SPORTS

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Hosts Egypt are favoured not only to win Group A at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations this June, but to go on and lift the trophy a record-extending eighth time. They possess in serial Liverpool scorer Mohamed Salah an African superstar and can expect …

Berlin, Germany | AFP | Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says he has rediscovered his love of playing for Germany after being applauded — rather than booed — by home fans. Gundogan, 28, was treated to thunderous applause and standing ovations by home fans after he helped orchestrate Germany’s 8-0 demolition …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Tyson Fury believes former world champion Anthony Joshua is “finished” after the British heavyweight’s shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in New York. Joshua lost his IBF, WBA and WBO titles on June 1 in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the division. After the fight, …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Star athlete Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei will lead Uganda’s team of three at the IAAF Diamond League taking place in Oslo, Norway later tonight. Cheptegei, the 2018 Commonwealth Games double gold medal winner will compete in the 3000m race. After failing to win in the …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Top African football officials hope the history-making Cup of Nations in Egypt from June 21 can deflect attention away from a string of embarrassing incidents involving them. In recent weeks, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad and senior vice-president Amaju Pinnick and VAR have been dominating the …

Oakland, United States | AFP |  Inspired by injured teammate Kevin Durant and facing an emotional must-win game, the Golden State Warriors are counting upon resiliency and fighting spirit to stay alive in the NBA Finals. Defending champion Golden State, seeking a third consecutive title and fourth in five seasons, entertains …

New York, United States | AFP | Lionel Messi was the world’s highest paid athlete over the past year, Forbes reported on Tuesday in its annual sporting rich list. Barcelona and Argentina star Messi dethroned retired boxer Floyd Mayweather as the sports world’s highest earner, raking in $127 million via salary …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Ivorian Gervinho and Nigerian Kelechi Iheanacho were significant casualties as 11 coaches named 23-man squads for the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, which kicks off on June 21. A 32-year-old veteran of five Cup of Nations, winger Gervinho was hopeful his impressive Serie A form …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Cranes coach Seb Desabre has named the final official list of 23 players to travel for the the Total AFCON Finals in Egypt this month. There were no surprises, with all the key players led by Denis Onyango, included. Emmanuel Okwi finally makes the …

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | With Neymar sidelined by an ankle injury, Lionel Messi heads into the Copa America this weekend as the competition’s main attraction but one with a desperate need to end more than a decade of hurt with Argentina. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has one …