In a thrilling Champions League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Napoli, thanks to Erling Haaland’s record-breaking performance and a tactical masterclass from Pep Guardiola. Haaland etched his name in the history books by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the Champions League, achieving the milestone in just 49 appearances. His clinical header in the second half, combined with Jeremy Doku’s dazzling solo effort, sealed the win for City. The match took a decisive turn early on when Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off for a reckless challenge on Haaland, leaving the Italian side with 10 men for the majority of the game. Despite Napoli’s resilience, particularly through goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s heroics, City’s dominance was evident. Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional return to the Etihad was cut short due to Di Lorenzo’s dismissal, but the Belgian midfielder received a heartfelt tribute from the home fans. Guardiola’s decision to rest key players like Haaland and Rodri in the closing stages highlighted City’s control over the game. This victory marks a strong start to City’s Champions League campaign, following a shaky beginning to their Premier League season. With a crucial clash against Arsenal looming, City’s confidence is on the rise as they aim to reclaim their domestic and European supremacy.
分类： sports
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Rashford bags first Barca goals to seal win at Newcastle
In a thrilling Champions League encounter on Thursday, Marcus Rashford marked his return to English soil with a stellar performance, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Newcastle at St James’ Park. The England forward, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in July, netted both goals within a nine-minute span in the second half, showcasing his prowess on the European stage. This marked Rashford’s first Champions League goals since 2021, a bittersweet moment for Manchester United fans, whose team is absent from European competitions this season and struggling in the Premier League. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon managed to pull one back late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point. Rashford, once hailed as the future of English football, has faced criticism in recent years for his perceived lack of focus. However, his dynamic display against Newcastle hints at a potential resurgence in his career. Barcelona, off to a strong start in La Liga, were without the injured Lamine Yamal, but Rashford’s heroics ensured his absence wasn’t felt. The five-time European champions, aiming to reclaim their former glory, began their Champions League campaign on a high note, while Newcastle’s hopes of a strong return to the competition were dashed.
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Two games involving teams with perfect records to highlight D’Cup matches
The ISSA daCosta Cup football competition continues this Friday with 30 thrilling matches, including high-stakes encounters between teams boasting perfect win records. In Zone C, Manning’s School, led by new coach Michael Graham, will face Petersfield High. Manning’s School has been in formidable form, scoring 22 goals in three games without conceding any, while Petersfield High, returning after missing last season, has managed five goals and one concession. Meanwhile, William Knibb Memorial will host Cedric Titus in Zone D, with both teams aiming to extend their winning streaks. Cedric Titus has been particularly impressive, scoring 12 goals in three games, double that of William Knibb Memorial. Elsewhere, Manchester High, with 25 goals in four games, will face Mt St Joseph Catholic High, who are yet to secure a win. Christiana High, on the verge of taking sole leadership in Zone G, will play Mile Gully High, while defending champions Garvey Maceo, Glenmuir High, and McGrath High will also seek to maintain their perfect records. Other notable matches include Munro College vs. St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) and Cornwall College vs. Herbert Morrison Technical. With intense rivalries and high-scoring teams, Friday’s games promise to deliver excitement and drama.
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Kings beaten in Kréyol Basketball
The Soufrière Kings, two-time champions of the KFC National Basketball League, are returning home this week following their participation in the Central Division of the 2025 Kréyol Basketball Championship in Martinique. Despite high hopes, the Kings faced setbacks, losing both of their matches in the regional tournament, which concluded on Tuesday.
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Athapaththu and Webb keep Royals unbeaten
The 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) witnessed a thrilling final group game as the Barbados Royals maintained their unbeaten record, defeating the Trinbago Knight Riders by chasing down a target of 149 runs. Despite the Knight Riders posting their highest total of the tournament, it was not enough to overcome the Royals’ formidable batting lineup, led by Chamari Athapaththu and Courtney Webb. Athapaththu’s explosive innings of 89 runs from 71 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes, set the stage for the Royals’ dominant victory. Webb, who had struggled with the bat earlier in the tournament, played a crucial supporting role, finishing unbeaten with 50 runs from 42 balls. The Knight Riders’ Jess Jonasson had earlier scored a brilliant 71, but her efforts were overshadowed by Athapaththu’s record-breaking performance. The Royals’ captain, Chinelle Henry, also made a significant contribution with the ball, claiming 3/25 from her four overs. The Royals now head into the final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors with an unbeaten record, aiming for their third consecutive WCPL title. The Warriors, on the other hand, will rely on home ground support to secure their first WCPL trophy.
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CWI announces squad for historic T20I Series against Nepal
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-member squad for the inaugural T20 International series against Nepal, set to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from September 27 to 30, 2025. This historic series marks the first bilateral encounter between the two teams, following a successful ‘A’ Team tour last year. The series is a strategic move as part of the West Indies’ preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted in subcontinent conditions.
