AFCON 2027: Tanzania targets August 2026 completion of infrastructure…

The Tanzanian government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering all key sports infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with August 2026 set as the deadline for completion of major facilities in host cities.

Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma on Monday, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, said significant progress has already been made in preparing venues in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, which are expected to play central roles in hosting the continental tournament.

Makonda revealed that the renovation of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is now 95 percent complete, putting the country firmly on track to meet its targets. He added that three training venues Gymkhana, Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, and the Law School grounds have already been fully upgraded and are ready for use. newsbetting.club

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At the same time, construction work is underway on three additional training facilities, including Farasi Grounds, Leaders Club, and another Gymkhana venue, all of which are currently at early stages of development.

Substantial progress made on AFCON-related projects

In Arusha, the government is overseeing the construction of a new 32,000-seat stadium, which Makonda said has reached 77.5 percent completion. Additionally, a dedicated training ground within the Arusha stadium complex is progressing steadily and is currently 60 percent complete.

“These projects are part of our broader commitment to ensure Tanzania is fully prepared to host AFCON 2027,” Makonda told lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of timely delivery and quality infrastructure to meet international standards.

Beyond AFCON-related developments, the minister highlighted several other strategic investments aimed at boosting sports development across the country. These include the construction of a sports academy at the Malya College of Sports Development, which is currently 49 percent complete, and a new 32,500-capacity stadium in Dodoma, where construction has just begun and stands at five percent.

The government is also investing in community sports and recreation facilities. A public training and recreational center in Dodoma has reached 73.5 percent completion, while a similar facility in Dar es Salaam is at 49 percent.

Meanwhile, renovation work at the historic Uhuru Stadium has reached 70 percent, further strengthening the country’s readiness to host major competitions.

Makonda stressed that these infrastructure projects are not only aimed at hosting AFCON 2027 but also at creating long term benefits for Tanzanian sports by nurturing talent and improving access to modern facilities for citizens.

With less than two years remaining before the tournament, Tanzania’s preparations appear to be gaining momentum, signaling the country’s ambition to successfully stage one of Africa’s biggest football events.

À l’approche de la Coupe du monde de la FIFA 2026, l’international jordanien Mousa Al-Tamari a affiché son souhait de voir son pays ainsi que l’Algérie franchir ensemble le premier tour. Placées dans le même groupe, les deux sélections devront composer avec une concurrence relevée, en présence du champion du monde en titre, l’Argentine, et de l’Autriche. Interrogé après le match de Ligue 1 perdu contre Lyon où il a marqué un magnifique but, l’ailier rennais a insisté sur les liens forts entre les nations arabes. Selon lui, peu importe l’issue de la confrontation directe entre les deux équipes, l’essentiel reste de voir au moins une des deux sélections représenter dignement la région au niveau mondial. « Pour moi, peu importe qui gagne, félicitations au vainqueur. L’Algérie et la Jordanie, c’est un seul pays… deux nations arabes, et l’essentiel est que l’une d’elles nous représente dignement à la Coupe du monde », a-t-il indiqué. Il a également souligné son admiration pour le football algérien, rappelant la qualité et l’expérience de cette équipe sur la scène internationale. « L’Algérie possède une grande sélection, et je suis un admirateur de ce pays », a-t-il ajouté. Un groupe relevé et indécis Versées dans une poule particulièrement compétitive, la Jordanie et l’Algérie devront livrer des performances solides pour espérer se qualifier. Le dernier match de la phase de groupes, qui opposera les deux sélections pourrait s’avérer décisif. « Il n’y aura aucun relâchement lors des matchs de la Coupe du monde. Si nous gagnons, ce sera mérité pour nous, et si l’Algérie l’emporte, ce sera mérité pour eux. Nous sommes des Arabes, des frères », a-t-il souligné. Conscient de la difficulté de la tâche, Moussa Al-Taamari a insisté sur la nécessité de se battre à chaque rencontre. Malgré la rivalité sportive, son souhait reste clair : voir au moins l’une des deux équipes poursuivre l’aventure dans ce Mondial 2026. « Personnellement, j’espère que nous nous qualifierons aux côtés de l’Algérie. Mais le groupe est difficile, et nous devons nous battre pour chaque opportunité. Au final, j’espère que l’un de nous se qualifiera, que ce soit l’Algérie ou la Jordanie », a-t-il conclu.

L’article Coupe du Monde 2026 – Jordanie : Mousa Al-Tamari s’exprime sur le duel contre l’Algérie est apparu en premier sur AfricaFootUnited.

