Sports
CAF Excludes Kenya, Zimbabwe From 2023 AFCON Qualifiers

Kenya and Zimbabwe have been excluded from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers having “failed to have their suspensions by FIFA set aside” the Confederation of African Football said on Tuesday.
FIFA had suspended both federations on February 24 due to “government interference.”
“As a consequence of having failed to have their suspensions by FIFA set aside, CAF has confirmed that both Kenya and Zimbabwe will not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 qualifiers,” read the CAF statement.
“The qualifiers will kick-off on the first day of June 2022.
“CAF had included them in the official draw earlier in April 2022 on condition that the suspension must be lifted two weeks before their first match day.”
READ ALSO: Super Eagles: NFF Breaks Silence On How CAF Medical Officer Died
Kenya had been drawn in Group C along with Burundi, Cameroon and Namibia whilst Zimbabwe were in Group K with Liberia, Morocco and South Africa.
Winners and runners-up in the 12 groups qualify for the finals at six venues in the Ivory Coast on dates to be announced during June and July next year.
Champions Senegal begin their Africa Cup of Nations title defence at home to Benin.
AFP/PUNCH
Sports
UCL: ‘If You’re The Best Show It’ – Ramos Slams Lamine Yamal
Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain has slammed Barcelona stars, Lamine Yamal and Pedri over comments before their Champions League clash on Tuesday.
Before the game, the Barça players were in a bullish mood with Yamal posting a somewhat teasing message on his Instagram Story.
In the post, the young Spain international was seen sitting on a railing and wearing the Spain jersey, with the caption, “Pressure?”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Of West Ham Clash
The best young footballer in the world went on to post, “I’m back and the mission is back too.”
His teammate, Pedri also echoed the confidence during the news conference ahead of the game.
He said “It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat,” he talked about PSG’s win over Barça in the Champions League final last season.
READ ALSO:UCL: Spurs Snatch Late 2-2 Draw At Bodo/Glimt
However, they were made to eat their words as PSG beat in front of their fans.
Ramos, who was one of the scorers of the goals told reporters, “We’re the European champions, I can’t say more than that. If you’re the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk.”
Ramos’ teammate Vitinha, added, “We don’t give a damn. We don’t care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we’re happy about that.”
Sports
EPL: Paul Merson Predicts Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Other Fixtures
Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson has predicted the Premier League games taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Bournemouth will tackle Fulham at the Vitality Stadium on Friday night, while Manchester United will face Sunderland on Saturday.
Chelsea will take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, while Arsenal will take on West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.
READ ALSO:Dangote Group Agrees To redeploy Workers Sacked By Refinery
Brentford will tackle Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday, while Everton will take on Crystal Palace.
Stating his predictions, Merson said via Sportskeeda:
Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham
Leeds United 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
Man United 2-0 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa 2-0 Burnley
Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Wolves 1-2 Brighton
Brentford 1-2 Manchester City
Sports
EPL: Arteta Gives Arsenal Injury Updates Ahead Of West Ham Clash
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has given injury updates on his squad ahead of the visit of West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arteta has not ruled out Gabriel Magalhaes, after the Brazilian defender was substituted late in their 2-0 win over Olympiakos on Wednesday night.
“We’ll have to wait and see after training,” Arteta said.
“We haven’t done anything today. I’m not too concerned about him.”
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal Snatch Late 2-1 Win Against Newcastle
The Spaniard also confirmed that new signing Piero Hincapie will be fit after the upcoming international break.
“He will be available after the international break,” Arteta said.
“We will do everything as fast as possible, but this one comes too quick for him.”
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke still remain injured for the Gunners.
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