Cape Verde coach confident ahead of historic World Cup match against Argentina
via SeneNews5 min read
Cape Verde's coach, Pedro "Bubista" Leitão, expressed confidence that his team has "nothing to fear" as they prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. This marks a historic debut for the team in the World Cup. Leitão stated that the team is serene and earned their place, emphasizing that they know the importance of the match and will give their best. He declined to comment on accusations of a violation against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, which reportedly stem from a complaint filed in New Zealand by a Brazilian woman regarding events in March at a hotel in Auckland during friendly matches. Neither the Cape Verdean Federation nor FIFA have commented on the accusations, though FIFA stated it is in contact with New Zealand authorities. Mendes, 36, is the most capped player for Cape Verde with 99 selections and the team's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. Cape Verde qualified for the round of 16 by finishing second in Group H, eliminating Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
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Matar Sène announced on Wednesday that he has been dismissed from his position as Director General of Social Protection and National Solidarity DGPSN. He made the announcement via a social media post, stating he had led the institution for two years. Sène thanked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko for his trust during his tenure and expressed gratitude to all DGPSN staff for their collaboration. He affirmed his continued commitment to serving the country despite his departure. The reasons for his dismissal were not specified in his publication, and authorities have not yet officially commented on the decision.
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BreakingIran is preparing for an unprecedented three-day funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, beginning Saturday, four months after his death in an Israeli-American strike. Authorities anticipate 15 to 20 million participants in Tehran alone for the tribute, which aims to be a show of strength after a nearly 40-day war. Workers and emergency personnel are making final preparations at the Mosalla complex, where Khamenei's remains will be displayed. The complex will remain open day and night until Monday. A procession will transport Ali Khamenei's remains through Tehran before heading to the holy city of Qom on Tuesday. Dignitaries and officials from about thirty countries, mostly neighbors, are expected, including former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. China will be represented by a senior parliamentary official, He Wei. Ali Khamenei, the longest-serving Supreme Leader since the 1979 establishment of the Islamic Republic, died at 86 on February 28 during bombings of his residence. His national funeral, initially planned for March but postponed due to the war, is expected to be the largest in Iran's history. In 1989, approximately 10 million people attended the funeral of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. The coffins of close relatives killed on the first day of the war, including a daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, will also be displayed alongside Ali Kham