Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts
Robbie Keane, not Henry my toughest opponent - Joseph Yobo
Yobo
The defender, who played in the Premier League with Everton and Norwich City on a Radio programme, Sports Zone on Lagos Talks 91.3fm said in a lengthy interview that his toughest opponent was Robbie Keane.
The defender feted at some point as one of the fastest defenders in the Premier League after careful consideration said he found it difficult whenever his team lined-up against Keane's side. He noted that the spatial awareness and excellent movement of the wily striker always caused problems.
"The few times I played against him, I was not very fit, I wasn't so ready. He is very clever. He is not one of those that you can just pick and mark [man-mark]," Yobo said.
"He knew where the spots were, where to get the ball, what to do. He was one of the most intelligent players I played against."
"With Henry and other players, you know they are quick, you know they will try to dribble but with Robbie Keane, it was so difficult to say what he had in mind. I spoke to my colleagues also and they said he is difficult," the defender continued.
Yobo got the first of his torturous times against Keane in January 2003. Keane had moved to Tottenham Hotspur from Leeds during the summer transfer window; the Irish striker scored a hat-trick with Yobo beaten expertly for two of the goals. When they met again in 2004, Yobo came out with Everton beating Spurs and the defender scoring a goal. The pair faced-off in the Merseyside derby after Keane moved to Liverpool from Spurs in 2008. The only duel between the pair ended with Keane's Liverpool defeating Everton 2-0 with Keane the provider for both goals.
In 2009, Yobo stymied Keane, ensuring the game between Everton and Spurs ended goalless. Yobo made 220 appearances for Everton before he moved to the Turkish League with Fenerbahce. The former Super Eagles captain eventually made his way back to the English shores with Norwich City but the menacing Keane was already across the Atlantic with LA Galaxy.
Yobo had 101 international caps playing for the Super Eagles. He captained Nigeria to lift the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
see what fans are saying after lukaku missed this goal
After dreadful from Tottenham’s defender, Danny Rose, had presented Lukaku with a one on one situation with the goal keeper – one would have expected him to to put the ball in the back of the net. Instead, he rounded the goal keeper and with the goal gasping , he couldn’t turn the finish home from a tight angle.
Tottenham are yet to register a shot in this match and its already half time. United meanwhile have been testing their visitors.
see video below:
— el maèstro (@_edanto) August 27, 2018
what people are saying:
Instead of taking a touch, Lukaku hit it early to try and impress Jay Z who is 100% not watching. Stupid fool—
(@Mxncz) August 27, 2018
To be honest it’s unreasonable to expect Lukaku to score there. Man United aren’t 3-0 up against a relegation team so how can he score?— LFC Stanley House (@LFCStanleyHouse) August 27, 2018
What's the definition of " won ti GBA penalty lo throw in"— OMO OLORIRE (@YBCBG_FWESHA) August 27, 2018
Me: lukaku
Ffs Lukaku… ntanga can't score, can't trap, can't pass, can't run with the ball… what's he there for? pic.twitter.com/wnR5JVKQtf— Liso (@mitch_officiall) August 27, 2018
Mourinho brushes off Rashford concerns as World Cup looms
Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (L) Manchester United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard (C) and Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (R) arrive for the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on February 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Oli SCARFF /
Jose Mourinho has played down concerns over Marcus Rashford's lack of game time for Manchester United as the World Cup looms, saying England boss Gareth Southgate will pick the forward if he trusts him.
The 20-year-old made an immediate impact when he made his debut for the club two years ago and was fast-tracked into Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad.
Rashford has won 15 caps and become an important member of the England set-up but manager Southgate is reported to be concerned about his lack of starts for United ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
However, Mourinho has played down concerns over a player who last started a Premier League match on Boxing Day.
"No, I don't reassure anyone," the United boss said ahead of his side's match against Crystal Palace on Monday. "The main reassurance for him is that he is always selected.
"There is not one single match when Marcus is not selected to start or to be on the bench."
