Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago were pushed into the Copa America 2024 play-in round as one of the four losing quarter finalists in the Concacaf Nations League having been beaten 4-3 on aggregate by the US.
Author: Paul Nicholson
Thailand’s tight defence leaves Oman with more to do after points shared
January 21 – On a night of frustration, Thailand and Oman shared the points in a goalless group F encounter that sees Masatada Ishii’s team move to four points and inch closer to a second-round ticket.
South Korea in last gasp escape after Jordan’s added time own goal levels tie
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 20 – South Korea enjoyed an injury-time escape after Yazan Al Arab’s own goal levelled the scores at 2-2 with Jordan in Group E, but they remain on course for the round of 16 with a final group-stage fixture against Malaysia to come.
Added time strike keeps Bahrain hopes alive but ends Malaysia’s campaign
January 20 – An Ali Madan goal in added time allowed Bahrain to snatch a 1-0 win over Malaysia and keep their hopes alive of reaching the last 16 of the Asian Cup alive.
Salah injured as Egypt draw with Ghana
January 19 – Egypt lost Mohamed Salah to injury before coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Ghana in their potentially decisive Africa Cup of Nations match on Thursday.
Toney to captain Brentford on his return from betting ban
January 19 – Ivan Toney will captain Brentford at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday as the striker makes his return from an eight-month ban for gambling violations.
Henderson quits Saudi for European return at Ajax
January 19 – The lucrative Saudi league has lost one of its high-profile players after England midfielder Jordan Henderson unexpectedly quit and returned to Europe to sign for Ajax.
DFL extends EA Sports deal until 2027
January 19 – Germany’s DFL and EA Sports have extended their partnership until 2027, seeing EA Sports retain exclusive license rights for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in future EA Sports FC titles.
Iraq stun Japan with 2-1 win to guarantee last 16 slot
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
January 19 – In the first major upset of the Asian Cup, Iraq triumphed 2-1 against tournament favourites Japan to advance to the last 16 and inflict a first group-stage defeat on the Samurai Blue since 1998.
Transfer talk: Man Utd target de Ligt, Chelsea need £100m+ for Gyokeres
January 19 – Manchester United are targeting a summer swoop for 24-year old Bayern Munich and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt. The move would require a defensive clear out for the Red Devils, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof slated for the shop window come June.
Orange launches 14-team esports tournament alongside AFCON
January 19 – Telecoms giant Orange has furthered its involvement in the growth of eSports in Africa by launching an eFootball 2024 edition of the Orange eSport experience in Abidjan for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
Iran make hard work of Hong Kong but are through to knockouts
January 19 – Iran squeezed past a determined Hong Kong 1-0 to advance to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup with a game to spare in Group C.
Indonesia battle to 1-0 win over Vietnam
January 19 – Indonesia earned their first points in the competition by converting a decisive penalty versus a wasteful Vietnam side, as both teams went for the jugular in a battle at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Gerrard sticking with Al-Ettifaq and on-going build
January 19 – Former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson may have departed after just six months but Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension to stay as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq until 2027.
North Macedonia renew kit deal wth Jako for another year
January 19 – The Football Federation of North Macedonia has renewed its kit with German sportswear supplier Jako for another year.