馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Mexico advances to World Cup knockout stage, Canada secures historic victory
via The Namibian3 min read
Mexico became the first team to reach the World Cup knockout round after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. A goal from Luis Romo secured Mexico's top spot in Group A with a game remaining. South Korea is currently second with three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa each have one point. In other matches, Canada achieved their first-ever World Cup victory, defeating Qatar 6-0 in Group B. This win puts Canada on the brink of advancing to the last 32, needing only a point against Switzerland to finish first in their group. The Canadian victory was marked by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after a challenge that resulted in a red card for Qatar's Assim Madibo. Canada coach Jesse Marsch stated that Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg. Earlier, Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, reigniting their campaign in Group B. Johan Manzambi scored twice for Switzerland. South Africa also kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, with Teboho Mokoena scoring a penalty for South Africa.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The United States and Australia are looking to secure their spots in the World Cup knockout rounds on Friday. Mexico has already advanced to the last 32 after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. The USA, coming off a 4-1 win against Paraguay, is confident ahead of their match against Australia. Australia also enters the game with momentum after a 2-0 upset against Turkey. A comment from a US pundit suggesting Australia would be an easy opponent has added tension, with Socceroos coach Tony Popovic stating his team will earn respect on the field. Meanwhile, Brazil aims to improve their performance against Haiti after a 1-1 draw with Morocco. Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes acknowledged the team's poor first match and pledged commitment for the upcoming game. Coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to change the lineup and emphasized resilience. Scotland's captain Andy Robertson is urging his team to build on their 1-0 win against Haiti and secure a result against Morocco to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. Off the field, Iran's football federation plans to lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding alleged travel restrictions, claiming their request to fly to Los Angeles two days before their match against Belgium was denied. The White House's point person for the World Cup, Andrew Giuliani, stated that Iran was informed they would be allowed to enter the United States only on the day before the game.
Namibian long-distance runners Eliander Nepembe and Titus Elago earned silver medals at the 99th Comrades Marathon in South Africa. They completed the 85.7-kilometre Up Run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in under seven hours and 30 minutes. Nepembe finished in seven hours, seven minutes, and 16 seconds, while Elago crossed the line in seven hours, 24 minutes, and 57 seconds. Their performances contributed to a strong showing by Namibian runners at the event. Nepembe described feeling a mix of excitement and nerves at the start, highlighting the intense preparation involving early morning and weekend training sessions. He found the Polly Shortts climb particularly challenging. Elago credited strategic pacing for his success, conserving energy in the initial 50 to 60 kilometres before increasing his speed. He also overcame discomfort in his right foot during the race by maintaining a determined mindset. The Windhoek City Runners Club sent a record 34 members to this year's Comrades Marathon, reflecting the growing popularity of distance running in Namibia. Both athletes emphasized the value of international competition for gaining experience and exposure, with Elago suggesting it helps improve local events. Nepembe plans to compete in the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons next year, while Elago aims to qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon through the Black Mamba Marathon.
Rusten Sukhile Mogane, a former Black Africa midfield playmaker and Brave Warriors coach, reflects on his career, highlighting the honor of representing his country. At 17, while still a student at Augustineum High School, he made history by being selected for the South West Africa team in the Currie Cup tournament in South Africa. Mogane, who began playing serious football after moving to Augustineum, also excelled as a sprinter before dedicating himself to football. He played for Benfico Bucks and captained the Augustineum school team before joining Black Africa as its youngest player. Initially a right-winger, he transitioned to a playmaker role in midfield. Mogane was a consistent call-up for the South West Africa team in the Currie Cup and Impala Cup tournaments. Beyond football, he was involved in student politics, advocating for liberation. After qualifying as a teacher, he became a founding member and chairman of the Namibia National Teachers Union branch at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School. He later pursued coaching, attending courses led by Viv Anderson and Sir Bobby Charlton, and an A license course in Germany. Mogane coached Namibia's under-17, under-20, and under-23 teams before becoming head coach of the senior national team, leading the Brave Warriors to qualify for the 1998 Afcon in Burkina Faso. His coaching highlights also include reaching two Cosafa Cup finals and achieving two victories against Bafana Bafana. Mogane has coached several Namibian Premier Le