AFCON knockout rounds exploded with dramatic finishes while Premier League title contenders dropped crucial points in tense title-race clashes, with classic FA Cup upsets witnessed on the weekend. Barcelona’s Super Cup triumph over Madrid and Bayern’s Bundesliga rout dominated headlines as 2026’s football action hits maximum intensity across continents.
African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
Ndiaye’s 27th-minute finish seals Senegal’s semi-final spot as Bissouma dismissed in first-half drama
Senegal advanced to the AFCON semi-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mali, courtesy of Iliman Ndiaye’s 27th-minute clinical finish that epitomised Senegal’s dominant display at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The Everton forward tucked the ball home after instigating a move that fell kindly to him in the box, capitalizing on Senegal’s superior attacking prowess despite Mali’s defensive resilience throughout. Mali’s cause was hampered further when captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card on the stroke of half-time for a reckless challenge, leaving the 10-man visitors unable to mount a serious comeback as Senegal’s 19 shots to Mali’s eight showcased their overwhelming dominance.
Diaz and Saibari seal Morocco’s historic semi-final berth as hosts advance
Morocco reached the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2004 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon, with Brahim Diaz scoring his fifth goal of the tournament in the 25th minute from Ayoub El Kaabi’s header flick-on following Achraf Hakimi’s corner. Diaz’s clinical near-post finish showcased Morocco’s attacking efficiency before Ismael Saibari’s fierce drive in the 74th minute—from Nayef Aguerd’s flicked header off an Ezzalzouli free-kick—sealed the hosts’ progression and cemented their credentials as tournament contenders. Cameroon registered zero shots on target throughout the encounter, with their defensive fragility on display despite Mohamed Abdelmaguid’s unforced error contribution, leaving Indomitable Lions fans devastated after their tournament exit.
Osimhen’s and Adams’ finishes seal Super Eagles’ dominant display against Desert warriors
Nigeria produced an overwhelming performance to eliminate Algeria with a deserving 2-0 victory, with Victor Osimhen’s downward header just 84 seconds into the second half from Bruno Onyemaechi’s far-post cross breaking the Desert Warriors’ resistance after a goalless first half. Akor Adams calmly collected Osimhen’s 57th-minute lay-off, rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane, and tapped into the unguarded net to seal Nigeria’s semi-final berth with a display that generated 2.9 expected goals compared to Algeria’s mere 0.13 xG from just three shots. Nigeria’s dominance was underlined by their 13 shots to Algeria’s three, with Algeria failing to register a single shot on target—the first time since 2010 they’ve achieved this dubious distinction in an AFCON match.
Salah’s 52nd-minute intervention seals Egypt’s dramatic victory as defending champions fall just short at Stade d’Agadir
Egypt secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over defending champions Ivory Coast, with Mohamed Salah’s crucial 52th-minute conversion from Emam Ashour’s first-time cross proving the decisive factor in a pulsating quarter-final thriller at Stade d’Agadir. Omar Marmoush’s fourth-minute opener from Ashour’s threading pass and Rami Rabia’s 32nd-minute header from Salah’s right-sided corner gave Egypt a commanding two-goal lead before Ivory Coast mounted a desperate comeback. Ahmed Abou El Fotouh’s own goal in the 40th minute pulled Ivory Coast back, while Sylvain Dié’s rebound finish following Ibrahim Sangare’s header, saved by Mohamed El Shenawy, kept the defenders dangerously close, yet Salah’s heroics prevented extra time as Egypt secured their sixth straight AFCON quarter-final victory with clinical finishing.
Premier League
Semenyo’s fairytale winner seals dramatic victory as Spurs’ managerial pressure mounts heading into Cup action
Antoine Semenyo scored a spectacular long-range winner on his 26th birthday to seal Bournemouth’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Tottenham, with the winger receiving a standing ovation as he departed moments before full-time. Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi’s earlier strikes were cancelled by Mathys Tel and João Palhinha’s second-half goals, setting up a tense finale where Semenyo’s clinical finish ultimately decided the contest. Semenyo’s impending move to Manchester City was momentarily forgotten as the Cherries’ birthday boy delivered a memorable performance, extending Tottenham’s poor run under Thomas Frank with pressure mounting on the former Brighton boss.
