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Lewandowski’s Double Leads Barcelona to 2-1 Victory Over Valencia in La Liga Opener

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Emmanuel
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VALENCIA, Spain  — Robert Lewandowski scored twice to lead Barcelona to a 2-1 comeback victory over Valencia in their La Liga season opener on Saturday, marking a successful debut for new coach Hansi Flick.

Valencia took the lead in the 43rd minute when Hugo Duro headed home. The goal was initially flagged offside but was allowed to stand after a VAR review confirmed Duro had timed his run perfectly.

Lewandowski equalized for Barcelona with the final kick of the first half. Alejandro Balde’s cross was redirected across goal by Lamine Yamal, allowing Lewandowski to tap into an empty net.

The Polish striker sealed the win for Barcelona in the 47th minute, converting a penalty after Raphinha was fouled in the box. Lewandowski’s spot-kick found the top corner, putting Barcelona ahead for the first time in the match.

Barcelona’s victory came despite an injury scare for left-back Alejandro Balde, who limped off during the game. The extent of his injury was not immediately clear.

The match saw Barcelona adopt a higher-tempo style under Flick compared to former coach Xavi’s approach. Lamine Yamal posed a consistent threat on the wing, while Raphinha tested Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with a long-range effort in the first half.

Valencia had several chances to extend their lead before Barcelona’s comeback. Duro narrowly missed with a volley from six yards out, though he was spared embarrassment by an offside flag. Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s error nearly gifted Valencia a second goal, but Pau Cubarsi made a crucial goal-line clearance.

In the second half, Barcelona dominated possession and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Ferran Torres saw an effort saved just before the hour mark, while Lewandowski narrowly missed completing his hat-trick when a deflected shot went wide with 20 minutes remaining.

The victory gives Barcelona a positive start to their La Liga campaign as they aim to defend their title from last season. For Valencia, the defeat highlights the challenges they face under new management this season.

Barcelona’s next fixture is at home against Real Sociedad, while Valencia will travel to face Osasuna in their second match of the La Liga season.

Russia Launches Criminal Investigation of Italian Journalists for Alleged Illegal Border Crossing

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MOSCOW — Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) opened a criminal investigation Saturday into two Italian journalists who reported on Ukraine’s military offensive in the Kursk region, accusing them of illegally crossing the Russian border.

The journalists, Simone Traini and Stefania Battistini, work for RAI, Italy’s public broadcaster. Their report, which aired Wednesday, showed them driving into the Kursk region accompanied by Ukrainian military forces.

According to the Russian state news agency RIA, the FSB stated it had “launched a case against foreign journalists Simone Traini and Stefania Battistini, who illegally crossed the State Border of the Russian Federation.”

The security service alleged that the journalists “carried out video shooting in the territory of the settlement of Sudzha,” a town approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Ukraine-Russia border. Ukrainian forces claim to control this area as part of their cross-border ground assault that began on August 6.

The RAI report featured footage of the journalists traveling in an armored vehicle past Russian road signs before arriving in Sudzha, where they interviewed local residents.

In response to the broadcast, Russia summoned Italy’s ambassador to Moscow, Cecilia Piccioni, on Friday to lodge a formal protest. During the meeting, Piccioni explained that RAI and its editorial teams “plan their activities in a totally free and independent way,” according to an Italian foreign ministry spokesman who spoke to AFP.

The criminal probe marks an escalation in tensions between Russia and foreign media covering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It also highlights the complex situation in border regions where control is disputed between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine’s offensive in the Kursk region represents a significant development in the conflict, with Ukrainian forces pushing beyond their borders into Russian territory.

The case against the Italian journalists raises questions about press freedom and the challenges faced by international media reporting on the conflict. It also underscores the potential legal risks for journalists operating in contested areas along the Russia-Ukraine border.

As of Saturday, neither RAI nor the journalists had publicly commented on the criminal investigation. The Italian government has not announced any official response to the Russian probe beyond the ambassador’s explanation of RAI’s editorial independence.

The situation continues to develop, with potential implications for diplomatic relations between Russia and Italy, as well as for international media coverage of the ongoing conflict in the region.

Morata, Okafor Help AC Milan Salvage 2-2 Draw with Torino in Serie A Opener

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MILAN, Italy  — AC Milan staged a dramatic late comeback to draw 2-2 with Torino in their Serie A season opener at San Siro on Saturday, scoring twice in the final six minutes of regulation and stoppage time.

The match marked Paulo Fonseca’s competitive debut as Milan’s head coach. Fonseca opted to rest Theo Hernandez, starting Alexis Saelemaekers as a makeshift left-back against Torino’s 3-5-2 formation.

Torino took the lead in the 30th minute through an unusual play. Raoul Bellanova’s header from a Duvan Zapata cross looped onto the inside of the far post, bounced on the line, and was accidentally dragged over by Milan defender Malick Thiaw in his attempted clearance. The goal was confirmed by VAR after goal-line technology did not activate.

