Dossier

Maduka Okoye happy for Udinese draw against Como

Maduka Okoye happy for Udinese draw against Como

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has commended Udinese on their thrilling 0-0 home draw against Como in Italian Serie A Matchday 30 on Monday.

The Zebras halted Como’s five-game winning run by earning a share of the spoils at the Bluenergy Stadium, as Udinese also extended their own unbeaten league run to five games.

Okoye celebrates draw

The Nigeria international, speaking on the club’s official website, expressed his delight in helping Udinese secure a vital point.

“I’m happy with the clean sheet, but especially with the point. They were strong; it wasn’t easy, but we worked hard during the week and were ready.

We always watch the game unfold to determine whether to build from the back or launch the ball. We didn’t want to take any risks in the final stages, so we played long.”

Kosta Runjaic’s side is now unbeaten in its last 11 league outings against Como. Following the result, Udinese remains in 11th position in the standings with 40 points

Mdunyelwa urges Sundowns to carry momentum into City clash

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Zuko Mdunyelwa has warned his side to expect a tough away test when they face Durban City in Tuesday night’s Betway Premiership clash.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm at Chatsworth Stadium, with three vital points on the line. Sundowns head into the encounter looking to protect their two-point advantage over Orlando Pirates at the top of the table.

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For the hosts, the stakes are just as high. A win would see City climb from sixth to fourth place, moving level on 38 points with AmaZulu while boasting a superior goal difference.

Mdunyelwa is particularly cautious of a confident City outfit, fresh from booking their place in the Nedbank Cup final after edging Casric Stars last weekend.

“In the Durban City camp, the mood is definitely high because they are in the final and they know their strength and their capabilities,” he said.

“For us, it’s also very important to understand that it’s an away game and we need the three points to keep going. We have the momentum and we just need to keep going.”

Despite a looming trip to Tunisia for their CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Espérance, Mdunyelwa insists Sundowns remain fully focused on the immediate task.

“We as players want to take it one game at a time and our main focus is Durban City. We haven’t even touched on the trip to Tunisia as our main focus is on Durban City as things stand,” Mdunyelwa concluded.

ALSO READ: Pirates looking to keep pressure on Sundowns in title race

Sundowns are chasing a 10th successive league victory as the title race gathers pace. Meanwhile, Pirates host Golden Arrows knowing any slip-up could prove costly in the battle for the championship.

UEFA Champions League: Souleymane Faye set for epic Arsenal clash

Senegalese winger Souleymane Faye will be targeting another berth for Sporting Club Portugal when they host Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash on Tuesday.

Sporting will welcome the Gunners at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon at 7 pm.

Having arrived in January from Granada CF, Faye , who came through the Galaxy Foot academy, continues his rise.

His journey has been marked by several stints in Spain, notably with Granada’s reserve team, then at Talavera in 2022, before joining Real Betis’ reserve team.

Faye joined Sporting from Granada

His performances there then earned him a return to Granada, where he made a name for himself thanks to his dribbling skills and speed on the right wing.

African U20 champion in 2023 and participant in the U20 World Cup with the Senegal U20 team, Souleymane Faye is gradually confirming his potential on the European stage.

With Sporting, he contributed to the club’s qualification for the quarterfinals after a spectacular comeback against Bodø/Glimt. Having lost 3-0 in the first leg, the Lisbon side won 5-0 in the return leg.

In both matches, the Senegalese player came on as a substitute, contributing to this collective achievement.

Wales captain and ex-Arsenal star Ramsey retires

LONDON, England, April 7, 2026 – Wales captain and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has retired from professional football with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old, who had been without a club since leaving Mexican side Pumas UNAM last year, is now expected to pursue a career in coaching.

Ramsey retires as one of Wales’ greatest players, scoring 21 goals in 86 appearances and representing his country at three major tournaments.

He played an integral role in Wales’ historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning a place in Uefa’s team of the tournament.

Ramsey then played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, Wales’ first appearance in the finals stage of that competition for 64 years.

The skilful playmaker started his career at Cardiff City before a 2008 move to Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups – scoring the winning goal in two of those finals – during his 11 years with the Gunners.

Ramsey then had spells at Juventus and Nice as well as a loan at Rangers, helping them reach the 2022 Europa League final but missing a penalty in the shootout.

He also had a second stint at boyhood club Cardiff, where he had a short period as interim head coach at the end of last season.

Ramsey joined Pumas in the hope of staying fit enough to be able to play for Wales at this summer’s World Cup had they qualified.

But having failed to find a new club since leaving Mexico, Ramsey has decided to call time on his playing career.

Ramsey thanked the supporters of Wales and the clubs he represented in his career as he announced his decision on social media.

“This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football,” he wrote.

“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways.

“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.

“Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for. Thank you to all the managers and staff that have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level.

“And a huge thank you to my wife and children and all my family. Without you by my side throughout, none of this would have been possible.”

The post Wales captain and ex-Arsenal star Ramsey retires appeared first on Capital Sports.

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