Canada eliminates South Africa from World Cup with late goal
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32, securing their first-ever round of 16 appearance. Stephen Estaquio scored the winning goal in added time at California stadium. Despite South Africa having more possession, Canada created more scoring opportunities, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams making five saves for South Africa. Canada's Cyle Larin and Jonathan David were denied in the first half, while Thapelo Maseko and Jacob Shaffelburg also had attempts saved. Canada will now face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the next round, becoming the first CONCACAF team to win a knockout game in the World Cup since 2002.
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Troops from Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, killed two suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered arms during an operation in Kebbi State on June 27, 2026. The operation took place in the Sabarumawa area after credible intelligence indicated the terrorists were planning an attack. Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, stated that troops from the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 7 were deployed and set up a tactical ambush. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of two terrorists, while others fled. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, AK-47 magazines, 143 rounds of ammunition, and one motorcycle. Danja emphasized that this operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, improve security in the North-West, and deny criminal groups freedom of operation. Operation Fansan Yamma is committed to protecting lives and property, and residents are urged to provide timely intelligence to support counter-terrorism efforts.
Must ReadA helicopter crash in Ras Tanura, eastern Saudi Arabia, resulted in the deaths of all 14 Saudi citizens on board. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the aircraft belonged to the state oil giant Aramco, which operates over 60 aircraft, including helicopters, serving more than 300 heliports in Saudi Arabia. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Ras Tanura is home to one of the Middle East's largest refineries, with a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day, and is crucial to Saudi Arabia's energy sector. The refinery has been targeted multiple times, including during an Iranian drone attack that caused a fire and a partial shutdown. Saudi Arabia, the world's leading crude exporter, produces over 10 million barrels per day.
Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan secured a victory in the women's 100m hurdles at the Paris Diamond League, achieving a season-best time of 12.28 seconds. This performance at the Stade Charl茅ty marked another Diamond League triumph for the world record holder. American hurdler Grace Stark finished second in 12.38 seconds, followed by compatriot Johnson in third with 12.39 seconds. Amusan's winning time matched her previous season's bests from the Xiamen and Rabat Diamond League meetings. The event took place under a revised schedule due to a severe heatwave in France, with track temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius. Amusan, 29, executed a flawless technical race, establishing a clear lead and comfortably cruising to the finish. This commanding victory in the French capital highlights her momentum leading into the Diamond League Final and sends a strong message to her rivals ahead of the post-season circuit.