LONDON, England, May 4, 2026 – A second-string Nottingham Forest side took a major step towards Premier League survival by inflicting Chelsea’s sixth consecutive league defeat.

Forest boss Vitor Pereira made eight changes with Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa in mind, but two goals from Taiwo Awoniyi and another from Igor Jesus helped the visitors open a six-point gap over 18th‑placed West Ham in the relegation zone.

Chelsea, meanwhile, scored a late consolation goal through striker Joao Pedro, narrowly avoiding an unwanted record of making it six league games in a row without scoring for the first time in the club’s history.

Their dismal afternoon was summed up when Cole Palmer missed a first-half penalty after academy winger Jesse Derry, 18, sustained a serious-looking head injury on his first senior start.

This was Chelsea’s first Premier League match since Liam Rosenior was sacked, with interim head coach Calum McFarlane – who guided the club to a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win against Leeds United last week – taking charge for the first time at Stamford Bridge.

Forest needed just two minutes to take the lead, with Awoniyi left unmarked to head home after winger Dilane Bakwa beat Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella and delivered a nicely floated cross.

The same Forest pairing combined again in the 15th minute to win a penalty – Awoniyi was pulled back in the area by Malo Gusto as he attempted to reach Bakwa’s cross, and Igor Jesus converted the resulting spot-kick down the middle.

It came after a video assistant referee (VAR) check, with Gusto possibly lucky to have avoided a red card.

Enzo Fernandez hit the post and Igor Jesus forced a good save at the other end, before Derry won Chelsea a penalty following a nasty head collision with Zach Abbott that led to a six-minute stoppage and both academy graduates being substituted.

Palmer’s low penalty kick towards the corner was then saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels at full stretch.

Chelsea introduced striker Liam Delap for Derry and returning defender Levi Colwill at half-time, but conceded again seven minutes into the second half when Awoniyi tapped in substitute Morgan Gibbs-White’s low cross.

Gibbs-White was later involved in another heavy clash with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, with both players forced off with their bleeding heads bandaged.

Joao Pedro also had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside late on, but then scored a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time to end Chelsea’s more than 550-minute run without a league goal that stretched back to early March.

Forest remain 16th but have significantly strengthened their survival prospects, while Chelsea stay ninth and 10 points adrift of the Champions League places – with qualification a target set at the start of the season.

Chelsea analysis: Champions League slips away in dismal run

A near-unprecedented run of six consecutive defeats has left a top-five finish – seen as the minimum pre-season target – impossible.

Chelsea are now part of a congested mid-table group that includes Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton, Fulham, Everton and Sunderland, all competing for Europa League or Conference League qualification.

They can finish no higher than sixth. That position could yet be enough to secure Champions League football, but only if Aston Villa win the Europa League and end the season fifth, creating an additional qualification place.

Ultimately, Chelsea do not deserve to be in the Champions League on the basis of their recent performances. This six-match losing run is their longest since 1993 and only the fourth time in the club’s history they have lost as many consecutive games.

It is therefore understandable that Chelsea’s home supporters – witnessing a fourth successive home league defeat for only the second time – booed their side at full-time and chanted against the ownership.

As former manager Mauricio Pochettino said last week, there is a disconnect between the fans, the players and the club. A lack of managerial stability has compounded the issue, leaving Chelsea looking devoid of cohesion.

It would have been unthinkable a few years ago for Nottingham Forest to rest key players for an upcoming European fixture but still dominate Chelsea’s strongest available starting XI in a Premier League match.

Yet that is precisely what happened. Chelsea lost any hope of a first clean sheet since mid-January after just two minutes and waited until the 93rd minute to score.

Indeed, it would be possible to watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy between Chelsea’s previous league goal – at Aston Villa in early March – and their latest strike in this defeat, which were more than 550 playing minutes apart.

Chelsea remain in contention for silverware by reaching the FA Cup final, but their players looked crestfallen at full-time. Many joined the club with the expectation of regular Champions League football, yet on current form they may struggle to qualify for Europe at all.

Forest analysis: Fine win marred by Gibbs-White injury

This was a near-perfect afternoon for a Forest side who appeared up against it before kick-off, having made eight changes with injuries beginning to take their toll on a squad competing on two fronts.

Head coach Pereira understandably had one eye on the second leg of the Europa League – Forest’s first European semi-final for more than 40 years – with a 1-0 lead to defend at Villa Park.

