Category Sporsts & Entertainments

Riccardo Calafiori scores winner as Gunners get better from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial pink card

Riccardo Calafiori’s second-half winner made certain Arsenal saved tempo with Liverpool within the title race, because the Gunners recovered from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial pink card to beat Wolves 1-0 at Molineux.

The Italian defender tucked house from contained in the field with simply over quarter-hour to go in a lift for the Gunners – after Lewis-Skelly’s contentious sending off threatened to break their title problem even additional.

With Wolves on the break after defending an Arsenal nook, Lewis-Skelly felled Matt Doherty and referee Michael Oliver felt he had caught the Wolves defender excessive on his leg in critical foul play.

“From the bench, it was clearly not a red card,” mentioned matchwinner Calafiori to Sky Sports. “I noticed him at half-time he was so upset for the group. But on the finish, we received. So nothing occurred.

“He was upset, but now he’s happy because we won for sure. He’s a good footballer, a good guy, so we help him a lot.”

“I cannot believe Michael Oliver has sent Lewis-Skelly off there,” mentioned Soccer Saturday’s Tim Sherwood, as VAR agreed with the decision. “You can see why he’s been sent off,” added Mike Dean on Sky Sports.

The second half threatened to show Arsenal’s massive issues this season – firepower and ill-discipline. Kai Havertz missed three massive probabilities within the penalty field – two earlier than Lewis-Skelly’s pink card and one when it was 10 vs 11.

At the opposite finish, Arsenal-linked ahead Matheus Cunha’s deflected strike was well-saved by David Raya, with the identical Wolves striker miskicking an effort large from the ensuing nook.

But the sport had one other twist as Joao Gomes earned himself a second yellow card for a excessive problem on Jurrien Timber on the fringe of the Arsenal field. Wolves boss Vitor Pereira was furious on the touchline along with his midfielder and he knew why – 4 minutes later, Arsenal received their winner.

Wolves tried to get again into the sport with 10 vs 10 as Raya Ait-Nouri ran clear however Raya held his effort, whereas Cunha examined the Arsenal goalkeeper from distance. But Arsenal held on to remain six factors behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who beat Ipswich 4-0.

‘We have what it takes’ – Olunga assured Harambee Stars can compete in AFCON and World Cup

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is assured that the nationwide group has sufficient expertise to assist compete on larger phases.

Kenya missed a possibility to function within the subsequent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco in 2025. Harambee Stars even have a slim likelihood of constructing it to the 2026 World Cup, however wanting into the group, the Al Duhail SC striker has confidence of their potential.

“We have what it takes. We have a very good squad coming up, but a lot of preparation is needed. The success we achieve is a result of work done behind the scenes. I believe we have the talent, potential, and capability to make these bigger stages,” Olunga mentioned throughout an interview with an area TV station.

Talent growth

The former Gor Mahia striker additionally commented on the Talanta Sports City, a brand new stadium that’s underneath building in Nairobi. However, he says that though these infrastructures are good, Kenya wants a correct manner of figuring out and nurturing expertise.

“It will serve the aim of internet hosting the 2027 AFCON alongside Kasarani, but it surely received’t relieve the general burden.

“We have a lot of talent in Kenya that needs proper infrastructure. The most important thing is to start from the grassroots level – school games, proper coaching, and pathways from junior teams to senior teams to help players gain international exposure,” he mentioned.

With Kenya trying to co-host each the delayed 2024 CHAN and AFCON finals in 2027, Olunga has pressured the significance of followers throughout house video games.

“It makes a distinction. The Swahili say Mcheza Kwao Hutuzwa. We actually need the twelfth man.

“When the stadium is full, it fills you with loads of energy to play. Even in situations where you’d normally avoid sprinting, you’d find yourself doing it. The fans bring that extra motivation,” he mentioned.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 25 – On the identical day that India will have a good time 75 years of Independence and that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera opened in New York (1988), the theatre of The Sport of Kings returns to the plush inexperienced and hallowed turf of Ngong Racecourse with its acquainted and trendy fashion and panache, for the primary of the massive classics, The Kenya Guineas, on Sunday 26 January 2025.

The “classics”, are time-honoured battles which have traditionally pitted the perfect horses in Kenya towards one another, and the Kenya Guineas is the primary in a sequence of those characteristic spectacles.

