Manchester City boosted their Premier League title hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

City took an early lead through Rayan Cherki in the 16th minute, but Arsenal responded quickly as Kai Havertz equalised just two minutes later.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Erling Haaland struck in the 65th minute to seal all three points for the hosts.

Fast Start, Quick Response

The match burst into life early, with Cherki finishing confidently to give City the advantage. However, Arsenal wasted no time in replying, as Havertz capitalised on an opportunity to restore parity in the 18th minute.

Both sides created chances in an open first half but went into the break level.

Haaland Delivers Again

In a tense second half, City’s persistence paid off when Haaland found the net with a clinical finish midway through the half. The goal proved decisive as Pep Guardiola’s side managed the game effectively to hold off Arsenal’s late pressure.

Title Race Intensifies

The victory sees City, managed by Pep Guardiola, cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to three points, with a game in hand.

For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, the defeat adds pressure heading into the final stretch of the season, with the title race now finely balanced.

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FAR Rabat secured a historic place in the CAF Champions League final for the first time in their history, advancing 2-1 on aggregate despite a 1-0 second-leg defeat to RS Berkane on Saturday.

The Rabat-based side’s commanding first-leg advantage proved decisive, as Berkane’s narrow win on the night was not enough to overturn the deficit.

Berkane strike but fall short

Backed by a passionate home crowd, RS Berkane started with urgency after their 2-0 loss in the first leg, pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough. However, FAR Rabat remained compact and disciplined defensively.

The visitors nearly put the tie beyond reach in the 21st minute when Nolan Mbemba found himself through on goal, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Berkane’s persistence paid off early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Paul Valère Bassène. After a VAR review confirmed the decision, Yassine Lebhiri stepped up to convert confidently in the 57th minute his first goal in the competition giving the hosts renewed hope.

FAR Rabat hold firm under pressure

Despite conceding, FAR Rabat showed resilience under sustained pressure. Goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti delivered another standout performance, making crucial saves to preserve his side’s aggregate lead.

Berkane dominated possession and created several openings, with Lebhiri at the heart of their attacking efforts. However, FAR Rabat’s defensive organisation and composure ensured they held on, even as the hosts maintained their impressive unbeaten home run in the tournament.

Historic milestone for FAR Rabat

Although they lost on the night, FAR Rabat achieved a landmark moment by reaching their first-ever CAF Champions League final. The club, which last lifted continental silverware in the 1984/85 African Champions Cup, now has a chance to end a decades-long wait for another major title.

They become the third Moroccan side to reach the final, joining Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca, further highlighting Morocco’s growing dominance in African club football.

Final showdown awaits

FAR Rabat will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, after the South African side eliminated Espérance Sportive de Tunis with a 2-0 aggregate victory.

For FAR Rabat, the challenge will be to maintain their defensive solidity while improving their attacking output away from home.

Meanwhile, Berkane bow out at the semi-final stage but can take pride in their strong home performances and attacking displays throughout the campaign.

As FAR Rabat prepare for their maiden CAF Champions League final, they carry momentum, belief, and a golden opportunity to make history on Africa’s biggest club football stage.

Real Sociedad edged out Atletico Madrid on penalties to win the Copa del Rey, securing their third title in dramatic fashion after a pulsating 2-2 draw.

The final, played on April 19, 2026, delivered instant excitement as Sociedad struck just 14 seconds into the game. Ander Barrenetxea opened the scoring, finishing off an early move initiated by Gonçalo Guedes.

Atletico responded strongly, with Ademola Lookman leveling the score thanks to an assist from Antoine Griezmann. However, Sociedad regained the lead before halftime when captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty after a foul involving Juan Musso.

The second half saw Atletico push for an equalizer, which eventually came through Julián Álvarez. The forward unleashed a stunning strike from 18 yards into the top corner, making it 2-2 and sending the contest into extra time.

Despite both sides creating chances, the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.

Atletico’s hopes quickly faded as Alexander Sørloth and Álvarez both missed their opening kicks, denied by Sociedad goalkeeper Unai Marrero, who delivered two crucial saves.

Real Sociedad held their nerve from the spot to seal victory, ending a six-year wait for silverware. The triumph also marks a historic milestone for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who becomes the first U.S.-born manager to win a major trophy in Europe’s top five leagues.