Mourinho cited Sergio Romero as an example of a player who does not play regularly for his club but who plays for his country. Romero is Manchester United's reserve goalkeeper but is first choice for Argentina.
"So, it's up to Gareth Southgate," said Mourinho. "If he trusts him, he selects him. It doesn't matter if he plays or if he doesn't play for Manchester United."
Mourinho says Rashford remains a key player at United, with his ability to play in different attacking positions.
"At his age, what he's doing is more than enough and the experience he's getting at every level is more than enough for us to be happy with what we think is going to be his future," Mourinho said. "It's as simple as that.
"But because he had such an impact at the beginning, probably people expect him to play even more than he does and score even more than he does and perform even more than what he does but it is not so simple."
Wozniacki clinches title, top rank
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark / AFP PHOTO / EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ
The two ladies had many similarities coming into the finals. Both had lost in two Grand Slam finals. The older and second seeded Wozniacki lost to Kim Clijsters in New York 2009 and to Serena Williams in Melbourne in 2014. The top seeded Halep was defeated in Paris Maria Sharapova in 2014 and Jelena Ostapenko in 2017.
This year, in Melbourne, Halep faced three match points against American Lauren Davis in the third round and two in the semi-final match with Angelique Kerber. Wozniacki saved two match points when Jana Fett was leading 5-1 in the final set of their second round match. The final in Melbourne was their seventh career match-up, and Caroline now has a five to two record.
Everything was at stake and symbolism outweighed the scores. The first set could have gone either way and Halep would have won it had she converted the many opportunities to break Caroline’s service. In the entire match, Halep won five out of 12 break points while her Wozniacki took the game five times in 14 opportunities. In the ensuing tie-breaker, Halep lost with a wide margin of seven points to two. She did better in the second set and leveled the match one set apiece.
The battle came down to the final set. With each lady holding tight her service games, the eighth game was crucial. Wozniacki shot in front 15-0 but Simona hammered a forehand to level. Caroline reached game point when a Halep forehand sailed long but a double fault reduced the point tally. On the next point, Simona made an unforced backhand error and the Dane was up 5-4 and did not have to hit a serve any more. Needing to hold to stay in the match, Simona started off losing the first point but leveled with a forehand winner and led 30-15.
Next, she made a double fault for 30-all. A forehand winner by Caroline led to match point. Halep served to her opponent’s backhand side of Wozniacki who returned the ball down the line. Halep hit a backhand down the line and her opponent returned crosscourt. Halep hit crosscourt twice to her opponent who replied likewise. Then Halep sent the ball down the line to her opponent’s backhand. When Caroline hit the next shot crosscourt, it was the last ball she would play, as her opponent netted an attempted crosscourt shot.
The encounter was very close. Halep delivered six aces to two by Wozniacki who had six double faults to her opponent’s one. Halep made 40 outright winning shots while Wozniacki hit 25. At the finish line, the winner tallied 110 points to her opponent’s 108. With each player winning a total 16 games, the title could have gone either way.
Federer, Djokovic march on, Muguruza, Wawrinka out
Roger Federer. PHOTO: Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP
In her match against Su-wei Hsieh from Taipei, Garbine Muguruza faced a player with unorthodox strokes offering little pace to work with. The 32 year old Hsieh lost the opening game on serve but broke right back. She held to lead 2-1 and broke Muguruza with a sizzling forehand hit down the line to lead 3-1.
She eventually raced to 5-2. Serving for the set, she faced break point at deuce. The advantage went to Muguruza and the game. A drop shot leveled games at 6. In the ensuing tie breaker, a seemingly casual volley winner put Hsieh in front. She raced to a 6-1 lead in points and won tally by 7 points to 4.
In the second set, trailing 2-4, Muguruza missed an easy volley at net and Hsieh had the service break. Serving for the match, Hsieh was broken. Muguruza needed to hold serve to stay in the match. However, the she could not handle the chops and slices from her opponent’s arsenal. The veteran from Taipei reached match point after a successful challenge. To close the match, she hit the ball into an open court as a bewildered Muguruza was moving the wrong way.