The fervour for the game has grown week-on-week over the previous two seasons, coercing a seemingly unstoppable amplification that has levelled the enjoying fields throughout all quarters and spared no favourites, lending crowds to among the most fascinating and aggressive racing seen in years.

The packed fields for this prestigious day of racing is a testomony to the wholesome state of racing in Kenya, with any variety of nags having a decent probability of incomes honours.

The entries for The Kenya Guineas are amongst the most important in latest occasions, promising electrifying rivalries to match the pageant round racing in an occasion that’s now the second largest in Africa behind South Africa.

Such is the newfound blooming stature of racing in Kenya that it has attracted a supremely proficient and embellished worldwide jockeys from South Africa in the way in which of the Rachel Venniker, and the very achieved and a number of basic winner Salman Khan from India, who can be driving on his nation’s Independence Day.

Both jockeys have gained important races of their house nations and can discover themselves examined within the thick of the fray of a brand new crop of proficient and pertinacious native jockeys.

The elegant climate that has ensconced the City within the Sun over the previous few months signifies that monitor situations are more likely to be good to agency, which, mixed with the worldwide competitors, interprets to the massive race of the day, The Kenya Guineas, more likely to run at an exhilarating tempo.

Those conversant in the intricacies and rituals of racing take into account this middle-distance dash because the theatric audition for the exalted Kenya Derby, the most important race within the calendar, so there’s a nice deal at stake to know the place horses are the place they should be.

It’s virtually unattainable to select a favorite for the 1600m Kenya Guineas, provided that the runners are largely recent and inexperienced with not more than a handful of begins, however Treasure Cove, ridden by the considered a number of Champion Jockey, James Muhindi, has the numbers and kind with 5 wins from 5 begins.

Sheriff John Stone and Act of Genius have the 2 worldwide jockeys at their helm, beneath the steerage of J Karari, and can each be contenders.

For those that consider that good issues should ultimately come good, Hindi Queen ridden by H Muya and Trumpet name ridden by L Sercombe are the fairytale tales ready for his or her second.

The action-packed six card assembly is totally made up of middle-distance operating and sprints, none with any irrefutable favourites, which can make for compelling viewing and betting for patrons and punters alike.

The race day will get underway at 1:35PM with the 1400m Risky Business Handicap, a race populated with three-year olds who haven’t fairly discovered profitable methods, making for attention-grabbing betting.

The 1800m Turn of Speed Maiden at 2:10PM is equally arrange, with no runners having registered a win, so it’s laborious to select from the pack.

The Limuru Gymkhana Cup at 2:45PM is a middle-distance examination for a extra skilled discipline with Carlisle, Darling Me, Camberley, and Chipping virtually all assured to position, so somebody should discover a solution to win.

The 1200m Chilli Cup is nearly the other of most different races and is stacked with winners, so laborious to select and can come right down to the technique and jockeys braveness beneath strain.

The 4:30PM Duke of Manchester is once more stacked with winners, and never simple to select, however will make for a end line exhibition.

The finish of the racing is the start of the sundowners and afterparty with music from Nairobi’s best DJ’s enjoying mellifluous tunes lengthy into the night.

There’s additionally a star gazing extravaganza with The Travelling Telescope to see 6 planets aligned throughout the Milky Way, in a to not be missed spectacle.

–By Kabir Dhanji-

Perth 7s: Shujaa see off US to e book ninth-place last spot

Kenya managed a 26-21 win over the United States to e book the ninth-place last spot in a match that was staged on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at HBF Park in Australia.

The Americans had been the primary to attain when Adam Channel made his well past the Kenyan protection line, and his first try to a conversion gave them a 7-0 lead.

Parity restored

Shujaa‘s famous person Patrick Odongo scored the primary strive for the East Africans, and a conversion that adopted introduced the sport to par with a 7-7 scoreline.

Kenya scored their second strive by way of George Ooro, however a missed conversion meant that the lead was not stretched far with Shujaa having fun with a 12-7 lead simply earlier than the second half break.

Ooro earned his brace when he was arrange by Dennis Abukuse, and with a profitable conversion, Kenya stretched its result in 19-7.

US’s famous person Channel earned his brace simply after Ooro’s, and a profitable conversion meant the Americans decreased the hole on the scoreline to 19-14.

