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Cape Verde has secured its first-ever World Cup appearance after a 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday at the National Stadium in Praia, sending a nation of fewer than 600,000 people to the summer tournament.The Tubares Azuis (Blue Sharks) had only reached their first Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and were widely expected to battle for second place in Group D during African World Cup qualifying, drawn alongside Cameroon.Under the guidance of manager Bubista, Cape Verde remained unbeaten at home, winning four of five matches without conceding a single goal. A 1-0 win over Cameroon helped offset a 4-1 loss in Yaound and proved decisive for qualification.On Monday, goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and Stopira just after halftime rendered Cameroons result against Angola irrelevant. Cameroon will finish second in the group and may still have a playoff route to the World Cup.Cape Verdes squad relied heavily on experience, with four of the countrys five most-capped players in Ryan Mendes, Vozinha, Stopira, and Garry Rodrigues. Mendes is also the nations all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.Formerly part of Portugal until 1974, Cape Verde joined FIFA in 1982 and became a member of the African Confederation, making this qualification a historic milestone for the small island nation.

Arsenal summer signing Christian Norgaard has made a surprise admission about this future.

[caption id="attachment_1257832" align="alignnone" width="696"] Bashir Hayford[/caption]The head coach of Heart of Lions, Bashir Hayford, has shared his satisfaction with the team's goalless draw against Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Monday.The team from Kpando locked horns with the Phobians today in a Week 5 encounter of the 2025/26 league campaign staged at Accra Sports Stadium.At the end of an impressive performance from the two teams, neither side could score and had to settle for a point each.Speaking in his post-match interview, Bashir Hayford stressed that picking a point from a tough match against Hearts of Oak is enough for his side.He assured fans that after back-to-back drawn games on the road, his team will return home in the next matchday, determined to secure victory."I think we have done very well. It was a tough game, and I think my boys managed them. One point I think is enough. We have played away twice, and we have drawn the last two. We must make amends at home," Bashir Hayford said.Up next for Heart of Lions, the team will host Bibiani Gold Stars on Monday, October 20.

Quick take: Big picture: the update fits broader trends across the league with schedule pressure and tight tables. Supporters will watch for clarity from training ground reports and official briefings. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Milan have recorded the best financial results in their history, posting a profit for the third consecutive year and reaching record revenues of €495 million for the 2024-25 season, according to Calcio e Finanza.

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Roma have reached the international break flying high under Gian Piero Gasperini, sitting joint-top of the Serie A table alongside Napoli and rediscovering belief under their new coach.

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Inter have no doubts about Francesco Pio Esposito’s future, with the club preparing to reward the young forward with a new long-term contract that reflects his rapid progress and growing importance.

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Barcelona's Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

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Mauro Icardi does not appear entirely convinced about remaining in Turkey, and at the end of this season, he will be available on a free transfer once his contract with Galatasaray expires.

The city of Udine is preparing for major demonstrations ahead of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, with authorities announcing extensive anti-terrorism measures to ensure safety around the match.

It’s no secret that Ruben Amorim is under pressure at Man United, although he is expected to remain as manager for now. Nevertheless, he could be sacked if there is not a spark upturn in form over the coming weeks, which has led to links with over managers.