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South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns have booked their place in the final of the CAF Champions League after a composed 1-0 victory over Espérance de Tunis in Pretoria, sealing a 2-0 aggregate triumph.

Heading into the decisive semi-final second leg, Sundowns held a narrow advantage following their 1-0 first-leg win in Rades. Backed by a formidable home record, the Brazilians delivered a disciplined performance at Loftus Versfeld to ensure progression and keep their continental dream alive.

Leon Delivers in Key Moment

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute through Colombian striker Brayan León. After being brought down inside the box by Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said, León stepped up to take the penalty.

Although his initial effort was saved, León reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting home the decisive goal that effectively ended Esperance’s hopes and extended Sundowns’ aggregate lead.

Tactical Control and Defensive Solidity

Coach Miguel Cardoso, facing his former club, showcased tactical discipline as Sundowns controlled proceedings. With Esperance pushing for a comeback in the second half, Cardoso reinforced midfield stability, introducing Marcelo Allende to manage the tempo and protect the lead.

Despite their advantage, Sundowns continued to threaten, with Khuliso Mudau and Jayden Adams combining in attacking phases, while the defense remained resolute.

Esperance’s best chance came when Yan Sasse delivered a dangerous cross that deflected onto the crossbar, sparing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

History Rewritten in Pretoria

Coming into the clash, Sundowns’ home record in African knockout ties was already imposing 27 wins and 10 draws in 38 matches, with their only defeat having come against Esperance in 2024.

This time, however, the South African champions ensured history favored them. Across those fixtures, Sundowns have now scored nearly a century of goals while conceding fewer than 20, underlining their dominance at home.

Eyes on Continental Glory

Sundowns now advance to the final, where they will face the winner of the Moroccan semi-final between AS FAR Rabat and RS Berkane.

With momentum, defensive discipline, and attacking efficiency, the Pretoria-based side are firmly positioned to challenge for continental glory once again.

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ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have announced a 21-player roster for their upcoming training camp and WNBA tour in the United States as preparations intensify for a packed international schedule.

The team will open its training camp on April 18 in Los Angeles, where players are expected to fine-tune strategies ahead of high-profile exhibition games against top WNBA sides.

Blend of Experience and Youth

The roster features a strong mix of seasoned internationals and emerging prospects, with key players such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay leading the squad.

Other players named include Shay Ijiwoye, Donanu Regina, Jerni Kiaku, Oluchi Okananwa, Gabby White, Nora Ezike, Vivian Iwuchukwu, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Suzie Rafiu, Danielle Osho, Nicole Enabosi, Maryam Dauda, Rita Igbokwe, Stephanie Okechukwu, Uche Izoje, Vera Ojenuwa, Favour Nwaedoziri and Blessing Ejiofor.

Key Absences

The team will be without captain Amy Okonkwo, who is unavailable after securing a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings. Elizabeth Balogun and Murjanatu Musa also miss out due to club commitments.

Fresh Faces to Watch

Among the standout inclusions is Okananwa, who recently confirmed her international allegiance to Nigeria and is set for her senior debut.

Eighteen-year-old Danielle Osho also earns a call-up as she continues her development in collegiate basketball, while Stephanie Okechukwu—recognized as the tallest player in NCAA women’s basketball history—adds a unique dimension to the squad.

Uche Izoje is another player drawing attention after an impressive debut season marked by strong performances in scoring, rebounding, and defense.

WNBA Tour Schedule

D’Tigress will face three WNBA teams during the tour, starting with the Los Angeles Sparks on April 25. They will then take on the Minnesota Lynx on April 27, before rounding off the tour against the Indiana Fever on May 2.

The clash against the Lynx is particularly notable, marking only the fourth time a WNBA franchise has faced an international team.

Road to the World Cup

The U.S. tour forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4 to 13. The official draw will be held on April 21 at Kraftwerk Berlin.

D’Tigress head into the competition after a mixed run in the March qualifiers, securing wins over Colombia and the Philippines but suffering defeats to South Korea, France and Germany.

Despite the mixed results, Nigeria had already sealed qualification for the tournament following their triumph at the Women’s AfroBasket, with recent fixtures serving as part of their broader build-up.