Abukuse’s effort made positive that the US didn’t equalise as his motion pressured a lineout that shifted the momentum in favour of Kenya.

Floyd Wabwire’s effort sealed the US’ destiny because the Kenyan launched a kick-and-chase transfer that gave his group a strive, and a conversion gave them a 26-14 lead towards the American rivals.

However, US stored preventing, and Tala Talapusi gave them a strive, and accompanied with a profitable conversion, the hole once more was decreased with the scoreline studying 26-21.

Despite heightened strain from the US, Kenya held tight to their result in dispatch the rivals and e book the ninth-place last spot.

Shujaa will subsequent face New Zealand.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 25, 2025 – The second version of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series will kick off on February 1 in Tatu City in what guarantees to be an thrilling yr for Kenya’s biking fanatics.

The different legs of the sequence — organised by the Amani Project in partnership with LOOP Digital Financial Services (LOOP DFS) — embrace Machakos (March 8), Naivasha (June 15) and Vipingo (August 23).

The sequence goals to nurture biking expertise and elevate Kenya’s place as a high international biking vacation spot.

Speaking in the course of the official launch on Saturday morning at Karura Forest, Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP DFS, emphasised their dedication to rising the requirements of biking within the nation as a part of the corporate’s broader imaginative and prescient to reinforce existence.

“As LOOP, we are proud to continue our partnership with the Amani Project as title sponsors of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series, providing a platform that not only nurtures cycling talent but also positions Kenya as a world-class cycling destination,” Muriuki mentioned.

He added: “Besides being a sport, cycling is a lifestyle and more-so, a story of resilience, determination, that promotes community values that resonate deeply with us at LOOP.”

Additionally, every leg of the sequence will characteristic an attractive LOOP village providing reside music, video games, and interactive actions for attendees of all ages.

As a part of LOOP’s sustainability agenda, the sequence can even contain tree planting actions at every venue, contributing to the safety of Kenya’s pure ecosystems.

“We are committed to leaving a positive impact at every location we visit. We will therefore continue with our sustainability initiatives, such as tree planting, which align with our mission to create a better, greener future for generations to come,” Muriuki mentioned.

Amani Project’s Joy Mungai expressed gratitude to LOOP for the strategic partnership, noting it is going to go a great distance in selling the event of the game within the area.

“The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is therefore, a big boost to nurturing and creating opportunities for Kenyan cyclists to compete globally while also bringing people together to celebrate the beauty of our country. We encourage both cycling enthusiasts and families to join us in this adventure,” Mungai mentioned.

She famous that biking is just not solely a sport however a life changer for individuals who have interaction in it.

“We are immensely grateful to LOOP for their continued support and investment in this series. Over the years, we have seen the impact of Cycling in transforming communities and inspiring young athletes,” she mentioned.

Also current on the launch was Kenya Cycling Federation Secretary General, Kelvin Mwangi, who expressed optimism that the initiative will encourage many extra to embrace biking.

“This series is a significant boost to Kenyan cycling. It not only gives professional cyclists a chance to showcase their skills but also inspires recreational riders and fans to engage in the sport,” Mwangi mentioned.

He added: “We commend LOOP and the Amani Project for their dedication to growing cycling in Kenya and look forward to seeing more Kenyans embrace this sport.”

The Naivasha occasion will as soon as once more be a qualifier for the distinguished International Cycling Union (UCI) Gravel World Series, solidifying Kenya’s place as a premier international biking vacation spot.

Participants will compete in three race classes together with 120 Km LOOP, 60 Km LOOP and 20 Km LOOP designed to cater to the skilled, leisure and novice cyclists.

KFS holds first-ever athletics trials at Karura Forest

The Kenya Forests Service (KFS) cross-country athletics workforce held its first-ever trials for the upcoming championships on February 8, 2025.

The vent featured 150 Kenya Forest officers who battled it out for the highest runners’ place for the cross-country championships in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

Launching the occasion on the Karura Forest Sports Ground in Nairobi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko took word of the officers who had been coaching alongside dealing with their service duties.

“CCF lauded the athletes who he noted have been training while doing their normal duties of protecting & managing forests. He assured them of his support to ensure they exploit their talents to the highest level while flying the KFS flag,” a statement from KFS read in part.