If Gael Monfils exclaimed “Mon Dieu” when he knew that his third round opponent was Novak Djokovic, it was justified. He had lost in all their previous 15 meetings. The tally continued as he lost to the six time champion. When Monfils won the first set 6-4; there was some hope of a reversal of results.
However, despite his noticeable gasps in the hot conditions, Djokovic took the second and third sets easily. In the fourth set, Djokovic was in front 2-1. Monfils’ scrambling and retrieving balls paid off. He won the fourth game when he ran down a drop volley and Djokovic netted the ball.
Djokovic faced a veritable threat of break in the fifth game that lasted almost ten minutes. A missed volley and a forehand error had him trailing 15-40. He fought back to deuce and exchanged advantages before he held the game. It was the Frenchman’s lost opportunity. Monfils leveled 3-all and Djokovic won a short service game to lead 4-3.
Monfils double-faulted to open the eighth game and lost it with a careless backhand that sailed wide. Serving at 5-3, Djokovic had first match point, 40-30, he was deuced after a long rally. A successful challenge gave Monfils another break point but he netted a forehand. Two advantages later for match point, Djokovic wrong-footed Monfils and placed a volley in an open court for the game set and match.
Roger Federer was at his flying best in a tough match against German Struff. A break was all he needed to win the first two sets. With a hard serve delivered consistently at top pace (average 210 for the match) Struff held his service games in the third set that required a tie break. Down 3-5 in points, Struff hit a passing shot was called out. His unsuccessful challenge gave Roger the lead of 6-3. Serving for the match, Roger’s first serve barely missed the line and the second was drilled down the line for a winner. On the second match point, the second seeded player delivered a service winner to close out the match. It was their second career meeting.
Asked to share his personal feeling at winning last year, the philosophical Federer said it was one of the favourite moments of his life, “on a tennis court.” Sport is but one of the segments in life on earth.
Neymar's PSG move a backwards step, says Ronaldo
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Louis II stadium, in Monaco, on November 26, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Yann COATSALIOU
Neymar's world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona was a step backwards in his career, according to ex-Brazil star Ronaldo.
"He's at PSG now, but sports-wise, this decision he's taken is a step backwards," the 2002 World Player of the Year said in an interview with former international Zico's youtube channel.
"He was at Barcelona and he left for PSG. I played at Barca, but I left for Inter Milan when the Italian league was a lot more competitive."
Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil (1994, 2002), spent the 1996-97 season with Barcelona after joining from PSV and then moved to Inter, returning to Spain in 2002 for Real Madrid for five seasons. He went on to play a further year with AC Milan before ending his career at Corinthians.
Neymar cost PSG a world record 222 million euros ($264 million) in August when he joined from Barcelona.
Ronaldo added that he would like to see Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus installed up front for Brazil.
"The World Cup's coming and we need his goals," he said. "It's been a long time that we've been looking for a number nine."
Ex-Super Eagle star, Wilson Oruma suffers mental disorder after been duped by pastor [PHOTO]
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Wilson Oruma has suffered emotional disorder as a result of how he was reportedly duped by an unknown pastor.
Oruma, who played alongside JJ Okocha and Kanu is now broke and in a status of mental disorder six years after he was reportedly defrauded by a clergyman and some fake oil businessmen.
It was learnt that oruma eventually lost a whopping sum of N1.2 billion to an investment.
His close friend, Emakpor Dibofun has been reported to have told Complete Sports that the former Super Eagles star is yet to recover from the fortune he lost to fraudsters.
Dibofun said: “Wilson Oruma hasn’t really recovered from the emotional disorder which he suffered after he was duped.
He has been to several places in search of a lasting solution, but it gets worse after a bit of improvement,” he said.
Oruma featured for RC Lens, Nancy, Samsunspor, Nimes, Servette, Sochaux, Marseille and Guingamp, and Kavala FC of Greece before he retired at the age of 33 on November 26, 2010.
