeat Athletic Bilbao later on March 1.

Madrid’s away form has faltered, with no wins in their last three league road games (one draw, two losses), a stark contrast to their formidable home record. For Betis, the win—Pellegrini’s first against Madrid in 10 meetings—lifts them to sixth place, bolstering their European ambitions. Isco’s heroics, underscored by his 97 touches and 90% pass accuracy, highlighted a resurgent season, with six goals in 15 games, four in the last month alone, haunting his former team at a pivotal moment.

Sports

Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees officially presented with FIFA badges

Published

3 weeks ago

January 22, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees have been officially presented with their FIFA badges. Image Source (Ghana Football Association)

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This milestone was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Ghana Referees honored with their FIFA badges

A cross section of the twenty-three Ghanaian referees honored with their FIFA badges.

The badges, awarded annually by FIFA based on performance, fitness tests, and assessments from the previous year, authorize these officials to officiate international matches throughout 2026 across various formats.

The group includes:

10 Centre Referees
10 Assistant Referees
1 Futsal Referee
1 Beach Soccer Referee (notably, Portia Oppong, highlighted as a historic first female in this category for Ghana)
1 Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Veteran referee Daniel Nii Laryea lead the list, retaining his status with dual recognition as both a Centre Referee and VAR official, showcasing his consistent excellence on the African and global stages.

Veteran Ghana referee Daniel Nii Laryea

In his address the GFA Vice-President Mark Addo congratulated them and urged them to aim for world-class standards: “Aspire for greatness. You are the soul and heart of the game.” He emphasized impartiality, fairness, and the responsibility that comes with representing Ghana internationally, with continued FIFA recognition depending on ongoing performance.

This achievement reflects Ghana’s strengthening presence in global refereeing, especially after past challenges in the sport. These referees are now set to take the pitch in international competitions, bringing pride to the nation.

Well done to all involved—keep upholding the highest standards!

Sports

Senegal’s Teranga Lions Parade AFCON Trophy

Published

3 weeks ago

January 21, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Senegal's Teranga Lions are basking in glory after claiming their second Africa Cup of Nations

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Senegal’s Teranga Lions are basking in glory after claiming their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in dramatic fashion

The team defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON final on January 18, 2026, thanks to a stunning extra-time goal from Pape Gueye.

The match was highly tense and chaotic and marked by a late penalty controversy that led to Senegal briefly walking off the pitch in protest, a missed Panenka attempt by Morocco, and intense drama throughout.

On their return home, the champions received an ecstatic hero’s welcome in Dakar as tens of thousands of fans flooded the streets, clad in green, yellow, and red, waving flags, blaring vuvuzelas, and chanting as the team paraded the trophy atop an open-top bus.

The procession lasted over seven hours, winding through the capital to the presidential palace, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye greeted them, praised their “historic” resilience and fighting spirit, and declared a national holiday to celebrate.

Sadio Mané and the squad lifted the trophy high amid roaring crowds, a true outpouring of national pride after overcoming such a nail-biting final.

Sports

Morocco Hits Record 8th in FIFA Rankings Amid Identity Backlash

Published

3 weeks ago

January 20, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

The FIFA rankings have been updated after AFCON

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Morocco’s national football team, the Atlas Lions, has achieved a historic milestone by climbing to 8th place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking (released January 19, 2026).

Morocco ranked 8th in the world after FIFA latest rankings

This marks their all-time highest ranking, surpassing their previous best of 10th in April 1998, and returns them to the global top 10 for the first time in nearly 28 years.

The rise comes despite a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), which Morocco hosted.

Their strong tournament performance came with five (5) wins, one (1) draw, and one (1) loss which earned them significant points (including a +20.23 adjustment in the rankings), propelling them up three (3) spots from 11th.

The FIFA rankings have been updated after AFCON

They now sit ahead of teams like Belgium (9th) and Germany (10th), with 1,736.57 points.

Latest FIFA world rankings

This achievement highlights Morocco’s consistent rise in international football, building on their 2022 World Cup semi-final run and ongoing development in youth academies and infrastructure.

Regarding the “identity backlash” mentioned in the headline, recent coverage of Morocco’s football successes (including this ranking update) doesn’t show widespread backlash tied directly to the new ranking itself.

Past discussions around Morocco’s national team have occasionally touched on cultural identity debates—such as the balance between Amazigh (Berber), Arab, and broader Moroccan elements in national representation, especially during high-profile events like the 2022 World Cup.

The current FIFA ranking news has been overwhelmingly positive in Moroccan and international media, focusing on pride in the Atlas Lions’ elite status and their role as Africa’s top-ranked side.