Sports
Arne Slot’s Liverpool Start with Victory
Arne Slot’s tenure at Liverpool kicked off with a victory
This marked a significant milestone as he became the first Liverpool manager this century to win his opening Premier League match. Here’s what’s been happening:
The Match: Liverpool secured a 2-0 win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The game was notable for a lackluster first half from Liverpool, but they turned on the style in the second, with goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah sealing the victory. This performance showcased Slot’s tactical adjustments, particularly with the introduction of Ibrahima Konate at halftime, which seemed to bolster Liverpool’s defensive solidity and offensive intent.
Tactical Insights: Under Slot, Liverpool displayed a more patient approach, focusing on central spaces around and in front of the opposition’s defense. This shift indicates a tactical evolution from the high-pressing game associated with Jurgen Klopp to a style that might be dubbed “Slot Ball,” emphasizing control and precision in attack.
Player Performances: Mohamed Salah continued his record-breaking form by scoring, taking his tally of goals in opening Premier League matches to nine, surpassing legends like Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. His contribution was pivotal, not just in scoring but in setting up Jota’s goal, highlighting his importance to Liverpool’s new strategy.
Manager’s Reaction: Arne Slot expressed satisfaction with the control his team exerted in the second half but was critical of the first half’s performance, indicating areas for improvement. His comments reflect a manager who demands high standards and sees room for tactical refinement.
Fan and Media Sentiment: The victory has been celebrated across social platforms like X, with users and media outlets highlighting Slot’s achievement as the first Liverpool manager in 33 years to win his opening league game. This has set a positive tone for Slot’s managerial debut, with fans and analysts alike discussing the implications of this tactical approach for the season.
Looking Ahead: While this win is a promising start, the real test for Slot and his Liverpool will come with tougher opponents. The tactical nuances introduced by Slot, combined with key player performances, suggest Liverpool might be gearing up for a season where control and precision could define their play.
This victory not only marks a successful beginning for Slot but also sets the stage for how Liverpool might evolve under his management, focusing on a blend of possession, patience, and tactical flexibility.
This milestone was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.
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!
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.
Minister Didier Budimbu honors Michel Kuka, alias Lumumba Vea
Twenty-three (23) Ghanaian referees officially presented with FIFA badges
Senegal’s Teranga Lions Parade AFCON Trophy
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