Penalty heartbreak for Saudi Arabia in U-20 Asian final

Penalty heartbreak for Saudi Arabia in U-20 Asian final
There was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia in the final of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup on Saturday as they lost a penalty shootout 5-4 to Australia. (X/@BNEFootball)
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Updated 01 March 2025
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Penalty heartbreak for Saudi Arabia in U-20 Asian final

Penalty heartbreak for Saudi Arabia in U-20 Asian final
  • Bassam Hazazi sees final penalty saved by Australian goalkeeper Steven Hall
  • Haji had almost put his team ahead inside the third minute

SHENCHEN, CHINA: There was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia in the final of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup on Saturday as they lost a penalty shootout 5-4 to Australia.

After extra time ended with the score at 1-1, Bassam Hazazi stepped up to take the last of Saudi Arabia’s five penalty kicks only to see it saved by Australian goalkeeper Steven Hall.

Louis Agosti put Australia ahead in the first half, but Talal Haji equalized for Saudi Arabia just before the break.

Haji had almost put his team ahead inside the third minute with a low shot from the right of the area that was well-saved by Hall. The striker had another chance soon after, but blasted over the bar.

Australia took the lead in the 24th minute. Saudi Arabia failed to deal with a free-kick on the left and the ball fell to Agosti just outside the area. He swung a foot and his low shot ended up in the bottom corner. Saudi keeper Hamed Al-Shanqiti got a hand to the ball and probably should have kept it out.

Just when it looked as if the Green Falcons were going to in at the break behind, they had the ball in the net — though only just. Nawaf Al-Ghulaimish crossed from the right and Haji headed into the arms of goalkeeper Hall, who was standing behind the goal line. After a lengthy VAR check to ascertain whether the whole of the ball had crossed the line, the goal was given.

The second half was open with both teams pushing for a win. After 56 minutes there was a major scramble in the Saudi Arabian area. Al-Shanqiti made a smart reaction save from a botched clearance by Awad Aman, then Daniel Bennie had two shots blocked before Alexander Badolato pulled his effort just wide. Not long after Saad Haqawi’s low shot from the left was saved.

There were more opportunities, but the stalemate remained and the final went into extra time. Those 30 minutes carried on in the same vein before the referee blew his whistle to end two hours of football and signal a penalty shootout, the second in a row for Saudi Arabia, who defeated South Korea on penalties in the semi-final.

As in that match, Saudi Arabia’s opponents took the first kick. Unlike South Korea, Australia converted, and went on to score each of their penalties. Thamer Al-Khaibri coolly leveled with Saudi Arabia’s first. Farhah Al-Shamrani scored to make it 2-2. Ali Al-Mahdawi slotted home the third. Saleh Barnawi made it 4-4. Then the pressure was on Hazazi to level again and take the shootout into sudden death. But his effort was saved and Australia took the title.

 


Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena
The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has been accredited as the world’s first hybrid showjumping arena
Updated 25 sec ago
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Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club accredited as world’s first hybrid show jumping arena
  • Designation allows club to organize and host both indoor and outdoor showjumping events

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, vice president of the UAE, deputy prime minister, minister of the presidential court, and chairman of the ADEC has been instrumental in the advancement of equestrian sport, the organization said in a statement recently. In addition, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has played a key role by organizing and promoting international championships. Ali Al-Shaiba, director-general of the ADEC, said: “This is a proud moment; this recognition marks a historic milestone for equestrian sport in the UAE. “It is a reflection of our leadership’s vision and a testament to the nation’s commitment to excellence across all disciplines. “The new hybrid arena at ADEC is not only the first of its kind globally — it also sets a new benchmark offering a unique venue designed to meet the needs of both riders and horses year-round. The arena is a modern equestrian facility inspired by the traditions of Arab architecture and debuted with a series of events during the 2024–25 season. This includes two major International Equestrian Federation-sanctioned tournaments held in partnership with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation: the Abu Dhabi International Show Jumping Event CSI4-W and the UAE President’s Cup Show Jumping CSI5 (2025 Edition). In addition, the ADEC hosted three international competitions in January 2025, all in the new hybrid arena: the 12th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup CSI2; Al-Shira’aa International Horse Show CSI3; and Al-Shira’aa International Horse Show CSI4-W.



 


With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today

With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today
Updated 23 min 39 sec ago
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With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today

With series on the line, Pakistan face Bangladesh in second T20I today
  • Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in first T20I between the two sides on Sunday
  • All three matches of the series will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face a confident Bangladesh side in the second T20I cricket contest between the two sides today, Tuesday, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. 

Pakistan will look to shrug off a disappointing seven-wicket defeat at the hands of the hosts on Sunday. The visitors struggled against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack to get dismissed for 110. Bangladesh managed to successfully chase the target with over 20 balls to spare. This was Bangladesh’s largest such victory over Pakistan and their fifth largest overall. 

“The second T20 International of three-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Dhaka today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.

Pakistan white-ball Head Coach Mike Hesson last week blamed the first T20I defeat on the Dhaka pitch, describing it as “unacceptable.” However, he also admitted the visitors made some poor choices while batting, which included three run-outs as well. 

“I think (the pitch) is not ideal for anybody,” Hesson said at the post-match conference on Sunday. “Teams are trying to prepare for the Asia Cup or the (T20) World Cup. It is not acceptable.”

If Pakistan win against Bangladesh today, it will level the three-match T20I series between the two nations 1-1 before the final is played in Dhaka on July 24. 

Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman is 107 runs away from becoming just the fifth Pakistani to score 2,000 T20I runs. 

Bangladesh (Probable XI): Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.


Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship

Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship
Updated 20 min 12 sec ago
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Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship

Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst strikes on first day of World Pool Championship
  • Tournament opens with colorful ceremony in Jeddah
  • 128 elite players from over 40 countries participating

JEDDAH: Defending titleholder Fedor Gorst won his first game on the opening day of the World Pool Championship here by defeating American Sam Henderson 9-3.

The championship opened with a vibrant and colorful ceremony on Monday night.

Nayef Aljawini, president of the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation, delivered a speech at the event. Deputy Minister of Sports Khalid Al-Muawad, and Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom, were also present.

In other matches, Jayson Shaw from Scotland barely broke a sweat against his Saudi Arabia opponent Khalid Al-Otaibi.

In a major shock, Vietnam’s Luong Duc Thien defeated one of the world’s best, America’s Shane van Boening, 9-8 after a long and thrilling match.

Meanwhile, two-time junior European Pool Championship winner Wojciech Szewczyk from Poland began his tournament with a 9-7 win over Taipei’s Fu Che Wei.

The competition has a double elimination format, where players must win two matches in race-to-nine racks to progress. From there, the final 64 enter a single elimination phase of race-to-11 racks, culminating in Saturday’s final, a race-to-15 showdown.

In addition, the Saudi Junior Championship begins on Tuesday with 16 players, including eight representing the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabia players are Abdulaziz Al-Aswad, Ibrahim Al-Aswad, Ibrahim Khazindar, Youssef Bukhari, Abdullah Al-Qabbani, Ziad Al-Qabbani, Hassan Al-Saleh, and Basil Hamida.

Running until July 26 at the Green Hall venue, the tournament features a record-breaking $1 million prize pool.

The contestants include 128 elite players from more than 40 countries, including powerhouses from the US, Taiwan, Germany, Philippines, UK, and host nation Saudi Arabia.


Pakistan appoint former Newcastle legend Nolberto Solano as football head coach

Pakistan appoint former Newcastle legend Nolberto Solano as football head coach
Updated 47 min 15 sec ago
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Pakistan appoint former Newcastle legend Nolberto Solano as football head coach

Pakistan appoint former Newcastle legend Nolberto Solano as football head coach
  • Solano has played 95 matches for Peru and has played for English football clubs Newcastle United, Aston Villa
  • Pakistan appoint Jorge Castañeira to serve as associate fitness coach for senior men’s national football team 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced this week it has appointed former Newcastle legend Nolberto Solano as the new head coach of the national men’s and under-23 team.

Solano, a former international footballer who has played 95 matches for Peru, was a prominent English Premier League footballer who also played for high-profile teams such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa during his football career. 

He will replace Stephen Constantine, a seasoned football coach, who was affiliated with Pakistan from September 2023 till October 31, 2024. Constantine had previously managed the national football teams of Nepal, India, Malawi, Sudan and Rwanda. 

“Nolberto Solano, legendary Peruvian international and former Premier League star, has officially been appointed as the Head Coach of Senior Men’s National and U23 Team,” the PFF said. 

The federation said it had also hired Jorge Castañeira, describing him as a “globally respected performance and fitness coach,” to serve as associate fitness coach for the senior men’s national team.

“With over 30 years of elite-level experience, Jorge has worked across continents with top national teams and clubs,” the PFF said. 

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said both new hirings would help Pakistan build a “strong and professional future” for football in the country. 

“With Solano and Castañeira joining us, we will give our players better facilities,” Gilani added.


Childhood fan Mbeumo joins Man Utd re-build

Childhood fan Mbeumo joins Man Utd re-build
Updated 22 July 2025
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Childhood fan Mbeumo joins Man Utd re-build

Childhood fan Mbeumo joins Man Utd re-build

LONDON: Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo said he “grew up wearing” the Manchester United shirt on Monday after joining the club from Brentford on a deal until 2030, with an option for a further year.

Mbeumo, 25, will reportedly cost the 20-time Premier League champions an initial £65 million  having scored 20 goals in 38 league games last season for the Bees.

Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, were also chasing the France-born attacker before United’s improved offer sealed the move.

United’s third bid, worth an initial £65m with £6m in add-ons, was accepted last week.

“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams,” Mbeumo said in a United statement.

“The team whose shirt I wore growing up.

“This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies,” he added.

United coach Ruben Amorim has signed two other players during this summer in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season’s catastrophic display.

They lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final and a 15th-place finish in the top flight was their lowest since 1973-74.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon have also moved to Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled as Amorim’s main strikers last term.

“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday,” Mbeumo said.

“I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.

Mbeumo blossomed in six years at Brentford, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists in 242 appearances in all competitions following his move from French club Troyes in 2019.

“There is always a right time for a player to move on and, for Bryan, that time is now,” Brentford director of football Phil Giles said.

“He has the opportunity to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we are very happy for him,” he added.

Mbeumo helped the Bees win promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and was instrumental in their impressive 10th-place finish in 2024-25.

“We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour,” the Red Devils’ director of football Jason Wilcox said.

“The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead,” he added.

In terms of United outgoings, Marcus Rashford is set to leave his boyhood club for Barcelona and an announcement could come on Tuesday.

Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia continue looking for new clubs and are not expected to fly to the US as part of the tour squad.

United start their pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday by facing West Ham before their opening game of the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.