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Brentford Secures 2-1 Victory Over Crystal Palace in Premier League Opener

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Brentford began their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

Bryan Mbuemo opened the scoring for Brentford in the 29th minute, cutting inside Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi before firing past goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Yoanne Wissa secured the win with a 75th-minute goal, capitalizing on a rebound from Nathan Collins’ deflected shot.

Crystal Palace’s lone goal came from a Brentford own goal, with Ethan Pinnock inadvertently putting the ball into his own net in the 56th minute.

The match, which marked Oliver Glasner’s competitive debut as Crystal Palace manager, saw both teams create numerous chances throughout.

Palace controlled much of the early possession, with Eberechi Eze seeing an early effort blocked before narrowly missing with a free kick. Joachim Andersen also tested Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken with a curling shot.

Controversy struck just before the half-hour mark when Eze’s free-kick goal was disallowed due to a foul in the penalty area, much to Palace’s frustration. Brentford capitalized on this reprieve three minutes later with Mbuemo’s opener.

Glasner made a tactical change at halftime, introducing Odsonne Edouard for Jean-Philippe Mateta. The substitution nearly paid off as Edouard found the net in the second half, only to be denied by an offside flag.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank’s side, playing without suspended striker Ivan Toney, demonstrated resilience in defense, with Flekken making crucial saves to deny Palace’s late push for an equalizer.

The match saw four yellow cards, with Palace’s Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen both cautioned before halftime.

This victory gives Brentford a positive start to their Premier League campaign, while Crystal Palace will look to regroup after a promising performance that ultimately fell short.

Next week, Brentford will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur, while Crystal Palace will host Everton as both teams continue their Premier League seasons.

Manchester City Beats Chelsea 2-0 in Premier League Opener

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LONDON  — Reigning champions Manchester City defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season, spoiling Enzo Maresca’s debut as Chelsea manager.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 18th minute, notching his 91st goal for Manchester City. The Norwegian striker capitalized on a loose ball, holding off two defenders before chipping the ball over Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic sealed the victory in the 84th minute, weaving past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo before firing past Sanchez.

The match began evenly, with both sides fielding changed lineups from the previous season. Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana sent an early effort over the bar from a corner, while City’s Jeremy Doku missed wide with a left-footed shot.

Chelsea thought they had equalized just before halftime when Nicolas Jackson found the net after Ederson spilled Cole Palmer’s shot, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The home side continued to press for an equalizer in the second half, with new signing Pedro Neto nearly scoring shortly after his introduction around the hour mark. Only a crucial clearance from City’s Rico Lewis prevented a tap-in at the back post.

Manchester City also had a goal disallowed when Rico Lewis found the net after the hour mark, but referee Anthony Taylor spotted a foul by Haaland in the buildup.

City manager Pep Guardiola made a tactical change at halftime, replacing debutant Savinho with Phil Foden. The substitution helped City maintain control in midfield and create more scoring opportunities.

The result marks a challenging start for Maresca, who took over as Chelsea manager this summer. Despite the loss, Chelsea showed promise against the defending champions, remaining competitive for much of the match.

For Manchester City, the victory sets a positive tone as they begin their campaign for a fifth consecutive Premier League title. Haaland’s early-season form and Kovacic’s impact against his former club will be encouraging signs for Guardiola.

The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at Stamford Bridge, with fans eager to see how both teams would perform in their season opener.

Next week, Chelsea will travel to face Brentford, while Manchester City will host Newcastle United as the Premier League season continues.

Senegal Launches First Satellite, Joining Elite Group of African Space Nations

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DAKAR, Senegal  — Senegal successfully launched its first satellite into orbit on Friday evening, joining a select group of African nations with space capabilities. The nanosatellite, named GAINDESAT-1A, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hailed the launch as a major step towards Senegal’s “technological sovereignty” in a statement posted on social media platform X. “I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible,” Faye said.

Maram Kaïré, director of Senegal’s space agency, described the event as “an important step and a historic day in our country’s progress and determination to become a space-faring nation.”

The satellite was developed by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with France’s Montpellier University Space Centre. It was one of 116 satellites deployed during the SpaceX mission.

With this launch, Senegal becomes the 12th African country to have its own surveillance and telecommunications satellite in space. The achievement underscores the growing interest and investment in space technology across the African continent.

GAINDESAT-1A is designed to collect data for various state agencies, including those responsible for water resources management, civil aviation, and meteorology. This capability is expected to enhance Senegal’s ability to address environmental and infrastructure challenges.

The successful launch represents a significant milestone in Senegal’s technological development and could potentially boost the country’s scientific research capabilities and economic growth.

International space experts view this development as part of a broader trend of African nations seeking to establish their presence in space. The continent has seen an increase in space-related activities in recent years, with countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa already operating their own satellites.