Akeal Hosein, a prominent figure in the T20I leadership group, has been appointed as the captain of the squad, which includes six potential debutants. The team management will be led by Head Coach Rayon Griffith, with former West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson joining as the fast-bowling consultant. The selection committee has utilized this opportunity to introduce emerging talents who have showcased their skills in the West Indies Breakout League and the Caribbean Premier League, while senior players have been given a chance to rest and manage their workloads.
Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, emphasized the significance of the series, stating, ‘This series against Nepal is a crucial step in expanding the reach of West Indies cricket. It not only allows our senior men’s team to engage with a passionate emerging cricketing nation but also provides invaluable match experience in diverse conditions. This tour aligns with our long-term vision of building a squad that is adaptable, resilient, and ready to face global challenges.’
The West Indies squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, including Fabian Allen, Jason Holder, and Kyle Mayers, alongside promising newcomers like Jewel Andrew and Ackeem Auguste. The team management unit is supported by a robust coaching staff, including Assistant Coaches Nikita Miller, Jerome Taylor, and Jamal Smith, among others.
The three-match series will kick off on September 27, followed by matches on September 29 and 30, all hosted at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This tour not only aims to strengthen the team’s competitive edge but also to inspire new fans and enhance the global brand of West Indies cricket.
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Chanderpaul, Athanaze Return as Windies Prepare for India Tour
Cricket West Indies has unveiled a 15-member squad for their upcoming Test tour of India, their first since 2018 and the opening away series in the new World Test Championship cycle. The Men in Maroon face a formidable challenge, with two matches slated from October 2nd to 14th. The selection reflects a clear intent to compete, with strategic choices tailored to subcontinental conditions. Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the team’s readiness, stating, ‘Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge, and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions.’ The squad includes notable recalls for Guyanese opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Dominican left-hander Alick Athanaze, both expected to bolster the team’s struggling top order. Athanaze’s proficiency against spin could prove crucial. Trinidad & Tobago’s Khary Pierre, a left-arm orthodox spinner and capable lower-order batsman, earns his maiden call-up, bringing a wealth of first-class experience, including over 100 wickets and a best bowling figure of 7-45. The team will miss the experience of 100-Test veteran Kraigg Braithwaite, who has faced recent struggles. The squad, led by Roston Chase, aims to rebound from a disappointing whitewash against Australia, showcasing their potential as a cohesive unit. Full squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
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Pooran and Knight Riders demolish Falcons to secure Playoff spot
In a commanding display of cricket, the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) secured their playoff berth with a resounding nine-wicket triumph over the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. The match, held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, was highlighted by a scintillating half-century from captain Nicholas Pooran, who led his team to victory with both bat and strategic acumen. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pooran’s decision proved astute as the Falcons struggled early, managing only 44 runs in the powerplay while losing key batsman Rahkeem Cornwall. The Knight Riders’ spin attack, spearheaded by Sunil Narine and Usman Tariq, kept the Falcons in check, limiting them to 64 runs by the halfway mark. Despite a late surge from Andries Gous and Amir Jangoo, who built a 108-run partnership, the Falcons could only muster 166 for 8. In reply, Pooran and Alex Hales dominated the chase, amassing 59 runs in the powerplay. Pooran’s fifty, marked by a towering six, and Hales’ swift half-century ensured TKR’s victory with overs to spare. The Knight Riders now await the outcome of the Guyana Amazon Warriors vs. Saint Lucia Kings match to determine their final opponent.
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Warriors hammer Royals to secure top spot
The Guyana Amazon Warriors delivered a commanding performance on Sunday night, securing a top-two finish in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a resounding 64-run victory over the Barbados Royals at the Guyana National Stadium. This decisive win in the final match of the preliminary round has positioned the Warriors as strong contenders heading into the playoffs.
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Penfold, Taylor star as Warriors seal final spot
In a thrilling encounter at the Providence Stadium, the Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched a decisive victory against the Trinbago Knight Riders, securing their place in the 2025 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) final. The Warriors triumphed by five wickets with seven balls to spare, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with the Barbados Royals. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Warriors, who now stand level on points with the Royals, despite having played an additional match. The Knight Riders, on the other hand, face a disappointing campaign, languishing at the bottom of the table with three consecutive defeats. Stafanie Taylor emerged as the star of the match, delivering a stellar all-round performance. She claimed the crucial wicket of Jess Jonassen and then anchored the chase with a composed 39 off 44 balls. Molly Penfold also played a pivotal role, taking 4/17 in her four overs, which stifled the Knight Riders’ batting lineup. Despite a valiant effort from Jonassen, who scored her maiden WCPL fifty, and Deandra Dottin, the Knight Riders’ total of 123/7 proved insufficient. The Warriors’ chase was steady, with Amy Hunter contributing a vital 27 off 31 balls, and Taylor’s innings ensured they were within touching distance of the target. The Knight Riders will now look to salvage some pride in their final match against the Royals, while the Warriors prepare for a dress rehearsal ahead of the final clash on Sunday.