Luca Netz made his first league start, while 19-year-old academy product Zach Abbott was drafted in alongside fringe players including James McAtee, Jair Cunha and Bakwa.

Despite those changes, Forest still delivered a memorable victory, with Pereira carefully managing the minutes of some regular starters.

Half-time substitutions meant Igor Jesus and Nicolas Dominguez were replaced by Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, ensuring four likely starters for Thursday’s match played only 45 minutes apiece.

It was impressive squad management from a side already without Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare and Murillo, and under added pressure after relegation rivals Tottenham beat European rivals Aston Villa – the latter of whom had made similar changes – on Sunday.

Just three points above the relegation zone and juggling commitments, Forest’s win at Stamford Bridge extends their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.

On 42 points with three games remaining, relegation-threatened West Ham would need to take seven points from the nine still available to apply any pressure, given Forest’s superior goal difference.

The only issue is Gibbs-White is now a doubt for Thursday’s pivotal game – and potentially the visit of Newcastle on Sunday – after his collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez.

Asked about Gibbs-White, Pereira said he avoided the concussion protocols, which could make him available, adding: “He has a deep cut, we will see, he is a fighter and we hope for a miracle. I said to him don’t head the ball, just play.”

What’s next for both teams?

Chelsea face a trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, 9 May (20:00 BST), before the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City the following Saturday, 16 May (15:00).

Nottingham Forest visit Aston Villa in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, 7 May (20:00). They then welcome Newcastle United to the City Ground on Sunday, 10 May (14:00).

The post Forest make Chelsea sing the blues to boost Premier League survival odds appeared first on Capital Sports.

Despite their 3-2 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) defeat to Shooting Stars, Nasarawa United technical adviser Mbwas Mangut has assured fans that his side will keep pushing to secure a continental spot.

The Solid Miners put up a resolute display in their Matchday 36 encounter, rallying from two goals down before eventually succumbing to the hosts.

Mangut disappointed with NPFL defeat

Speaking with the club’s media, Mangut expressed disappointment with the outcome but insisted the team would fight to finish among the top three at the end of the season.

“I feel so disappointed with the result today after putting up a superb performance into game.

We lost due to a momentary loss of concentration.

Like I said before, the league is still open to teams from the first six positions.

“We will fight till the end of the season, with the hope of achieving our set goals.”

The Lafia-based club remains in sixth position on the table with 53 points, leaving them with just two games to achieve their objective.

THE LOG.

How things stand after #BENKAT.#NPFL26 pic.twitter.com/kC7L3KED1R

— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) May 4, 2026

Taiwo Awoniyi made his first start in over six months for Nottingham Forest on Monday and produced a Man of the Match performance, scoring two goals in a 3-1 Premier League victory at struggling Chelsea.

The Nigerian was given a rare start by Forest manager Vitor Pereira and repaid the coach’s faith in spectacular fashion. His club are now within grasp of fully escaping relegation danger with only three rounds left to play.

Awoniyi puts Forest step closer to retaining Premier League status

Earlier in the season, facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would have been a more intimidating prospect but the Blues are in the midst of a tailspin, and Monday’s defeat now marks six defeats in a row. It took less than two minutes for Awoniyi to pounce on their vulnerability when he got on the end of Dilane Bakwa’s cross for a perfectly placed header beyond the reach of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Awoniyi continued to be a factor and ended up being involved in all three goals. Before fifteen minutes were gone it was 2-0 in favor of the visitors when Bakwa placed another excellent cross in the path of the Nigerian, who went down after Malo Gusto tugged his shirt. A penalty was awarded and Igor Jesus took on the responsibility to convert his spot kick.

It only got worse for the hosts, who could have pulled a goal back just before halftime to boost their momentum but Cole Palmer saw his penalty kick brilliantly saved by Forest keeper Matz Sels.

And the match was effectively over early in the second half when the Chelsea left flank was exploited once again, with Morgan Gibbs-White crossing low for Awoniyi’s simple finish at the far post.

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The Nigerian played the full match for the first time in an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign. After producing an assist in a very brief cameo at Sunderland on April 24, Monday’s exploits boosted his season totals to 4 goals and 1 assist in 15 matches from all competitions.

Next up for Forest is the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semifinal at fellow Premier League club Aston Villa, who they defeated 1-0 in the first leg at home.

Awoniyi is not registered in the Europa League squad and will be available for next Sunday’s Premier League clash at home against Newcastle United, where a victory would likely secure top flight football next season. Forest are now six points clear of West Ham United, who occupy 18th place and the top of the relegation zone.