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Alisson Becker’s Masterclass Seals Liverpool’s Victory Over PSG

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Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson Becker (Pic source: Getty Image)
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Alisson Becker put on a goalkeeping clinic, making nine saves—his highest tally in a single match for Liverpool—and thwarting 2.26 expected goals (xG) worth of chances. PSG dominated with 27 shots, 10 on target, and 72% possession, but couldn’t breach Alisson’s wall.

The match, which took place in the first leg of the Round of 16, saw Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott score the decisive goal in the 87th minute, just moments after coming on as a substitute.

This win not only highlighted Alisson’s exceptional skills but also reinforced his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, earning him widespread acclaim from fans and analysts alike.

Key moments included a stunning double save against Ousmane Dembélé in the first half and a breathtaking stop from Désiré Doué’s curling shot in the 80th minute. His performance was so exceptional that he later called it “probably the best of my life,” a sentiment echoed by manager Arne Slot, who hailed him as “the best goalkeeper in the world.”

Liverpool, outplayed for most of the match, barely mustered two shots, but substitute Harvey Elliott made his count. Entering in the 87th minute for an off-form Mohamed Salah, Elliott scored with his first touch—47 seconds after coming on—thanks to a clever assist from fellow sub–Darwin Núñez. The goal, a low drive past Gianluigi Donnarumma, was a classic smash-and-grab moment, giving Liverpool a slim but vital lead to take back to Anfield.

PSG’s attack, led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—who had a goal disallowed for a tight offside call—and Dembélé, relentlessly tested Liverpool’s defense, but Alisson’s brilliance and Elliott’s opportunism flipped the script. It was a night where Liverpool’s resilience, bolstered by their goalkeeper’s masterclass, defied the run of play to secure a result that could prove pivotal in their Champions League campaign.

 

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Sports

AFCON Semis Feature Mané vs. Salah

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Sadio Mane vrs Mohammed Salah
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The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 semifinals on January 14 pit Senegal against Egypt followed by hosts Morocco facing Nigeria.

Senegal beat Mali 1-0, Egypt rallied 3-2 over Côte d’Ivoire with Salah’s goal and assist, Nigeria stunned Algeria 2-0, and Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0. Mané boasts 19 AFCON goal involvements over the last decade, Salah has 16, making their clash the highlight as national pride takes center stage ahead of the January 18 final in Rabat.

 

  • Senegal vs. Egypt
    • Venue: Stade Ibn Batouta (Tangier)
    • Kick-off: Approximately 18:00 GMT (first semi-final)
      This will be a massive reunion for former Liverpool teammates Sadio Mané (Senegal’s talisman and captain) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt’s captain and star forward).

It echoes their iconic 2021 AFCON final (where Senegal won on penalties after a 0-0 draw). Egypt advanced by defeating defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a thriller, with Salah scoring the decisive goal. Senegal booked their spot with a solid 1-0 win over Mali (goal from Iliman Ndiaye, powered by Mané’s influence).

 

  • Morocco vs. Nigeria
    • Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat)
    • Kick-off: Approximately 21:00 GMT (second semi-final, often dubbed a “premature final” due to both teams’ form).

Hosts Morocco (the Atlas Lions, led by in-form Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz, tournament top scorer with 5 goals as at 11-01-2026) earned their place with a commanding 2-0 quarter-final win over Cameroon.

Nigeria (Super Eagles) maintained their perfect record, cruising past Algeria 2-0 thanks to Victor Osimhen’s goal and assist, plus Akor Adams sealing it—making them one of the most feared sides left.

Key Highlights

  • Mané vs. Salah: Expect fireworks! These two Liverpool legends have history—Salah chasing his first AFCON title (Egypt are record 7-time winners), while Mané led Senegal to their 2021 triumph. It’s a clash of attacking brilliance, leadership, and unfinished business.
  • Morocco vs. Nigeria: Home advantage for Morocco (huge crowds expected in Rabat) vs. Nigeria’s depth, flair, and unbeaten run. Many fans and analysts see this as the potential title decider, with stars like Díaz and Osimhen in top form.

The winners advance to the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Rabat, with a third-place play-off on January 17. Excitement is sky-high across Africa and beyond—this is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded semi-finals in recent AFCON history!

Who do you think will make the final?

 

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Mohamed Kudus Out Until April with Quad Tendon Injury

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Big blow for Spurs and Ghana
The Ghana international was forced out in the first half following an injury
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank confirmed that Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus will be sidelined until after the March international break due to a significant quad tendon injury. The 25-year-old forward suffered the injury during Tottenham’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Sunderland last weekend, forcing him off in the first half after going down off the ball with a thigh problem.
Frank stated: “Kudus is unfortunately a bigger one to the tendon in the quad, so that’s one where we expect him back after the March international break.”This timeline points to a return in early April 2026, potentially missing around 13 games across the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, including high-profile clashes against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and others.
The injury is a major blow for Spurs, who are already dealing with other absences, and for Ghana, as Kudus will miss upcoming internationals, including a friendly against Germany. Kudus had been in fine form since his move to Tottenham (from West Ham in a previous transfer window.)

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Manchester City Seal £62.5m Deal for Antoine Semenyo

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Man City close in on Semenyo signing
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Manchester City have finalised a club-record transfer for Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, agreeing a deal worth a guaranteed £62.5 million, plus £1.5 million in add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause for any future profit.
The 26-year-old Ghanaian winger, who turned 26 on January 7, provided a fairytale farewell to Bournemouth by scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner in their thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium.
The goal, his 10th of the season, secured the win on his birthday and earned him a standing ovation from fans as he bid an emotional goodbye.
The transfer structure allows City to pay the fee in instalments over 24 months, exceeding Semenyo’s reported £60-65 million release clause in total value but avoiding immediate full payment. Semenyo has arrived in Manchester for his medical and is expected to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract until June 2031.
Pep Guardiola’s side beat competition from clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and others to land the versatile forward, who has impressed with his pace, power, and goal threat this season. This marks Manchester City’s biggest January signing and a record sale for Bournemouth.

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