The midfield maestro also featured for Nigeria’s U-17, U-23 and the senior national team winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1993, the Olympic gold in 1996 and two bronze medals at the African Cup of Nations in 2002 and 2006.
UEFA names Team of the Year 2017
UEFA on Thursday announced its 2017 Team of the Year.
A new voting record was set.
A grand total of 8,779,639 million votes were cast by supporters around the world, an increase of over 1.6 million on the previous year’s tally of 7.15 million.
Players from the Spanish league dominated the final XI, with a total of six making the team.
There was a record 12th appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Portuguese ace one of five players to be chosen from European champions Real Madrid CF. His team-mate Sergio Ramos received the most votes with 588,315.
The line-up is based on a 4-4-2 formation, which was by far the most popular system chosen by fans during the voting process with 459,797 selections.
UEFA Team of the Year 2017 below:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy); Dani Alves (Juventus/Paris Saint-Germain & Brazil), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF & Spain), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus & Italy), Marcelo (Real Madrid CF & Brazil); Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City FC & Belgium, Toni Kroos (Real Madrid CF & Germany), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid CF & Croatia); Eden Hazard (Chelsea FC & Belgium; Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona & Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF & Portugal)
Lukaku seeking legal advice over 'voodoo' claim
Lukaku seeking legal advice over 'voodoo' claim
Manchester United's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku reacts during the English FA Cup third round football match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 5, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Lindsey PARNABY
"Romelu's decision had nothing to do with voodoo," the Belgian international's representative told the BBC.
"He distances himself from these beliefs and this statement and will now see what judicial steps can be taken in relation to them."
Moshiri had told Everton shareholders at their AGM on Tuesday that a phone call Lukaku had with his mother torpedoed a new contract with the Toffees that was 99.9% done, with the club prepared to pay him a reported £140,000 ($189,000) a week.
"He said he was on a pilgrimage in Africa or somewhere and he had a voodoo and got the message that he needs to go to Chelsea," said Moshiri, although the player was to snub Chelsea ultimately and go to United for £75million.
Lukaku has been left seething by the claim.
His representative said the 24-year-old Manchester United striker's decision had nothing to do with voodoo as he was a Roman Catholic, and that Lukaku simply wished to play for a club with a better chance of winning silverware.
"Romelu is very catholic and voodoo is not part of his life or his beliefs," the representative said.
"He simply had no faith in Everton and no confidence in Mr Moshiri's project. That is why he did not want to sign on any condition.
"He wanted to make the next step in his career and wanted the security to be able to leave."
Ex-Ivorian Star Emmanuel Eboue Is Dead
Ex-Ivorian Star Emmanuel Eboue Is Dead
The former Ivorian International star, Emmanuel Eboue, is dead. Emmanuel Eboue is reported to have committed suicide in London.
Eboue, is believed to had struggled with long-term depression. He was found dead in his sister’s North London home according to Police.
Ex-Ivorian football star Emmanuel Eboue did not leave a note behind and he was found hanging in the room on a fan hook, Police said in a statement.
Police declined to comment whether it was suicidal or a perpetrated act but assured the public an investigation is ongoing.
Emmanuel Eboue had received offers of legal advice in his bid to overturn a court ruling which was set to leave him homeless in the wake of his bitter divorce.
The ex-Arsenal defender, 34, previously spoke to the Mirror of his fears for the future following his acrimonious split from wife Aurelie.
The former Galatasaray star a fortnight ago revealed how he lost all his fortunes, going from a rich football star to a poor man who was contemplating suicide.
Eboue made millions of pounds at Arsenal and then more than £1.5million a year at Turkish side Galatasaray. However, the football star said he had lost all he had to his wife Aurelie who he claimed also handled his finances, adding that “whatever she told him to sign he signed.
After their divorce, the court awarded all his fortunes to his wife in a divorce settlement and he was ordered to also give up his house in London to the ex-wife.