Milan had early chances, with Thiaw’s header cleared off the line by Adam Masina and Rafael Leao turning the rebound over in the sixth minute.

Torino doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Valentin Lazaro combined with Ivan Ilic down the left before crossing for Duvan Zapata, who headed home from six yards.

Milan’s comeback began in the 89th minute when Alvaro Morata, a second-half substitute, redirected Tijjani Reijnders’ shot past Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The equalizer came deep into stoppage time. Yunus Musah crossed from the right for fellow substitute Noah Okafor to volley in from 10 yards, securing a point for the hosts.

Earlier, Milan thought they had earned a penalty when Morata went down in the box, but the referee reversed his decision after a VAR review showed Saul Coco had won the ball cleanly.

The match saw several missed opportunities for both sides. Leao was denied one-on-one by Milinkovic-Savic in the first half, while Christian Pulisic failed to capitalize on a poor back-pass early in the second half.

Torino could have extended their lead when Yann Karamoh over-hit a pass for an unmarked Che Adams on a counterattack.

The result leaves both teams with a point from their opening fixture of the Serie A season. Milan will look to build on their late resurgence, while Torino will rue their inability to hold onto a two-goal lead.

Milan’s next match is away to Bologna, while Torino will host Genoa in their next Serie A fixture.

Brighton Hammers Everton 3-0 in Premier League Season Opener

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Brighton & Hove Albion started their Premier League campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The victory marked Brighton’s fourth consecutive opening day win, a first in the club’s history. It also gave new manager Fabian Hurzeler a successful Premier League debut.

Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for Brighton in the 26th minute, tapping in a cross from debutant Yankuba Minteh.

Everton thought they had taken an early lead through Jack Harrison, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The home team was later awarded a penalty after the break, but the decision was overturned upon video review.

Danny Welbeck doubled Brighton’s lead in the second half, capitalizing on a misplaced pass by Idrissa Gueye. The goal marked Welbeck’s 15th consecutive Premier League season with a score.

Everton’s troubles worsened when Ashley Young received a red card for pulling back Mitoma as the last defender.

Simon Adingra sealed the win for Brighton in the 87th minute, cutting inside and slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

The match saw several near misses, including a long-range effort from Brighton’s Joao Pedro that hit the woodwork in the first half.

This victory represents Brighton’s first Premier League away win since February. For Everton and manager Sean Dyche, it marks a disappointing start to the new season.

Kaoru Mitoma was named Man of the Match for his performance.

Arsenal Secures 2-0 Victory Over Wolves in Premier League Opener

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Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, second left, scores their side's first goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal, at Molineux, Wolverhampton, England, Saturday Nov. 12, 2022. (Nigel French/PA via AP)

LONDON  — Arsenal kicked off their Premier League season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scored for the Gunners, who dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match.

Arsenal took the lead in the 25th minute when Havertz headed in a cross from Saka. The German international, a summer signing from Chelsea, connected with Saka’s precise delivery to beat Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Wolves nearly equalized ten minutes before halftime. Jorgen Strand Larsen’s powerful header seemed destined for the net, but Arsenal’s new goalkeeper David Raya made a crucial save to maintain the lead.

Arsenal controlled the first half, holding 64% possession and taking ten shots to Wolves’ three.

The visitors showed improved energy after the break, putting pressure on Arsenal’s defense. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s long-range effort narrowly missed Raya’s post, prompting Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to make a defensive substitution. Jurrien Timber replaced Oleksandr Zinchenko with 20 minutes remaining.

Saka sealed the victory for Arsenal in the latter stages of the match, cutting inside and firing a powerful shot past Sa. The exact time of the goal was not specified in the initial report.

Arsenal had several other opportunities throughout the game. Ben White saw a long-range effort deflected early on, while Thomas Partey struck wide of the post in the second half.

Havertz missed a chance to double his tally shortly after halftime, slicing a shot wide when well-positioned.

Arsenal’s new signing Declan Rice left the field in the final five minutes with an apparent injury. However, he took a seat on the bench immediately, suggesting the substitution may have been precautionary.

The win marks a strong start to Arsenal’s campaign as they look to build on last season’s second-place finish.

Wolves, under new management, showed resilience in defense but struggled to create consistent scoring opportunities. Riccardo Calafiori, a new signing for Wolves, was an unused substitute.

Amnesty: Over 1,000 Protesters Detained in Nigeria After Anti-Government Demonstrations

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ABUJA, Nigeria  — More than 1,000 protesters are in custody across Nigeria following recent demonstrations against hunger and bad governance, Amnesty International said Friday.

The protests, held between August 1 and 10, turned violent in some areas, with reports of looting and vandalism in several states.

Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian government’s response, stating, “The Nigerian authorities are escalating crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption.”

The human rights organization reported that 441 people were arraigned in Kano on Friday, describing it as “an unfair trial based on trumped up charges.” Amnesty called for “an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.”