As Senegal celebrates this achievement, officials are already looking towards future space endeavors and the potential benefits they could bring to the nation’s development goals.

The launch has drawn attention from the international community, with space agencies and technology firms worldwide watching the progress of African nations in the field of space exploration and satellite technology.

North Korea Condemns Ukraine’s Incursion into Russia as ‘Act of Terror’

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PYONGYANG, North Korea  — North Korea has issued a strong condemnation of Ukraine’s recent military incursion into Russian territory, describing it as an “unforgivable act of terror” supported by the United States and Western allies, according to a statement released by state media on Sunday.

The North Korean foreign ministry, in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), accused the United States of pursuing an anti-Russia policy that is “pushing the situation to the brink of World War Three.” The ministry alleged that the U.S. has provided Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with “astronomical” sums of lethal weapons.

“We strongly condemn the armed attack against the Russian territory by the Zelenskyy puppet regime under the control and support of the United States and the West as an unforgivable act of aggression and terror,” the statement read.

This condemnation comes amid strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia. In the past year, the two nations have dramatically upgraded their relationship, with their leaders meeting for two summits. Most recently, in June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pact in Pyongyang on “comprehensive strategic partnership,” which included a mutual defense agreement.

The growing alliance between North Korea and Russia has raised concerns among Western nations and their allies. South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States have accused North Korea of supplying artillery and missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, allegations that both North Korea and Russia have denied.

North Korea’s statement of support for Russia in this conflict underscores the deepening geopolitical divisions surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war. It also highlights the potential for the conflict to impact international relations beyond the immediate region.

The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring the responses of other nations to these developments. The United Nations and other international bodies have yet to comment on North Korea’s latest statement.

As tensions continue to escalate, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia face increasing challenges, with the involvement of other nations like North Korea further complicating the international landscape.

Chelsea to Host Champions Manchester City in Premier League Opener

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LONDON — Chelsea will begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign by hosting reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, marking the competitive debut of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca, who led Leicester City to the Championship title last season, replaced Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s head coach. The Italian faces an immediate challenge against his former employers in what will be a stern test of Chelsea’s readiness under new management.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, with kick-off at 16:30 BST (11:30 ET). Anthony Taylor will referee the fixture, with Michael Salisbury as VAR.

Chelsea’s pre-season form has been inconsistent, including a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City. The Blues have been active in the transfer market, with potential debuts for new signings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Chelsea will be without captain Reece James, who is suspended for the first three matches of the season. However, the team welcomes back Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Cole Palmer from injuries and international duty.

Manchester City, aiming for their fifth consecutive Premier League title, have been relatively quiet in the transfer market. Their only major signing, Savio from Troyes, joins a squad that has dominated English football in recent years.

City manager Pep Guardiola may exercise caution with players returning from Euro 2024, including Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Rodri. Jack Grealish is doubtful due to a muscle issue, while academy graduate Oscar Bobb is sidelined with a leg fracture.

Recent head-to-head records favor Manchester City, with three wins and two draws in their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter saw City secure a 1-0 victory in the FA Cup on April 20, 2024.

Chelsea’s expected lineup includes goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, defenders Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield could feature Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, supporting an attack of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Christopher Nkunku.

Manchester City are likely to field Ederson in goal, with a defense including Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol. Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic may start in midfield, behind an attack featuring Bernardo Silva, James McAtee, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland.

Both teams enter the match following mixed pre-season results. Chelsea drew their last friendly 1-1 with Inter Milan, while Manchester City won the Community Shield on penalties against Manchester United.

The match marks the beginning of a Premier League season where Chelsea aim to improve on last season’s performance under new management, while Manchester City look to continue their domestic dominance. I’ve rewritten the article following Associated

Brentford to Host Crystal Palace in Premier League Season Opener

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LONDON  — Brentford will host Crystal Palace in their Premier League season opener on Sunday at the Gtech Community Stadium, with both London clubs looking to start their campaigns on a positive note.

Brentford, entering their fourth consecutive season in the top flight under manager Thomas Frank, aim to improve on last season’s 16th-place finish. The Bees have been active in the transfer market, signing striker Igor Thiago for £30 million ($38 million) and midfielder Fabio Carvalho for £22.5 million ($28.6 million) from Liverpool.

However, Thiago is sidelined for several months following knee surgery in late July. Brentford will also be without Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, and Josh Dasilva due to long-term injuries.

Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, who took over early in 2024, finished the previous season strongly. The Eagles face challenges in the transfer market, having already lost Michael Olise and with speculation surrounding the futures of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

Palace will be without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is unavailable following his participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics with France. New signings Daichi Kamada, Chadi Riad, and Ismaila Sarr are in contention to feature.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, with kick-off at 14:00 BST (09:00 ET). Sam Barrott will referee the fixture, with Peter Bankes as VAR.