The 34-year old and his wife lived there before he bought a mansion – which Aurelie has now put on the market.
Eboue had also surrendered his expensive cars to his wife, and before his death, he relied on London public transport. He often slept on a mattress on his living room floor.
As if all these were not enough, Eboue was also said to be suffering from an undisclosed medical problem.
The 34-year-old had served a one-year ban for failing to pay a former agent but got back into football recently, agreeing a deal with Cypriot side Turk Ocagi Limassol.
However, his move to Cyprus was not plain sailing and his agent Tekin Bircini said his client was
facing ‘medical problems’.
.
The former Ivorian International star, Emmanuel Eboue, is dead. Emmanuel Eboue is reported to have committed suicide in London.
Eboue, is believed to had struggled with long-term depression. He was found dead in his sister’s North London home according to Police.
Ex-Ivorian football star Emmanuel Eboue did not leave a note behind and he was found hanging in the room on a fan hook, Police said in a statement.
Police declined to comment whether it was suicidal or a perpetrated act but assured the public an investigation is ongoing.
Emmanuel Eboue had received offers of legal advice in his bid to overturn a court ruling which was set to leave him homeless in the wake of his bitter divorce.
The ex-Arsenal defender, 34, previously spoke to the Mirror of his fears for the future following his acrimonious split from wife Aurelie.
The former Galatasaray star a fortnight ago revealed how he lost all his fortunes, going from a rich football star to a poor man who was contemplating suicide.
Eboue made millions of pounds at Arsenal and then more than £1.5million a year at Turkish side Galatasaray. However, the football star said he had lost all he had to his wife Aurelie who he claimed also handled his finances, adding that “whatever she told him to sign he signed.
After their divorce, the court awarded all his fortunes to his wife in a divorce settlement and he was ordered to also give up his house in London to the ex-wife.
The 34-year old and his wife lived there before he bought a mansion – which Aurelie has now put on the market.
Eboue had also surrendered his expensive cars to his wife, and before his death, he relied on London public transport. He often slept on a mattress on his living room floor.
As if all these were not enough, Eboue was also said to be suffering from an undisclosed medical problem.
The 34-year-old had served a one-year ban for failing to pay a former agent but got back into football recently, agreeing a deal with Cypriot side Turk Ocagi Limassol.
However, his move to Cyprus was not plain sailing and his agent Tekin Bircini said his client was
facing ‘medical problems’.
.
Matuidi alleges racist abuse in Serie A game
Matuidi alleges racist abuse in Serie A game
Juventus's midfielder from France Blaise Matuidi celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Bologna vs Juventus on December 17, 2017 at Renato Dall'Ara stadium in Bologna. / AFP PHOTO
The France international revealed in a post on his official Facebook page that he was the subject of racist taunts by unspecified individuals.
“Today I experienced racism during the match,” he wrote. “Weak people try to intimidate with hate. I am not a hater and can only be sorry for those who set bad examples.
“Football is a way to spread equality, passion and inspiration and this is what I am here for. Peace.”
It is reported that the specific incident occurred shortly before half-time, when a furious Matuidi was seen looking towards the stands at the Sardegna Arena.
It is the second time Matuidi has endured such abuse in the last 10 days.
Verona were hit with a €20,000 fine and a partial stadium ban, suspended for a year, for racist chants by their fans towards Matuidi in Juve’s 3-1 win on December 30.
The champions, whose 1-0 win on Saturday came courtesy of Federico Bernardeschi’s second-half goal, are a point behind leaders Napoli in the Serie A standings.
Philippe Coutinho, new FC Barcelona player
FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Philippe Coutinho. The player will sign a contract for the remainder of the season and five more, and will have a buyout clause of 400 million euros.
We will shortly inform you of the details of the player's arrival and presentation.
The midfielder arrives at FC Barcelona after demonstrating his class as a player with Liverpool and the Brazilian national side. Born on 12 June, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Phillipe Coutinho is one of the most talented midfielders in the world with the potential to get even better.