“The trials which are part of Athletic Kenya’s (AK) cross championships will select the best athletes in 10km and 2km men and women from among over 150 runners from across the country who will proceed to the national championships to be held in Eldoret on 8th February.”

Best coaching floor

Lemarkoko mentioned that forests present the very best coaching grounds for athletes and subsequently KFS athletes had the very best alternative of excelling within the sport.

Equally, the forest boss promised to facilitate the formation of an athletics workforce from amongst gifted employees who will dedicate most of their time to coaching and representing the Service and the nation in native and worldwide competitions.

Present in the course of the occasion was the consultant of the Athletic Kenya President Laurence Mburu and different officers. Also current had been the Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Charity Munyasia, the Deputy Commandant Wilson Leboo and the Team Manager Chief Inspector Mathew Chirchir amongst different KFS officers.

Regional cross-country championships

The regional cross-country championships are ongoing with a number of areas on the brink of entrance their prime runners to contest within the National Cross-Country championship in Ruiru.

On Friday, January 24, 2025, on the Nairobi West Prison Grounds, Silas Senchura emerged prime after clocking 24:27:8 within the males’s 8-kilometre cross-country race.

He was adopted by John Mapei at 25:36:2, whereas Charles Mbugua emerged third after recording a time of 25:39:6 within the Nairobi area cross-country championships.

“My cross-country season has been good. I feel my body is responding well. My endurance is strong, but I need to improve my speed, especially my final kick,” Senchura mentioned after the race.

Who will rule Kenya’s basketball kingdom?

Kenya’s basketball scene is ready for one more electrifying season as Thunder, the defending champions of the Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL), proceed to dominate the 2024-2025 Premier League with unmatched prowess.

As rivals KPA, Umoja, Ulinzi Warriors, Strathmore Blades and USIU Tigers scramble for second place, veteran tactician Emmanuel Ochieng’ fondly identified inside the nation’s basketball circles as ‘Ajush’, in an unique interview with Wikendi Sport, boldly declared Thunder because the unstoppable power poised to retain their title.

But with fierce competitors brewing, will the defending champs maintain on to their crown, or will a brand new challenger rise to the event?

“Sincerely, I don’t see any Premier League team that will topple Thunder,” Ochieng’ remarked.

“The team is well-prepared and structured. Thunder is equal to the task of retaining the KNBL Premier League title as defending champions, having dramatically won the league and playoffs against former kings KPA last season (2023-2024). On a scale of 1 to 10, Thunder is rated 9. Umoja, KPA and Ulinzi Warriors are rated 5 and below.”

Ochieng’ defined that his projection about NCT retaining the league is basically hinged on the undisputed undeniable fact that Thunder is the one top-tier group in Kenya well-prepared and structured to proceed dominating the KNBL scene.

They are wowing and entertaining their legion of ardent basketball followers, whereas KPA basketball coach Cliff Owuor has engaged in a confrontation with Ochieng’, vowing that the dockers, presently with a roster of youthful gamers, are capable of reclaim the title.

“Thunder is arguably the only professional basketball team in the country, managed by team sponsor Twende Sports, which also pays the players’ salaries exclusively for playing basketball. The sponsor’s team management structure is also top-notch,” Ochieng’ mentioned.

However, KPA coach Owuor, whereas admitting Thunder’s present kind and efficiency, retorted, “KPA can put up a good fight against Thunder. Considering we have youthful players after revamping the team, capable of competing at high levels. We will also sign two more players, a point guard and a shooting guard. Once our key injured players recover, this season looks promising.”

Equity Dumas coach Zadock Adika and Eldonet Platinum participant Meshack Oloo, whereas conceding Thunder is a group to look at and reckon with this season, contend that Eldonet, Equity, Ulinzi Warriors, Umoja (who Oloo indicated are buoyed by a brand new sponsor, Phenons), Strathmore Blades, USIU Tigers, NBK and Stanbic are Premier League groups to look at, albeit they may largely vie for positions 2, 3 and 4, that are open to all sides.

Umoja coach Abel Nson, on his facet, averred, “We respect the teams ahead of us, like Thunder, KPA and Ulinzi Warriors. However, the team management has now invested in the outfit, which has revamped its player roster after facing near relegation last season. Our ultimate long-term goal is to dislodge Thunder from the Premier League pole position.”