Recent head-to-head records slightly favor Crystal Palace, with one win and four draws in their last five meetings. The most recent encounter saw Palace win 3-1 on December 30, 2023.

Brentford’s expected lineup includes goalkeeper Mark Flekken, defenders Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, and Kristoffer Ajer. The midfield could feature Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt, and Mathias Jensen, with Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney, and Yoane Wissa in attack.

Crystal Palace are likely to field Dean Henderson in goal, with a defense including Daniel Munoz, Joachim Andersen, Chadi Riad, Marc Guehi, and Tyrick Mitchell. Adam Wharton and Cheick Doucoure may start in midfield, supporting an attack of Daichi Kamada, Odsonne Edouard, and Eberechi Eze.

Both teams enter the match following mixed pre-season results. Brentford drew their last friendly 4-4 with Wolfsburg, while Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Nantes in their final preparation game.

The match marks the beginning of a Premier League season where both teams face different challenges: Brentford looking to establish themselves further in the top flight, and Crystal Palace aiming to build on their strong finish to the previous campaign under new management.

Du Plessis Submits Adesanya to Retain UFC Middleweight Title

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PERTH, Australia  — South African fighter Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against former champion Israel Adesanya, winning by submission in the fourth round at UFC 305 on Saturday night.

Du Plessis, 30, secured victory with a rear-naked choke after rocking Adesanya with a right hook. The win marks his first title defense since claiming the belt from Sean Strickland in January.

“To share this octagon with a legend… this man has done so much for this sport,” Du Plessis said post-fight, addressing the heated pre-fight buildup. “I’m really sorry it came across that I disrespected he was from Africa – it was never my intention. Tonight Africa won regardless.”

Adesanya, born in Nigeria but fighting out of New Zealand, was competing for the first time in 11 months. The former two-time champion had taken a break citing mental and physical fatigue after five title bouts in 16 months.

The fight began with both athletes finding success in the opening round. Adesanya landed a notable right hook to the body, while Du Plessis responded with leg kicks. The South African champion utilized his wrestling in the second round, taking Adesanya down three times.

Momentum shifted in the third round as Adesanya’s repeated body shots appeared to affect Du Plessis’ breathing. However, the champion rallied in the fourth, landing two significant hooks before finishing the fight on the ground.

Following the contest, both fighters showed mutual respect, embracing and shaking hands. Adesanya raised Du Plessis’ hand in a gesture of sportsmanship.

“I was fighting one of, if not the greatest striker ever in this division,” Du Plessis said. “I needed that takedown. At this level it’s hard to keep people down and this man is the king of getting back up.”

Despite the loss, Adesanya vowed to continue his career. “I’m disappointed in myself but at the same time I’m proud. This is the best I’ve ever felt, the best I’ve ever looked,” he said. “I know you all want to see me down and want to see me lose but watch this – I’m not leaving.”

In other UFC 305 action, Scotland-born Australian Casey O’Neill defeated Brazil’s Luana Santos by unanimous decision. O’Neill, 26, celebrated her victory by mimicking Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s routine from the recent Paris Olympics.

The event was held at the RAC Arena in Perth, with Du Plessis being walked out by South African rugby stars Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, fresh from their national team’s victory over Australia the previous day.

In related news, Georgian bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili was reportedly involved in an altercation with a heckler at an event in Las Vegas on Friday. Dvalishvili is scheduled to challenge Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight title at UFC 306 next month.

Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union Postpones Planned Strike for Two Weeks

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Kenya’s largest aviation workers’ union has postponed a planned strike for two weeks to allow for negotiations with the government over a proposed deal with India’s Adani Airport Holdings to develop the country’s main airport.

The strike, originally scheduled to begin Monday, was called off Sunday by the union’s secretary general, Moss Ndiema. “The Union has decided to postpone the strike notice, since we are going into discussions,” Ndiema said, adding that talks would involve the state-run airports authority and the transport ministry.

The union opposes the proposed agreement with Adani Airport Holdings, announced last month, claiming it would lead to job losses and the influx of non-Kenyan workers. “If the meeting fails to reach any agreement, the union will issue fresh strike notice for its members,” Ndiema warned.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi serves as a major regional aviation hub, and a strike would significantly disrupt air traffic across East Africa.

Kenya’s government has insisted that the airport is not for sale and that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership with Adani. The Kenya Airports Authority stated that Adani’s proposal includes plans to add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal if approved.

According to government officials, the airport currently operates beyond its capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually and requires urgent improvements estimated to cost $2 billion.

The Adani Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate, has been expanding its presence in the aviation sector globally. The proposed deal in Kenya would mark a significant entry into the African market for the company.