Palace’s stubborn resistance frustrates Villa’s title ambitions in Selhurst stalemate
Crystal Palace held title-chasing Aston Villa to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, frustrating Unai Emery’s side with resolute defensive organization that prevented either team from claiming a decisive advantage. Brendan Johnson’s powerful first-half strike was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martínez before Villa substitute Marco Bizot made crucial interventions, while Ollie Watkins saw his late header agonisingly bounce off the post. The stalemate extended Villa’s poor record against Palace to seven matches without victory, with both sides’ title credentials questioned after a match devoid of quality attacking moves.
Harry Wilson’s clinical late finish seals Fulham victory as 10-man Chelsea’s woes continue under Interim management
Harry Wilson’s 81st-minute winner secured Fulham’s 2-1 victory over 10-man Chelsea, with the Welshman finishing clinical opportunities as the Blues’ misery deepened under interim boss Calum McFarlane. Marc Cucurella’s early dismissal for denying Wilson’s goal-scoring opportunity rendered Chelsea’s task herculean, though Raúl Jiménez’s opener and Liam Delap’s emotional first Chelsea goal kept proceedings competitive. Wilson’s decisive finish proved crucial in extending Fulham’s unbeaten run to six matches, with incoming boss Liam Rosenior watching from the stands as his new charges continued their impressive recent form.
Haaland’s penalty cancelled by Mitoma as title-chasing City drop points for the third successive game
Manchester City drew 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad, extending their concerning run of dropped points to three consecutive games as Kaoru Mitoma’s 60th-minute equalizer cancelled Erling Haaland’s first-half penalty. City controlled large periods of possession and created multiple chances despite Brighton’s defensive resilience, yet their inability to convert opportunities continues plaguing Guardiola’s side. The draw opened the door further for Arsenal to extend their title advantage, with City’s recent inconsistency raising serious questions about their championship credentials heading into crucial fixtures.
Interim manager Fletcher’s debut ends in draw as desperate United continue stuttering run
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-battling Burnley under interim boss Darren Fletcher’s first game, failing to capitalize on their managerial change momentum against struggling opposition. Burnley’s opening goal came from a fortunate deflection before Benjamin Sesko’s double and United’s inability to break through their compact defensive organization showcased the Red Devils’ attacking impotence. Fletcher’s debut provided no immediate dividend for United’s supporters, extending their winless run and leaving questions about their title credentials as chaos continues at Old Trafford.
Harvey Barnes’ latest goal seals an epic Seven-goal thriller as Leeds’ winless run ends in heartbreak
Harvey Barnes scored a dramatic 97th-minute winner to seal Newcastle’s incredible 4-3 victory over Leeds United at St James’ Park, capping off one of the Premier League’s most pulsating encounters in recent memory. Brenden Aaronson’s brace appeared to have secured three points for the visitors, yet Newcastle’s resilience proved decisive with Barnes and Joelinton responding to orchestrate a stunning comeback that left Leeds supporters devastated. The astonishing seven-goal thriller showcased attacking football at its finest, with both sides creating numerous chances in an unforgettable contest that exemplified the Premier League’s unpredictability and drama.
Slot’s defensive masterclass frustrates Gunners as leaders miss chance to open eight-point gap
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool at the Emirates, squandering the opportunity to extend their Premier League lead to eight points after Manchester City’s earlier dropped points against Brighton. Liverpool’s defensive resilience and unorthodox pressing system frustrated Arsenal’s attacking ambitions, with Conor Bradley coming closest to breaking the deadlock when his creative effort bounced off the crossbar. The stalemate marked frustration for Arsenal’s title push, with the Gunners failing to seriously trouble Alisson while Liverpool’s defending champions showcase suggested European qualification remains their primary concern.
Cup Football
Raphinha’s deflected winner seals Spanish Super Cup as the chaotic El Clásico ended in Blaugrana Glory
Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah, with Raphinha’s 73rd-minute deflected strike off Raúl Asencio proving decisive in a chaotic El Clásico encounter that showcased attacking brilliance from both sides. Raphinha’s 36th-minute opener was cancelled by Vinícius Júnior’s audacious solo effort, nutmegging Jules Koundé two minutes before halftime, yet Robert Lewandowski’s clinical stoppage-time finish restored Barcelona’s lead before Gonzalo García equalized for Madrid from Dean Huijsen’s rebound. Raphinha’s crucial deflection secured Barcelona’s record 16th Super Cup title and fourth trophy under Hansi Flick, with Frenkie de Jong’s 91st-minute red card for a professional foul on substitute Kylian Mbappé leaving the Catalan giants defending with ten men before heroic goalkeeper Joan García’s double-save preserved their dominance.
