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PSG faces Bayern Munich in Champions League semi-final first leg
via SeneNews3 min read
Paris Saint-Germain is set to play Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Parc des Princes. PSG coach Luis Enrique stated his team is ready to face "the best team in Europe," emphasizing their desire to retain their title. This marks PSG's third consecutive European semi-final under Enrique. Bayern Munich, led by coach Vincent Kompany and featuring players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise, presents a significant challenge, having defeated PSG 2-1 in the league phase in November. However, the reigning European champions can draw confidence from their 2-0 victory against Bayern in the Club World Cup quarter-final in July, despite playing with nine men. Harry Kane anticipates an intense match with many one-on-one duels, noting the similar playing styles of both teams. Kompany acknowledged PSG's offensive danger but expressed confidence in his team. Bayern's offensive power this season is notable, with 167 goals in 49 matches across all competitions, including 38 in the Champions League, with Kane, Olise, and Luis Diaz contributing 92 goals. Christoph Freund, sporting director for Bayern, believes collective performance will be crucial, highlighting his players' confidence and energy. PSG also possesses this confidence, having overcome Liverpool two weeks prior with a 2-0 win, showcasing their mental strength and the strong performance of Matveï Safonov and Ousmane Dembélé. Dembélé stressed the need to endure to succeed. PSG plans to rely on their u
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President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Alain Diouf as Minister to the President of the Republic, responsible for monitoring and evaluating the "Senegal 2050" national transformation agenda. This decision, announced via decree n° 2026-1143 on June 5, 2026, aims to strengthen the oversight of public policies related to this strategic vision for Senegal's future. Alain Diouf's mission is to ensure the implementation and evaluation of the "Senegal 2050" agenda, which serves as the strategic development framework for the country. The decree did not provide further details regarding the scope of his new functions. This appointment is part of an effort to enhance the management and monitoring of public policies linked to the "Senegal 2050" vision.
Mexico City launched the 2026 World Cup with a festive atmosphere, marked by the national team's 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. The opening ceremony featured traditional and modern music, including performances by Shakira and Burna Boy, celebrating Mexico's culture. However, the event was also marred by clashes between police and protesters outside the stadium, as well as overcrowding at the fan zone. Striking teachers had used the tournament to voice their demands, leading to blockades in parts of the capital. Despite these tensions, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the situation was "under control." Thousands of fans, some arriving as early as 6:30 AM, flocked to the stadium, which was secured by a large police presence. Protesters, demanding justice for missing persons, confronted law enforcement, tearing down barriers and engaging in physical altercations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to the crowd, and the official World Cup anthem, "DNA," was performed by Andrea Bocelli and Ejae.
Winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd have been removed from the Moroccan national team for the World Cup due to injuries, just two days before their opening match against Brazil. This is a significant blow for the Atlas Lions. The FIFA updated the list of 26 players from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, showing that Ezzalzouli and Aguerd have been replaced by Angers left-winger Amine Sbaï and Al-Fateh club defender Marwane Saadane. Ezzalzouli sustained a right knee sprain during the first half of a preparatory match against Norway. Aguerd has been sidelined since March after surgery for a groin injury. The absence of Ezzalzouli, 24, is particularly impactful given his impressive form with Betis this season, where he played a key role in the team's fifth-place finish in La Liga and qualification for the Champions League. He also contributed to the club reaching the Europa League quarterfinals. Aguerd's experience as a central defender and his contribution to the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists were highly valued by the new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi. Morocco faces a shortage of experienced central defenders following the retirement of former captain Romain Saïss, the injury of Torino defender Adam Masina during the last Africa Cup of Nations, and the long unavailability of Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad, who has just returned to competition. Fulham defender Issa Diop, who chose to represent Morocco, has joined the team.