On Monday, the Kano State Police Command reported the arrest of 873 suspects for various criminal offenses. In Borno, 97 individuals were arrested in connection with violent protests.

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on August 6 that police had arrested some of the “real sponsors” of rioters. These individuals allegedly hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government in states including Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.

Amnesty International emphasized that the Nigerian government has an obligation to uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The mass arrests follow demonstrations that began as peaceful protests against economic hardship and alleged government corruption but escalated into violence in some areas.

Fire Destroys Central Market in Lyantonde, Uganda, Affecting Dozens of Traders

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LYANTONDE, Uganda  — A fire destroyed Lyantonde Central Market in central Uganda, affecting more than 60 traders and causing losses estimated in the millions of shillings, local officials said Friday.

The blaze gutted stalls selling fish, matooke (green bananas), and various food items, as well as restaurants and kiosks popular among locals and visitors.

John Balaza, chairperson of Lyantonde central market traders, said, “This market was our lifeline. Now we have nothing left. We don’t know how we will recover from this.”

The fire’s response was delayed due to the absence of a fire brigade in Lyantonde district. Attempts to bring a fire truck from nearby Masaka were reportedly unsuccessful.

Mustafah Kalule, Lyantonde town council mayor, expressed concern over the incident. “This is the second time in recent years that the market has been engulfed in flames. We urgently need a modern market with proper safety measures in place,” Kalule said.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Affected traders are calling on the government for relief and support to rebuild their businesses.

Many traders, who arrived at the market to find their goods reduced to ashes, rely solely on their market earnings to sustain their families and pay off bank debts.

Local authorities are emphasizing the need for immediate government intervention to address the market’s safety issues and assist the affected traders.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

15 Mali Soldiers Killed in Clash with Jihadists in Mopti Region

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BAMAKO, Mali  — At least 15 members of Mali’s Defense and Security Forces were killed Thursday in a clash with jihadists near the town of Diallassagou in the Mopti region, military sources said.

The soldiers were ambushed while on patrol to secure local farmers heading to their fields. The attack was reportedly carried out by militants affiliated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

According to military sources, one gendarme and 14 national guard members were killed. An undisclosed number of soldiers were injured or reported missing.

The jihadists, using motorcycles and vehicles, launched the assault from a nearby hillside. A prolonged gunfight ensued, with the Malian army responding with heavy fire.

Sources indicate the attackers suffered minimal losses.

This incident underscores the persistent security challenges in central Mali, where jihadist groups maintain a strong presence. These groups have occupied localities, imposed their own laws, and are reportedly holding at least 150 civilians hostage for several months.

Despite ongoing efforts to secure the region, jihadist activity continues to threaten stability in the area.

Police: 11 Inmates Killed in Shootouts After Haiti Prison Break

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Eleven inmates were killed in shootouts with police following a prison break in the coastal town of Saint-Marc in central Haiti, a police spokesman said Friday.

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Michel Ange Louis Jeune, speaking at a news briefing in Port-au-Prince, did not provide details on how many inmates escaped from the Saint-Marc prison. Local media reported gunfire near the prison, but the total number of inmates held there was not immediately clear.

This marks the third prison break in Haiti this year. In March, gangs stormed the country’s two largest prisons in Port-au-Prince, freeing thousands of inmates. Those attacks contributed to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Jeune also announced the arrest of one inmate accused of escaping earlier this year. The suspect was apprehended along with 14 others, including three police officers, in a separate anti-crime operation on Thursday.

Haitian prisons face severe overcrowding, with inmates often held in pre-trial detention for years due to the country’s strained judicial system. Prisons nationwide also suffer from chronic shortages of food and water, leading to inmate deaths from malnutrition-related diseases.

During the briefing, police displayed various weapons, including assault rifles, seized in operations unrelated to the latest prison break.

The Saint-Marc incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Haiti as authorities struggle to contain widespread gang violence.

Salah, Jota Score as Liverpool Beat Ipswich 2-0 in Premier League Opener

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Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, giving new manager Arne Slot a winning start.

Diogo Jota broke the deadlock in the second half, side-footing Mohamed Salah’s low pass into the top corner from close range. Salah then doubled the lead, scoring after the ball fell to him in the penalty area.

The Egyptian’s goal set a Premier League record for most opening-day goals, with nine.

Ipswich, playing their first top-flight match in 22 years, held their own in the first half. Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson tested Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, though both attempts were easily saved.

Liverpool struggled to impose themselves before halftime, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot over the bar their best chance.

The match saw increased pressure from Liverpool after the break. Luis Diaz threatened twice before Jota missed a clear header from six yards out.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, whose team faces Manchester City next, can take positives from his side’s first-half performance.

For Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, the win extends the club’s opening-day unbeaten run to 13 matches.

The victory gives Liverpool an early boost in what’s expected to be a competitive title race, though sterner tests await.

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