The Brazilian has shown his talent and class at the highest level with Premier League club Liverpool and with the Brazilian national side.
Coutinho began his footballing journey in his home town with Vasco de Gama. At the age of just 18 he moved to Europe to begin a new stage of his career at Serie A giants Inter Milan with whom he would go to make his Champions League debut.
After two and half seasons in Milan and six months in Barcelona with the city’s other club Espanyol, Coutinho made the move to the Premier League when he signed for Liverpool in January 2013. With the five times European Champions, the Brazilian quickly established himself as a key player at the club.
A versatile attacking force
The Brazilian is a versatile presence in the squad as his technical ability and vision allow him to play in midfield. His attacking instincts also mean that he is equally at home in a more advanced role on the wing. Coutinho is quick and always willing to take on defenders and his nose for goal is undeniable as he scored 13 times for Liverpool last season.
A Brazilian international since his debut in 2010, he played in the Copa América in 2015 and 2016 for his country as well as playing a vital part in helping the ‘canarinha’ qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.
Guardiola apologises to Dyche after touchline row
Guardiola apologises to Dyche after touchline row
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) gestures to Burnley's English manager Sean Dyche (L) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England on January 6, 2018. Oli SCARFF / AFP
City boss Guardiola gestured angrily towards Dyche, making a 'yapping' gesture at his counterpart and the fourth official, as a furious row erupted between the two at Eastlands on Saturday following Sergio Aguero's 56th-minute equaliser.
"I am sorry, I apologise. I didn't want to get out of control," Guardiola said.
Aguero's leveller came from a quickly-taken Ilkay Gundogan free-kick which angered Burnley players, who thought that referee Graham Scott allowed the set piece to be taken before they were ready.
Guardiola later claimed his gestures were simply a request for Burnley to leave the officials alone, but it was certainly an ugly scene and one that ended with fourth official Andy Haines ordering the Spaniard to return to his technical area.
"I said 'Leave the referees please'. I have a lot of respect for what he (Dyche) does and the way he plays is completely different to how we want to play.
"But they do it perfectly and that is why football is top. I think all the managers around the world have to control. If they were offended, I am sorry."
That flashpoint was a rare moment of concern for Guardiola and City on an afternoon in which they stormed back after trailing to Ashley Barnes' first half goal.
Aguero's brace, which came inside 94 seconds, plus further efforts from Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva carried City through to the fourth round of the cup and left Guardiola singing the praises of City's all-time record goalscorer.
"First of all I have to say its an honour for me to have Sergio Aguero under my command," he said.
"He is always the kind of player who always wants to play and I can understand sometimes he is sad if he doesn't play. I want him to be happy.
"The quality he has inside the box is amazing and both of his goals were amazing.
"He is the kind of player who doesn't intervene much in the first half then in a matter of seconds he can score two goals for us that change the game.
"He is an essential player for us if we want to win something."
Legend Silva
The game also saw David Silva return from Spain where he was tending to his prematurely-born son.
The City midfielder only came back to Manchester on Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the cup tie.
Guardiola revealed that Silva was due to return to Valencia immediately after the game and continue to "commute" between Spain and England while his son receives treatment.
The Spanish international released a statement earlier this week to confirm the reasons why he was spending time in his home country.
"I'm happy he made the statement," said Guardiola. "It's not easy to go to Spain, come back and play like that. Now he's going back to Spain and he'll be back when he feels good, we are happy because everything is going well.
"David is a legend for the club, what he's done."
Dyche laughed off suggestions that there was any ill-feeling with Guardiola over the equaliser but was angered by the officiating that led to the City goal.
"You both fight, you both want to win, you both want your teams to win," he said. "That's how it should be. I believe everybody is allowed to be passionate.
"The referee said he didn't have to blow the whistle, but Ashley Westwood was five yards away and the ball went through the gap where he should have been.
