Bayer Leverkusen defeats RB Leipzig to continue unbeaten run.
Xabi Alonso-led Bayer Leverkusen has been on great form this season, leading the Bundesliga table and their UEFA Europa league group without any defeat all season long. In a heavy clash against RB Leipzig, Leverkusen trailed two times after goals from Xavi Simons in the 7th minute and Openda in the 56th minute. After the double equalization from Tella and Tah in the 47th and 63rd minute respectively, Hincapiè handed the Xabi Alonso side a crucial win in the 91st minute to remain top of the table. They remain the only unbeaten side in Europe’s top five leagues with 24 wins and 3 draws in 27 games this season.
🔴⚫️ Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are still the only unbeaten team in top 5 leagues.
🇩🇪 15 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats in Bundesliga.
🇪🇺 24 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats in all competitions.
⚽️ 85 total goals scored.
⛔️ 20 total goals conceded. pic.twitter.com/kcYQtFlnY2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2024
Karim Benzema set to make big return to French side, Olympique Lyon.
Ligue 1 side, Olympique Lyon is having one of its worst seasons in recent times, with the club presently 16th on the table and fighting in the relegation zone. However, new reports have indicated that 2022 Ballon d’or winner, Karim Benzema is set to return to Lyon, 15 years after leaving the club for Real Madrid. He played 148 games for the team, scoring 66 goals, helping the team win four consecutive league titles and also winning the Ligue 1 player of the year in 2008.
🇫🇷 More on Benzema.
🔴🔵 OL owner Textor trying to find a way since December as revealed yesterday — but package still too expensive.
🇪🇺 Only way for return to Europe is huge salary cut.
🇸🇦 SPL insist to keep Karim in Saudi.
More from yesterday 🎥 https://t.co/JRghl3m7CZ pic.twitter.com/XhgfwING8q
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2024
Watford ready to sign Emmanuel Dennis on loan from Istanbul Basaksehir.
Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Dennis completed a £20 million transfer to newly promoted Premier Leagues side, Nottingham Forest from Watford. Despite the huge expectations coming off an incredible season with Watford, he failed to replicate this form for Nottingham Forest, causing him to go on loan to Turkey side, Istanbul Basaksehir. However, Watford are in talks to re-sign the striker on a half season loan till June, with Emmanuel Dennis ready to take a 70 percent pay cut to join the English team.
🟡⚫️ Understand Watford have agreed on deal to sign Emmanuel Dennis from Istanbul Basaksehir!
Surprise return agreed on loan until June as he accepted to take 70% pay cut to return and help Watford.
Medical booked on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/Nsb1b1dybj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2024
Zambia and Tanzania maintain Group F position with 1-1 draw.
In crucial Group F game, Tanzania took the lead early through Simon Msuva’s 11th minute effort. Holding on through and thought they had won the game until Peterson Daka slotted the ball past Manula late in the 88th minute for Zambia’s equalizer. This is Zambia’s second point in the competition and Tanzania a’s first. They maintain their positions as third and fourth on the Group F standing.
South Africa dismantles Namibia in highest scoring game of 2023 AFCON.
After the 2-0 shocking loss to Mali, South Africa came out blazing against Namibia to secure their first three points of the 2023 AFCON tournament. Percy Tau made no mistake this time, converting a 14th minute penalty to give South Africa an early lead. Forward, Themba Zwane added a first half brace in the 25th and 40th minutes respectively to give South Africa a comfortable first half lead. Substitute, Maseko added to Namibia’s misery, slotting home another goal in the 75th minute to secure three points for South Africa. With this 4-0 win, they now have the biggest win yet in the 2023 AFCON tournament.