The postponement of the strike provides a temporary reprieve for travelers and the aviation industry, which has been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, with the union’s concerns about job security and foreign involvement in a critical national asset still to be addressed.

The Kenyan government faces the challenge of balancing the need for infrastructure development with the interests of its workforce and concerns about national sovereignty in strategic sectors.

As negotiations begin, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if a compromise can be reached that addresses the union’s concerns while allowing for the much-needed expansion and modernization of Kenya’s primary international gateway.

The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s aviation sector, its workforce, and the country’s position as a regional transportation hub.

Reuters

Malawi’s Main Opposition Endorses Former President Mutharika for 2025 Election

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Malawi’s main opposition party, the Democratic Progress Party (DPP), on Sunday endorsed former President Peter Mutharika as its candidate for the country’s 2025 presidential election.

Mutharika, 84, who served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020, accepted the nomination at the party’s national convention in Blantyre, the country’s commercial capital. In his acceptance speech, he pledged to address Malawi’s economic challenges, including anemic growth and foreign currency shortages that have led to fuel and medicine scarcities.

“We come from a background of winning from the opposition. We will do the same next year. We are coming to fix the economy,” Mutharika told party delegates.

The former president, a law professor by profession, will face incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party in the election scheduled for September 16, 2025. Chakwera, 69, will be seeking a second term.

During his previous tenure, Mutharika oversaw infrastructure improvements and a slowdown in inflation. However, his administration faced accusations of corruption and cronyism, which he denies.

Mutharika’s opponent, President Chakwera, came to power in 2020 promising to tackle corruption and accelerate economic growth. Critics argue that Chakwera has fallen short of these promises, with Malawi’s economy remaining fragile.

In a move that could significantly alter the political landscape, Mutharika announced his intention to form an opposition alliance including the United Transformation Movement (UTM). The UTM, founded by the late Vice President Saulos Chilima who died in a plane crash in June, was instrumental in Chakwera’s 2020 victory over Mutharika.

Following Chilima’s death, the UTM announced plans to withdraw from the ruling alliance. However, the party has not yet confirmed an alliance with Mutharika’s DPP. A UTM spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on the potential coalition.

The proposed alliance, if realized, could dramatically reshape the 2025 electoral race. It would bring together two significant opposition forces against the incumbent Chakwera administration.

Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, faces significant economic challenges. The next administration will need to address issues such as foreign currency shortages, fuel scarcity, and the need for sustainable economic growth.

As the campaign period approaches, both Mutharika and Chakwera are expected to intensify their efforts to win over Malawian voters. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for Malawi’s economic and political future.

Reuters

Sudan Paramilitary Fighters Kill 85 in Central Village Attack, Residents Say

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Fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed at least 85 people, including women and children, in an attack on a central Sudanese village, local authorities and residents reported Saturday.

The assault on Galgani in Sennar province, which began in late July, escalated last week when RSF fighters “indiscriminately opened fire on the village’s unarmed residents,” according to Sudan’s Foreign Ministry. More than 150 villagers were wounded in the attack.

Residents described a hours-long onslaught that began Thursday when hundreds of RSF fighters stormed the village in pickup trucks armed with automatic rifles and heavy weapons. The attack followed an earlier, smaller incursion that villagers had repelled.

A health care worker at the local medical center, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, told The Associated Press that as of Friday, the center had received at least 80 bodies, including 24 women and minors.

Mohamed Tajal-Amin, a villager, reported seeing seven bodies in the street on Friday, including six men and one woman. “The Janjaweed are in the street and people are not able to recover their dead and bury them,” he said, using a term for Arab militias associated with atrocities in Darfur.

The RSF has faced repeated accusations of massacres, rapes, and other gross violations across Sudan since fighting between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese military erupted in April 2023.

This attack comes as U.S.-led efforts to resume peace talks between the military and the RSF continue in Switzerland. The Sudanese military has boycotted these talks, while the RSF sent a delegation to Geneva but has not participated in meetings.

U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello posted on social media platform X on Friday, “The RSF remains here ready for talks to start; SAF needs to decide to come,” referring to Sudan’s Armed Forces.

The conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. More than 10.7 million people have been displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration. Over 2 million have fled to neighboring countries. Famine was confirmed last month in a camp for displaced people in Darfur.

The United Nations and international rights groups have characterized atrocities committed during the conflict as war crimes and crimes against humanity, citing mass rape and ethnically motivated killings.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the violence in Sudan shows no signs of abating. The attack on Galgani underscores the ongoing threat to civilian populations and the challenges facing international mediators in their attempts to bring an end to the 18-month-long conflict.

RSF spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment on the Galgani attack.

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