"Sometimes in football the rule may be the rule but there's a common sense moment, we've just allowed it to be passed through, I'm bound to be aggrieved by that."
Salah wins African Player of the Year award
Salah wins African Player of the Year award
African Footballer of the Year, Egypt and Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah speaks during a press conference after the CAF awards at the Accra International Press Conference in Accra, on January 4, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / CRISTINA ALDEHUELA
The 25-year-old has scored 23 goals in 29 matches in all competitions this season for the Premier League outfit after moving from AS Roma in the summer.
He also starred for resurgent Egypt, who last year finished runners-up to Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations and secured a first World Cup appearance since 1990.
In the penultimate round of World Cup qualifying, Salah scored the brace that edged Congo Brazzaville in Alexandria, including the stoppage-time winner from a penalty that sealed a trip to Russia.
Salah's Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane, of Senegal, was runner-up and 2015 winner, Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang third after a 30-player list had been trimmed to three.
National coaches, Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials, journalists and the public were involved in the voting.
"Winning this award is a dream come true -- 2017 was an unbelievable year for me I had a fantastic time with the national team," said Salah after receiving the trophy.
"This is a big award for me, a special moment in my career. I would like to dedicate it to all the kids in Africa and Egypt.
"I want to tell them to never stop dreaming, never stop believing."
The Egyptian succeeds Algerian Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City as holder of the most prized CAF individual award.
It is the first time since 1986 that stars from the north of the continent, which along with the west is the strongest football region, have won successive titles.
Victory on Thursday completed an awards hat-trick for Salah, who was named BBC African Footballer of the Year in December and Arab Player of the Year earlier this week.
Mane was voted 2016-2017 Liverpool Player of the Season, but the 25-year-old has since been overshadowed at Anfield by Salah's scoring exploits.
He did stand out for Senegal, however, as they secured a first World Cup appearance since 2002, providing much of the creativity in a team stacked with physically formidable footballers.
Aubameyang was Bundesliga top scorer with 31 goals last season, holding off Bayern Munich and Poland ace Robert Lewandowski.
He flopped with Gabon, though, failing to take the 2017 Cup of Nations hosts past the first round and shunning several World Cup call-ups as Gabon failed to qualify.
Other award winners included Women's Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria and Youth Player of the Year Patson Daka of Zambia.
Argentine Egypt manager Hector Cuper was named Coach of Year and other honours went to Egypt (national team), South Africa (women's national team) and Wydad Casablanca (club).
Ahead of the awards ceremony, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad told a media conference why the Africa-based Player of the Year and Referee of the Year awards had been scrapped.
"When a footballer aims for excellence, they must rise to the highest standards, irrespective of where they play. We hope one day the best player will be based in Africa.
"Referees already have their rewards and marks of recognition. They are evaluated after every match and the best are designated matches like the CAF Champions League final."
Shortlists had been drawn up for both awards when the CAF executive committee decided to dump them, initially without offering any explanations.
‘I feel like a footballer again’, says Costa
‘I feel like a footballer again’, says Costa
Diego Costa PHOTO:AFP
The last time the Spanish striker was on the field was in May last year after playing in the FA Cup final for Chelsea against Arsenal.
Since then, the 29-year-old returned home to Brazil for three months before getting back to match fitness for Wednesday’s 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Lleida, which Costa couldn’t be happier with.
‘Now I am very happy because I feel like a footballer again,’ Costa told reporters.
‘It is great for me to play for Atletico Madrid again, the club are very important to me and I am very happy with this.
‘I could not have asked for anything more on my second debut, to be back playing again and to have scored a goal is fantastic.’
The former Chelsea man came on as a substitute 18 minutes into the second half only to make it 3-0 five minutes later against third tier side Lleida before teammate Antoine Griezmann made it four in the final minutes.
Diego Godin broke the deadlock in the first half before Fernando Torres doubled the visitors’ lead four minutes later.
Five African Player of the Year facts
Five African Player of the Year facts
-- Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure holds the record for consecutive victories with four from 2011.
