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Morocco Reaches AFCON 2025 Semis

The Atlas Lions of Morocco Reaches AFCON 2025 Semis, As Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Bows Out

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The Atlas Lions of Morocco Reaches AFCON 2025 Semis, As Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Bows Out—-Brahim Diaz continued his remarkable Africa Cup of Nations scoring streak and Ismael Saibari added another as hosts Morocco saw off Cameroon 2–0 in a tense quarter-final on Friday, keeping their title dreams firmly on track.

Roared on by more than 64,000 fans in Rabat, Real Madrid winger Diaz got the crucial touch to Ayoub El Kaabi’s 26th-minute header at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Diaz’s fifth goal in five games and a second-half strike from Saibari earned Morocco a deserved win and a semi-final meeting with the winner of Algeria vs Nigeria.

The semi-final is likely to present a much tougher challenge for Walid Regragui’s team than Cameroon, who had aimed to spring an upset after surpassing expectations by progressing this far despite a difficult build-up to the tournament.

Five-time African champions Cameroon were largely toothless in attack, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo kept quiet throughout.

Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team and World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, are under enormous pressure to win the Cup of Nations in front of their own fans, half a century after their last continental title.

There have been doubts as to whether they can handle the weight of expectation, but they remain on course to achieve their objective –- it is the first time Morocco have reached the AFCON semi-finals since they lost the 2004 final to Tunisia.

The hosts were unchanged from their 1-0 last-16 win over Tanzania as they looked to continue an unbeaten record going back to their defeat by South Africa at the 2024 AFCON.

Fresh from knocking out South Africa in the last round here, Cameroon were clearly banking on frustrating Morocco as much as possible in an attempt to turn the crowd against the home side.

Morocco were beaten by the Cameroonians in the semi-finals the last time they hosted AFCON in 1988, but a repeat outcome never really looked likely.

David Pagou’s team were not helped by the early loss of right wing-back Jackson Tchamadeu, who tried to carry on after Noussair Mazraoui landed heavily on his knee before eventually being stretchered off.

Moments after that, Morocco scored. Achraf Hakimi sent in a corner from the right which was headed towards goal by El Kaabi at the near post, and the ball struck Diaz in the groin before going in.

That calmed a frenetic home support, who cheered their team off at the break after seeing Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi come close to adding further goals.

Morocco were on top, and Cameroon’s response was to change formation after the break, from a back three to a 4-2-3-1, in an attempt to create more danger.

Ezzalzouli headed just over from a Hakimi corner, and then a cross by the Paris Saint-Germain star caused havoc in the Cameroon box as Samuel Kotto hooked the ball away from the line.

Mbeumo had appeals for a penalty dismissed by the Mauritanian referee before PSV Eindhoven’s Saibari fired in the killer second goal on 74 minutes after controlling Ezzalzouli’s dead-ball delivery, as Morocco march on to Wednesday’s semis.

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.

Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

Maresca Reunites With Fernández

The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.

Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.

Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.

Chelsea Accept Record Fee

Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.

Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.

The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.

City Make Deadline-Day Statement

Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.

Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.

The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.

Fernández Begins New Chapter

For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.

The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.

At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.

City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.

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BREAKING: Tottenham Agree Double Deal With Chelsea for Mudryk and Tosin

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BREAKING: Tottenham Agree Double Deal With Chelsea for Mudryk and Tosin—-Spurs reach agreement with Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo, with Mudryk arriving on loan with a £75m option to buy and Tosin joining permanently.

Tottenham Hotspur have struck a double agreement with Chelsea to sign Mykhailo Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo as the north London club makes a late push to strengthen its squad.

The deal will see Mudryk join Tottenham on a season-long loan, while the Ukrainian winger’s agreement includes a £75 million option to buy at the end of the loan spell.

Importantly, the £75m clause is not mandatory, meaning Tottenham will have the choice to make Mudryk’s move permanent rather than being obliged to complete the purchase.

Meanwhile, defender Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Chelsea on a permanent transfer after the two clubs reached an agreement over his move.

Mudryk Gets Chance to Revive Career

Mudryk’s temporary switch to Tottenham provides the 25-year-old with an opportunity to rebuild his career after a difficult period at Stamford Bridge.

The winger arrived at Chelsea with huge expectations but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent first-team player.

His move to Tottenham could give him regular playing time and the chance to demonstrate the qualities that made him one of Europe’s most highly rated young attackers before his move to England.

The presence of Roberto De Zerbi could also prove important. The Tottenham manager is familiar with Mudryk from their time together at Shakhtar Donetsk and is understood to have played a role in Spurs’ decision to pursue the winger.

£75m Option Gives Spurs Flexibility

A major feature of the agreement is the £75m purchase option included in Mudryk’s loan deal.

Tottenham will not be required to pay the £75m at the end of the season.

Instead, the club will be able to assess Mudryk’s performances throughout the campaign before deciding whether to trigger the option and make his move permanent.

That arrangement gives Spurs flexibility while allowing Mudryk an entire season to prove that he can become a long-term asset for the club.

Tosin Set for Permanent Tottenham Move

While Mudryk’s future will remain open until the end of his loan spell, Tosin is expected to make a permanent move to Tottenham.

The centre-back has agreed personal terms with Spurs and is set to complete the remaining formalities before his transfer is finalised.

Tosin’s departure brings an end to his spell at Chelsea, where competition for places in defence has made regular first-team opportunities increasingly difficult to secure.

Tottenham view the experienced defender as an important addition to their defensive options.

Tottenham Complete Late Chelsea Double Swoop

The agreement represents a significant piece of late transfer-window business for Tottenham.

Spurs have moved quickly to secure both players as they look to strengthen their squad and provide De Zerbi with additional options for the new campaign.

Mudryk’s arrival could add pace and attacking width to Tottenham’s frontline, while Tosin provides additional quality and experience in defence.

With the clubs now having reached agreements, attention turns to completing the remaining formalities and medicals before the transfer window closes.

The Deal at a Glance

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