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Caf Delays Wafcon 2026 Weeks Before Kick-Off

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Caf Delays Wafcon 2026 Weeks Before Kick-Off

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has postponed the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) just 12 days before the tournament was scheduled to begin in Morocco.

In a statement released on Thursday, Caf announced that the competition had been rescheduled due to “unforeseen circumstances”. The tournament will now take place from 25 July to 16 August.

The event had originally been set to run from 17 March to 3 April and will also serve as a qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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Morocco had been preparing to host the finals for a third consecutive time. However, uncertainty over the country’s readiness had caused growing concern among players and supporters in recent weeks, particularly amid speculation that the hosting rights might be transferred elsewhere.

Questions about Morocco’s preparedness intensified following the chaotic aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. In that match, Senegal national football team defeated Morocco national football team 1-0 in a tense encounter at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

Despite the speculation, Caf said preparations for Wafcon are continuing and did not indicate any change to the host nation.

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The governing body explained that the postponement was intended to “ensure the success of this important women’s competition”. The group-stage draw for the expanded 16-team tournament had already been held on 15 January, though Caf had yet to release the full match schedule.

Earlier uncertainty surrounding the tournament had already drawn attention. At the beginning of February, Gayton McKenzie, the sports minister of South Africa, was forced to clarify remarks made by his deputy suggesting South Africa might take over hosting duties.

The latest delay is likely to renew criticism over Caf’s handling of women’s football competitions. The 2020 edition of Wafcon was cancelled entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations was pushed back to early 2022.

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The most recent Wafcon tournament, held in 2024, was also delayed until July because of scheduling conflicts that included the 2024 Summer Olympics. That edition was eventually won by the Nigeria women’s national football team.

Wafcon is now the second major continental tournament to be postponed at short notice in recent months. In late 2024, Caf also delayed the African Nations Championship just 18 days before it was due to start across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in February 2025.

At the time, Caf said its technical experts had advised that additional time was required to ensure infrastructure and facilities met the necessary standards. The tournament was eventually staged in August last year.

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Sinner Shock Exit Blows French Open Wide Open After Five-Set Defeat

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World number one Jannik Sinner has been sensationally knocked out of the French Open in the second round after a dramatic five-set defeat to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

The stunning upset ended Sinner’s remarkable 30-match winning streak and marked his first defeat since mid-February, sending shockwaves through the men’s draw at Roland Garros.

Cerundolo, who battled back after appearing outmatched for large stretches of the contest, admitted after the match that he felt sympathy for Sinner, who looked physically troubled late in the encounter.

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Speaking on court following the biggest win of his career, Cerundolo said: “It’s tough for him, he was leading the match and I couldn’t win more than three games in a set.

“I was a little bit lucky and I feel sorry for him, he was serving to win the match. Then I don’t know what happened, I think he was cramping. Of course I feel sorry for him and I hope he recovers.”

The Argentine also celebrated reaching the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

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“I’m super happy, I will try to keep playing my best. I like to play this tournament because clay is my best surface and I hope to be ready for the next match,” he added.

Sinner’s exit dramatically reshapes the tournament landscape. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz already absent because of injury, the French Open will now produce a men’s singles champion other than Sinner or Alcaraz for the first time since the US Open in 2023.

The unexpected departures of the two dominant young stars have opened the door for several contenders.

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Attention will now turn to Novak Djokovic, who is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title that would extend his all-time record. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev may sense a major opportunity to finally secure his first Grand Slam crown after several near misses.

The result is already being viewed as one of the biggest shocks at Roland Garros in recent years, with the men’s competition suddenly appearing far more unpredictable heading into the later rounds.

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Manchester United Move Closer to Signing Ederson in £38m Midfield Deal

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Manchester United are moving closer to completing a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, with multiple reports indicating an agreement could soon be finalised.

The proposed transfer is expected to be worth an initial £35m, with an additional £3m in performance-related add-ons for the 26-year-old midfielder.

Despite growing speculation, senior officials at Manchester United have publicly insisted that no formal agreement has yet been completed for Ederson, who currently has just 12 months remaining on his contract.

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The development comes on the same day the club announced third-quarter profits of £37.7m for the nine months ending 31 March. Chief executive Omar Berrada said he remained “very positive about the club’s progress” as United prepare for a new era under head coach Michael Carrick.

Although the club continues to carry significant financial obligations — including large outstanding transfer payments that form most of the £482m listed under trade and other payables — United are still determined to remain active and competitive in the transfer market.

Club executives are also aiming to avoid repeating previous mistakes involving expensive long-term contracts, instead focusing on a more controlled recruitment strategy.

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Strengthening central midfield has emerged as one of United’s main priorities this summer following the departure of Casemiro and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte.

United are believed to want at least two new midfield additions, and potentially a third depending on departures and market opportunities. Their preferred option, Elliot Anderson, is reportedly leaning towards a move to Manchester City instead.

While Manchester United have often negotiated with several targets simultaneously before deciding on a final signing, indications suggest they are now pushing aggressively to secure Ederson early in the transfer window.

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The Brazilian midfielder has earned three senior international caps for Brazil national football team but narrowly missed out on selection for the FIFA World Cup squad.

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid had also shown interest in Ederson, who has spent the last four-and-a-half years playing in Serie A with clubs including Salernitana. However, Atletico are now understood to have shifted their focus toward Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Another midfielder monitored by United, Mateus Fernandes, could leave West Ham United this summer as the club responds to the financial impact of relegation to the Championship.

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United also maintained interest in Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion after tracking him last year, although the club would reportedly only consider a significantly lower fee following what was viewed internally as an underwhelming campaign from the Cameroon international.

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Bruno Fernandes Named Premier League Player of the Season

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Bruno Fernandes has been crowned Premier League Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign for Manchester United F.C..

The Portugal midfielder adds the award to the Football Writers’ Association men’s Player of the Year honour he received earlier this month.

Fernandes matched the Premier League record for assists in a single season when he registered his 20th assist against Nottingham Forest F.C. last weekend.

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The 31-year-old has also scored eight league goals in 37 appearances, helping Manchester United secure third place and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Fernandes has created 132 chances in the league this season — more than any other player in the division and 43 more than second-placed Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool F.C..

He becomes the first Manchester United player to win the award since Nemanja Vidić in 2011.

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The winner was decided through a combination of public voting and selections from a panel of football experts.

Other shortlisted players included David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice of Arsenal F.C., Erling Haaland of Manchester City F.C., Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago of Brentford F.C., and Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest F.C..

Manchester United will conclude their league season away to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. on Sunday.

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