-- Cameroon have been the most successful nation with 11 first places, including four for legendary striker Samuel Eto'o.
-- Former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien made the top three five consecutive times from 2005 without ever winning.
-- Retired Cameroon star Roger Milla was the last Africa-based winner, being attached to Reunion club Saint-Denis when voted number one in 1990.
-- Goalkeepers Thomas N'Kono (twice) of Cameroon and Badou Zaki of Morocco topped the poll, but no defender has been chosen Player of the Year.
Arsene Wenger promises Sanchez, Ozil will be replaced by class acts
Arsene Wenger promises Sanchez, Ozil will be replaced by class acts
Arsenal's Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez (R) celebrates scoring their second goal with Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park in south London on December 28, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALL
Both Sanchez, who came close to moving to Manchester City on the final day of the last transfer window in August, and Ozil's contracts are up at the end of the present season.
Sanchez's attitude and commitment to the club have been questioned by fans and some of his team-mates did not congratulate the 29-year-old Chilean after he scored a double in the 3-2 Premier League win over Crystal Palace last Thursday.
Wenger, whose transfer dealings have been a sore point with sections of the Arsenal support, said he would also be on the look-out for players in the present transfer window.
"We are open to any position for the exceptional player that can give us a plus. It depends a little bit on the injuries as well," said the Arsenal manager on the eve of their match with reigning Premier League champions Chelsea.
"On the other hand it depends if we manage to extend the contracts of the players who are at the end of their contracts in June.
"It will depend on that as well. We have to take the consequences of those decisions and respond to it.
"How we cope with that, first of all we have not lost them yet, and secondly we will respond to that by bringing in players of top quality.
"This club has lost many, many big players and has always responded well."
However, the 68-year-old Frenchman refuted suggestions he was targeting Chelsea's Brazil centre-back David Luiz or French international midfielder Thomas Lemar from Monaco.
The failure to sign 22-year-old Lemar back in August led to the collapse of the Sanchez move to Manchester City.
"I don't want to think about any special names, but these reports are wrong," said Wenger, whose side are currently fifth in the table, six points behind Liverpool in fourth but with a game in hand.
As for catching runaway leaders City, Wenger said there is the slimmest glimmer of hope for their rivals given their two recent performances -- a 1-0 win away at struggling Newcastle United and then a 0-0 draw on Sunday against relegation-threatened Crystal Palace.
"They have shown signs of being less dominant," said Wenger, whose side are 21 points behind City.
"One of the teams behind need to have a perfect run and they (City) need to collapse a bit."
Barca to table £133m January bid for Coutinho
Barca to table £133m January bid for Coutinho
Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /
But, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are set to revisit the option this month with an offer of almost £100m – with £36m to be offered in add-ons to make the deal more attractive to the Reds.
Barca feel the player's desire to move to the Nou Camp will work in their favour and the Spanish outlet claims president Josep Maria Bartomeu is in constant contact with the Premier League club.
The bid would be in line with what Barcelona offered Borussia Dortmund for Ousmane Dembele last summer in the wake of Neymar's record-breaking departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a poll by another Spanish magazine, Sport, Barca fans were asked to vote for which player they would like their club to sign next.The Brazil international comfortably topped the poll, earning 70 per cent of the vote – 52 per cent more than closest rival Yerry Mina, the Palmeiras centre back.
Despite Nike's online store appearing to suggest Coutinho's move to Barcelona was imminent after inviting customers to 'Shop Coutinho's look', the club has denied that a deal has already been struck.They will, however, endeavour in earnest to make the 25-year-old their next superstar signing this month.
BREAKING NEWS: Zidane Sacked (Read Details)
Alaves have been looking to off-load players as they bring in new recruits and Zidane is the latest casualty. The 22-year-old midfielder, son of Zinedine Zidane, has only played four matches for Alaves, and a total of 155 minutes.
Zidane according to MARCA has now joined FC Laussane just months after his summer move from Real Madrid to Alaves.
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