Tokyo Marathon: Defending champion Kipruto set to face top-level rivals in 2025 contest

Benson Kipruto is ready to face robust opposition when he strains as much as defend his 2024 Tokyo Marathon title on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The Kenyan, who additionally set a Japanese all-comers’ file when successful in Tokyo final 12 months in 2:02:16, will face Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, the world 5000m and 10,000m record-holder, who returns to the roads to contest his second marathon after his 2:08:59 debut in Valencia in 2023.

Kipruto’s opposition isn’t solely posed by the Ugandan star, however six of the boys he’ll face are sub-2:04 athletes. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, the Olympic fifth-place finisher and Valencia Marathon runner-up, who has a greatest of two:02:38, plus two-time Tokyo Marathon winner Birhanu Legese, Tadese Takele, and Dawit Wolde, in addition to Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, who was third final 12 months, are the opposite contestants.

Ethiopia’s world bronze medallist Leul Gebresilase, Uganda’s Stephen Kissa, Japan’s Yohei Ikeda and Akira Akasaki, and Kenya’s Benard Koech, who makes his marathon debut, are the others who will line as much as problem Kipruto.

In the ladies’s race, Sutume Kebede, who’s the defending champion, will face 5 different ladies who’ve dipped underneath 2:18 in a discipline that incorporates a whole of 11 sub-2:20 runners.

Brigid Kosgei and Rosemary Wanjiru are returning after their respective victories in 2022 and 2023.

Kenya’s former world record-holder, Kosgei, is the quickest within the discipline together with her private greatest of two:14:04 set in Chicago in 2019, whereas her compatriot Wanjiru ran 2:16:14 when ending runner-up to Kebede in Tokyo final 12 months, as per World Athletics stats.

Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema, who ran 2:16:07 on her debut in Dubai simply over a 12 months in the past, and a number of international gold medallist Tirunesh Dibaba, are the opposite contestants.

Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, who gained in Frankfurt in October in 2:17:25, 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase, and 2021 London Marathon runner-up Degitu Azimeraw have additionally been confirmed.

Elite males’s discipline

Benson Kipruto (KEN) 2:02:16

Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:02:38

Birhanu Legese (ETH) 2:02:48

Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (KEN) 2:03:13

Tadese Takele (ETH) 2:03:24

Dawit Wolde (ETH) 2:03:48

Leul Gebresilase (ETH) 2:04:02

Stephen Kissa (UGA) 2:04:48

Tsegaye Getachew (ETH) 2:04:49

Amedework Walelegn (ETH) 2:04:50

Titus Kipruto (KEN) 2:04:54

Yohei Ikeda (JPN) 2:05:12

Suguru Osako (JPN) 2:05:29

Mulugeta Asefa Uma (ETH) 2:05:33

Ichitaka Yamashita (JPN) 2:05:51

Kenya Sonota (JPN) 2:05:59

Hiroto Inoue (JPN) 2:06:47

He Jie (CHN) 2:06:57

Vincent Raimoi (KEN) 2:07:01

Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) 2:07:14

Akira Akasaki (JPN) 2:07:32

Suldan Hassan (SWE) 2:07:36

Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) 2:08:59

Benard Koech (KEN) debut

Geoffrey Toroitich (KEN) debut

Women

Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 2:14:04

Sutume Kebede (ETH) 2:15:55

Tigist Ketema (ETH) 2:16:07

Rosemary Wanjiru (KEN) 2:16:14

Hawi Feysa (ETH) 2:17:25

Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH) 2:17:56

Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) 2:17:58

Gotytom Gebreslase (ETH) 2:18:11

Winfridah Moraa Moseti (KEN) 2:18:25

Mestawut Fikir (ETH) 2:18:48

Magdalyne Masai (KEN) 2:18:58

Ai Hosoda (JPN) 2:20:31

Desi Jisa Mokonin (BRN) 2:20:47

Yuka Ando (JPN) 2:21:18

Jessica Stenson (AUS) 2:24:01

Zhang Deshun (CHN) 2:24:05

Rie Kawauchi (JPN) 2:25:35

Kaori Morita (JPN) 2:26:31

Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh (MGL) 2:26:32

Shiho Kaneshige (JPN) 2:28:51