Ramos’ dramatic late strike send PSG through as Chevalier’s penalty heroics secure Trophée Des Champions
Paris Saint-Germain fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with rivals Marseille in the Trophée des Champions before prevailing 4-1 on penalties, with Gonçalo Ramos’ dramatic 95th-minute volley rescuing the European champions. Ousmane Dembélé’s early 13th-minute opener and Ramos’ stoppage-time leveller bracketed Mason Greenwood’s penalty conversion and Willian Pacho’s own goal in a volatile encounter. Lucas Chevalier’s decisive penalty-saving performance, featuring saves from Matt O’Riley and Hamed Traore proved pivotal, with PSG capturing their fourth consecutive Trophée title and signalling their continued continental dominance.
Non-League Macclesfield produces a historic FA Cup upset by eliminating reigning Cup holders Palace
Non-league Macclesfield delivered one of the greatest FA Cup upsets in recent history, shocking current champions Crystal Palace with a stunning 2-1 victory in the third round. Paul Dawson’s 43rd-minute header and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts’ 60th-minute finish proved decisive despite Yéremy Pino’s late consolation, with the sixth-tier side’s defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess overwhelming their supposedly superior opponents. The shock result epitomised the FA Cup’s famous unpredictability, with Macclesfield’s first competitive victory over Premier League opposition in 26 years providing inspiring hope for lower-league aspirations.
Hudson-Odoi’s late drama seals penalty shootout as Wrexham eliminate Premier League opponents
Wrexham secured a memorable FA Cup victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest after a thrilling 3-3 draw, with the Welsh club triumphing 4-3 on penalties to advance in an enthralling third-round encounter. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s brace and Liberato Cacace’s earlier strike were matched by Igor Jesus’ goal and Hudson-Odoi’s own second-half responses, before penalty drama saw goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo prove the decisive factor. Wrexham’s dramatic victory celebrated 26 years of waiting for a scalp over top-flight opposition, with the penalty shootout success providing inspiration heading into further rounds.
Endrick’s clinical strike on debut secure Coupe de France progress at Pierre-Mauroy
Lyon advanced to the Coupe de France Round of 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lille, where Afonso Moreira’s first-minute opener set the tone before Nathan Ngoy’s quick equalizer forced a tense second half resolved by Endrick’s composed 42nd-minute finish from Corentin Tolisso’s assist. Despite Lille’s 54% possession and 1.47 xG advantage, Lyon’s clinical finishing from Rémy Descamps’ early interplay and Endrick’s predatory instincts proved decisive against a depleted home side missing key defenders. Nicolás Tagliafico earned Player of the Match honours for his commanding defensive display, helping Lyon withstand Lille’s late pressure, including multiple Ethan Mbappé corners in added time.
Serie A
McTominay and Di Lorenzo’s second-half heroics salvage a point as Napoli extend unbeaten run at home
Napoli mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to secure a 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Hellas Verona, with Scott McTominay and Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s clinical responses rescuing Conte’s side from a precarious position. Verona’s shocking first-half dominance saw them establish a two-goal advantage through Martin Frese and Gift Orban’s penalty, leaving Napoli requiring significant adjustments to avoid dropping crucial points. McTominay’s ninth-minute second-half header and Di Lorenzo’s 82nd-minute equalizer preserved Napoli’s unbeaten home record across 23 matches overall, though the missed opportunity to leapfrog Inter proved costly in the title race.
Dimarco and Thuram’s decisive goals extend Inter’s lead at Serie A summit with sixth consecutive victory
Inter Milan claimed a commanding 2-0 away victory over Parma on a foggy Wednesday evening, with Federico Dimarco’s first-half strike and Marcus Thuram’s stoppage-time finish extending their unbeaten run to six consecutive league matches. Inter’s sixth-straight victory moved them four points clear at Serie A’s summit, with their relentless form suggesting dangerous title credentials heading into a crucial showdown with Napoli. The clinical performance showcased Inter’s attacking prowess and defensive organization, reinforcing their status as genuine league frontrunners ahead of crucial January fixtures.
Late Genoa and Fiorentina drama denies Milan the chance to close on Inter as Rossoneri miss opportunity against relegation strugglers
AC Milan drew 1-1 at home with relegation-threatened Genoa on Thursday evening, squandering the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Inter Milan despite controlling possession throughout large periods. Milan’s failure to convert dominance into victory extended their frustrating recent trend, leaving supporters questioning their championship credentials heading into the critical January period. Genoa’s resilient display and ability to secure a surprising point kept them closer to safety, though Milan’s inconsistent form continues hampering their summit challenge.
