馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Djokovic wins longest Wimbledon quarter-final, Gauff and Muchova reach semi-finals
via The Namibian3 min read
Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set match lasting five hours and 15 minutes, the longest Wimbledon quarter-final, despite a calf injury. Djokovic won 7-6 12/10, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 4/7, 7-6 10/4 and will face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. This marks Djokovic's record-extending 15th Wimbledon semi-final and 55th at Grand Slams, and his eighth consecutive appearance in the Wimbledon last four. Sinner advanced by beating Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets. In the women's tournament, Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova reached their first Wimbledon semi-finals. Gauff, a two-time major champion, defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. She will play Czech 10th seed Muchova, who beat Naomi Osaka 7-6 7/4, 6-4. Alexander Zverev also advanced to the quarter-finals after completing his delayed last-16 match against Jiri Lehecka, winning 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 8/6, and will face Taylor Fritz.
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Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw to secure a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals. The match, the final last-16 game played outside the United States, saw both teams struggle to create clear chances during regular and extra time. Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a crucial save from Cucho Hernandez's penalty, allowing Ruben Vargas to score the decisive spot-kick. Colombia, supported by a large fan base in Vancouver, had a strong defensive record, as did Switzerland. Key moments included Kobel's save from Gustavo Puerta in the first half and a header from Colombia's Jhon Lucumi hitting the bar in extra time. Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. This marks Switzerland's first World Cup quarter-final appearance since they hosted the tournament in 1954.
African Stars Academy recently returned from the Madrid Cup 2026, a youth tournament where they competed against mainly Spanish teams. Katjivirue, speaking to Desert FM, described the experience as a significant learning opportunity for the players, exposing them to international competition. He noted that the academy achieved its goal of introducing itself on the global stage, with their performance attracting attention from a local Madrid academy, which extended an invitation to another tournament. While unlikely to attend this year, the invitation may be considered in the future. Katjivirue also mentioned that several players garnered interest from coaches and scouts during the tournament, leading to inquiries about their potential. Comparing football standards, he observed that European academies prioritize possession-based football, tactical discipline, and structured play. He emphasized the need for Namibia to improve in these areas and to expose more young players to international competition for long-term football development. Katjivirue highlighted challenges such as limited access to quality football fields and training opportunities in Namibia compared to European nations. Moving forward, African Stars Academy plans to make international participation an annual component of its youth development program.
Must ReadThe International Olympic Committee IOC has lifted some restrictions on Russian athletes, allowing them to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated the aim is to ensure all athletes can compete without being held responsible for their government's actions. However, the ban on the Russian national anthem and flag remains in place for now. Returning Russian athletes will need to pass multiple doping tests. Individual sports federations can decide on the display of the flag and anthem at their own events or competitions in Russia. The IOC will make a decision regarding the display of the Russian flag, anthem, or colors at the Los Angeles Games at an appropriate time. Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the Olympic movement should be free from politics and confirming Russia's intention to participate in qualifiers. The IOC noted that Russia's return is more limited than Belarus's, which was allowed back without anthem or color restrictions. The IOC also stated that all athletes newly returning to international competition must have been tested multiple times prior to their return to address past doping scandals. The ban was initially imposed in October 2023 after the Russian Olympic Committee included sports organizations in annexed territories as members, a decision the ROC has since clarified it will not pursue. World Athletics, however, continues