
Bayern Munich secured a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, advancing to the German Cup final for the first time since 2020. Goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz propelled Bayern, just three days after they clinched back-to-back Bundesliga titles. This win avenged their defeat by Leverkusen in the round of 16 last season. Bayern, who have won a record 20 German Cups, will face either Stuttgart or Freiburg in the final. Harry Kane expressed his anticipation for the final, noting the team's hard work to reach this stage. Leverkusen, the 2024 cup winners, struggled to convert chances despite appearing in their third successive semi-final. Kane opened the scoring after Jamal Musiala's pass, and Diaz sealed the victory in stoppage time following a VAR review. Manuel Neuer made a crucial save from Nathan Tella to maintain Bayern's lead.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadSomalia's government has expressed concern to the BBC regarding WhatsApp's upcoming feature that will allow users to chat via usernames instead of phone numbers. Communications and Technology Minister Ahmed Osman Dirie stated that this could hinder efforts to trace criminals in a country battling Islamist militants like al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate. Dirie highlighted Somalia's reliance on mobile money transactions, noting that unverified and untraceable usernames could increase financial fraud and make citizens vulnerable to scammers. Al-Shabab has reportedly used WhatsApp for operations, including extortion and propaganda, with Somalia's intelligence agency shutting down 20 such groups in 2024. While WhatsApp informed the BBC that the feature is not yet live and users still require a phone number for the app, Dirie indicated that the Somali government is engaging Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to find a resolution. Somalia's concerns echo those of India, which believes usernames could increase online fraud and impersonation. Dirie emphasized that linking WhatsApp profiles to phone numbers facilitates tracking criminals and requested further assurances from Meta to demonstrate that hiding phone numbers will not erode digital traceability and will include specific safeguards against financial fraud. Technology blogger Moses Kemibaro noted that the feature aims to enhance user privacy, aligning WhatsApp with other Meta services like Instagram, but acknowledged valid secur
Must ReadBernard Antwi Boasiako, chairman of Ghana's New Patriotic Party NPP for the Ashanti region, has been sentenced to 20 years in jail with hard labor for illegal mining offenses. Boasiako, also known as "Chairman Wontumi," is the first senior politician in Ghana to be convicted of illegal mining since the government began a crackdown in 2017. He was found guilty of "assigning mineral rights without approval" and "facilitating an unlicensed mining operation" through his company, Akonta Mining, and was also ordered to pay over $10,000 in fines. The NPP has reacted with anger, alleging the judgment was politically motivated and that the judge ignored evidence that would have exonerated Boasiako. NPP general secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong stated that the fight against illegal mining should not target political opponents without evidence. Prosecutors said Boasiako allowed two individuals to mine on Akonta Mining's concession without ministerial approval. Environmental campaigners welcomed the conviction, viewing it as a deterrent for others financing illegal mining activities and a strong signal for accountability in protecting Ghana's natural resources. The NPP's lawyers have begun the process of challenging the conviction.

Argentina faced criticism for perceived dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, solidifying a 'World Cup villain' image that developed throughout the tournament. While critics, including former Germany player Thomas Hitzlsperger and British television personality Piers Morgan, described their performance as "disgusting" and "tetchy, petulant and distasteful," Argentines argue their actions stem from passion. Lawyer Leo Simone stated, "They confuse arrogance with pride," while construction worker Maximiliano Heredia noted, "We鈥檝e always been criticized, we鈥檙e used to it." Journalist Pedro Rosemblat embraced the criticism, stating, "Our rebelliousness irritates them, enrages them鈥hey call us cocky, cheaters, dirty. And we love it." Sports journalist Ezequiel Fernandez Moores acknowledged some criticism was justified, noting that local football codes of provocation and mockery do not translate globally, though he found the team turning their backs on Spain during the trophy presentation "not right." Simone defended Argentina's physical play, comparing it to other South American football and suggesting Spain also used tactical fouls. Venezuelan neurologist Evelio Rubio highlighted the unique passion for football in Argentina. The team and fans also faced accusations of racism, including past chants mocking French players and an incident during the World Cup where an Argentine supporter made a racist remark to a Black US influencer. FIFA condemned rac