Fiorentina and AC Milan played out a tightly contested 1-1 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with Pietro Comuzzo’s 66th-minute header from David de Gea’s clearing error opening the scoring before Christopher Nkunku’s dramatic 90th-minute equaliser snatched a point for the visitors. The goalless first half showcased both sides’ defensive organization, with Fiorentina controlling possession at 52%, yet both teams registered just five and three big chances respectively. Nkunku’s late intervention from a chaotic final minute proved decisive as Milan extended their unbeaten run to 19 consecutive Serie A matches, though the dropped points left them four points adrift of leaders Inter Milan, with a crucial title race battle developing
Stalemate in mid-table clash as Como and Bologna continue fighting for European qualification spots
Como and Bologna played out a 1-1 draw in their Serie A encounter, with both teams unable to force a decisive advantage despite creating reasonable opportunities throughout the encounter. The stalemate extended both clubs’ indifferent recent form, leaving supporters frustrated after another unconvincing performance in their European qualification battles. The point offered limited satisfaction for either side heading into their next fixtures, with both teams requiring improved performances to push towards continental spots.
McTominay’s dramatic 81st-minute brace rescue seals a crucial point as the title race tightens dramatically
Napoli claimed a vital 2-2 draw at Inter Milan’s San Siro fortress on January 11, with Scott McTominay’s crucial 81st-minute equalizer snatching a point from the jaws of defeat after Inter had appeared poised to open a commanding seven-point advantage. Federico Dimarco’s ninth-minute opener set the tone for Inter’s perfect start, yet McTominay’s 26th-minute response from Leonardo Spinazzola’s combination play kept Napoli competitive through the first half until Hakan Çalhanoglu’s 73rd-minute penalty from Amir Rrahmani’s foul pushed Inter ahead again. McTominay’s second intervention proved decisive, reacting quickest to Matteo Politano’s cross after Noa Lang’s deflection to preserve Napoli’s unbeaten record against Inter, leaving the Nerazzurri four points clear at the summit with both sides demanding increasingly from their January fixtures ahead.
Bundesliga
High-Octane drama produces six-goal thriller as both sides battle to stalemate in a pulsating encounter
Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund produced a thrilling 3-3 draw in their Bundesliga clash, with both teams showcasing attacking prowess that resulted in a pulsating seven-goal encounter lacking a decisive conclusion. Frankfurt’s attacking ambitions were matched by Dortmund’s resilience, with multiple goal-scoring opportunities going unconverted by both sides in a display of entertaining but ultimately frustrating football. The stalemate left both clubs seeking wins, with Frankfurt continuing their inconsistent season while Dortmund chased top-place contenders heading into February’s crucial run.
Stuttgart’s demolition of Leverkusen sends shockwaves through Bundesliga title race
VfB Stuttgart produced a stunning 4-1 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen, delivering a devastating performance that shattered Leverkusen’s European spot credentials and sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga title race. Stuttgart’s clinical finishing and defensive organization proved overwhelming against a Leverkusen side that appeared unable to cope with the visitors’ attacking intensity and tactical superiority. The emphatic victory demonstrated Stuttgart’s championship qualities, with the outstanding performance boosting their European spot aspirations in the coming decisive fixtures.
Historic rout sees Kane reach 20-goal mark as Bayern demolish helpless visitors in record-breaking performance
Bayern Munich opened 2026 in devastating fashion with a historic 8-1 demolition of Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena, equalling their biggest Bundesliga winning margin since 1971 as they extended their unbeaten run and consolidated their title credentials. Bayern required just five minutes to break through when Luis Díaz’s dangerous cross deflected off Wolfsburg defender Kilian Fischer’s unfortunate own goal, yet Dzenan Pejčinović’s 13th-minute response briefly offered hope before the Bavarians produced a masterclass of clinical finishing. Michael Olise’s brace from the 50th and 76th minutes, combined with Harry Kane’s spectacular 69th-minute curled effort and Raphaël Guerreiro’s insertion, provided ruthless dominance, with Leon Goretzka’s 88th-minute finale completing the rout and extending Bayern’s lead to 11 points over second-placed Borussia Dortmund with their most dominant opening to any calendar year in their illustrious history.
