Senegal score 5-0 win over Iraq, keep World Cup knockout hopes alive

TORONTO, Canada 

Pape Gueye scored two sensational second-half goals from long range, giving Senegal a thumping 5-0 win over Iraq and a much-needed goal difference boost in their bid to qualify for the round of 32 at the World Cup.

Iraq were hapless and down to 10 men in their final Group I match at Toronto Stadium on Friday.

Ismaila Sarr added his third goal of the tournament, the first of four after half-time for the Lions of Teranga  who sealed a third-place group finish with three points and goal difference of plus-two.

They currently hold the fifth-best record of third-place sides, but four of the teams beneath them have yet to play their final group matches.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute while it was still 11 on 11, and Iliman Ndiaye wrapped it up with his own long-range effort in the 82nd minute.

Iraq, who lost all three group-stage matches, were eliminated from their second World Cup and first since 1986.

The prospect of their first World Cup points grew remote when referee Anthony Taylor dismissed defender Rebin Sulaka for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity in the 13th minute.

Taylor initially brandished only a yellow card after Sadio Mane dribbled past Sulaka, who hauled him back with an outstretched arm. But Taylor was summoned to consult a replay monitor, and after viewing the play again, upgraded the decision.

Senegal couldn’t capitalise during a frustrating remainder of the first half, but that all changed after the interval.

Lamine Camara set up Sarr’s 56th-minute tally to begin the second-half onslaught, forcing an Iraq turnover in their own box, dribbling to the byline, then cutting a low cross back for Sarr to tap into an open goal.

Gueye entered immediately following Sarr’s contribution and soon made his own impact.

In the 59th minute, he took Sarr’s pass near the right corner of the box, dribbled to his left and then unfurled a bending, left-footed strike that curled beyond the diving Ahmed Basil on its way into the top corner.

In the 71st, he ran onto Ndiaye’s bouncing feed and struck a thunderous half-volley that barely gave Basil time to move before it bulged the back of the net.

Dembele scores hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 at World Cup 2026

BOSTON, United States 

Ousmane Dembele scored one of the earliest hat-tricks in World Cup history as the Ballon d’Or winner starred in France’s 4-1 win over a second-string Norway, while Erling Haaland watched on from the bench.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Boston Stadium on Friday, struck again on 20 minutes, and after Thelo Aasgaard had pulled one back, he made it 3-1 in the 32nd minute.

The only player to complete a hat-trick earlier in a World Cup match is Erich Probst, who got three inside the first 24 minutes for Austria against Czechoslovakia in 1954.

Dembele moves on to four goals in the tournament after also scoring in the 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday, and his display here will perhaps ease some of the pressure on captain Kylian Mbappe to always be France’s match-winner.

Desire Doue completed the scoring late on, and the victory allowed France to end the group stage with the maximum nine points – they have scored 10 goals in three games and advance as Group I winners.

France will now stay in the northeastern United States for a last-32 tie against a third-place finisher at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next Tuesday.

It was an emotionally charged day for Les Bleus, who had to play this match without coach Didier Deschamps after he returned to France to attend his mother’s funeral. Deschamps, who will step down at the end of the World Cup after 14 years in charge, is due back with his squad on Saturday.

Norway, who also saw Jorgen Strand Larsen have a penalty saved, go through in second place with six points, their progress already having been secured before this game thanks to wins over Iraq and Senegal.

That explains why coach Stale Solbakken made 10 changes to his starting lineup here following the 3-2 win over Senegal last time out.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 27/6/2026

 

Tanzania government bans political rallies as main opposition party drew massive crowds across the country

DODOMA, Tanzania 

The Tanzanian government has announced a temporary suspension of all political party rallies in the country, regardless of the party, stating that the move is aimed at enhancing public security during this period when there have been reports of demonstrations and criminal acts.

Speaking in parliament in Dodoma today, Friday, June 26, 2026, the country’s interior minister, Patrobas Katambi, said he had directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, not to issue permits for political rallies until the government issues further instructions.

Katambi said the decision was reached after the government determined that some political tensions had contributed to the situation, amid reports of calls for protests towards the climax of the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DIFF).

"This measure aims to ensure that citizens continue with their economic activities in an environment of peace and tranquility, while state agencies work to identify criminals without the challenges that can be caused by large gatherings of people," said Minister Katambi.

However, opposition politicians have criticized the measure.

Veteran politician, Joseph Selasini from Chadema wrote on his Twitter account: "It is a great shame for a party that claims to be old and has veteran politicians to fail to answer questions. We know that what will come next is to arrest and question leaders," says Selasini without specifying who the leaders are and why they were arrested.

The ACT Wazalendo party has also strongly opposed the order to ban public meetings of political parties, saying it is an illegal directive that violates Article 20 (i) of the Constitution and the Political Parties Act, which provides for the freedom of political parties with permanent registration to hold political meetings.

The minister also directed the Police Force to continue monitoring all suspicious areas and take legal action, including temporarily closing them if they are found to be used for activities that threaten security.

The announcement comes almost three years since January 2023, when President Samia Hassan reopened political party meetings that had been banned for more than six years during the administration of the late John Magufuli.

At the time, opposition party leaders received the decision with caution, expressing fears that the ban could be reinstated at any time.

Currently, the government explains that the decision to suspend political meetings is due to security reasons and efforts to prevent possible criminal acts.

One of CHADEMA's rallies led by Vice Chairman, John Heche

In recent days, the country's main opposition political party, CHADEMA, has been holding very successful rallies across the country.

The rallies, led by the party's Vice Chairman, John Heche, have had two agendas, one demanding the writing of a new Constitution and the other calling for the release of the CHADEMA Chairman who is facing a treason case.

Meanwhile, there have been calls on social media for protests to be held on July 7, 2026.

On October 29, 2025, Tanzania witnessed protests accompanied by violence and riots in various areas, where over 518 people were killed and thousands more injured, an event that left a significant impact on security and socio-economic activities in the country.

DR Congo takes Rwanda to international court over decades of conflict

By Emery Makumeno, KINSHASA DR Congo 

The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing its neighbour of breaching multiple international treaties.

In a statement, DR Congo said Rwanda had dispatched forces and backed armed groups to carry out unlawful military operations on its territory following the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

On Friday, Congolese Justice Minister Guillaume Andali said his country is seeking accountability for alleged breaches of conventions covering genocide prevention, racial discrimination, women's rights and torture.

Rwanda has not yet responded to DR Congo's filing, but it has long-dismissed evidence that it backs rebel groups in the country.

UN experts and Western governments are among various parties who say Rwanda is supporting the M23, a major armed group in DR Congo's east.

The country's application asks the ICJ, based in the Netherlands, to order Rwanda to cease its alleged crimes and award reparations to the Congolese authorities and its victims.

The ICJ will now examine the claims.

This is not the first time DR Congo has filed a case against Rwanda at the ICJ.

An initial case was dropped by the Congolese authorities in 2001. In 2006 the ICJ dismissed a second case, saying it could not proceed because Rwanda had not recognised its jurisdiction.

The decades-long conflict in DR Congo is rooted in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

About 800,000 people – mostly from the Tutsi community - were slaughtered by ethnic Hutu extremists.

Fearing reprisals, an estimated one million Hutus then fled across the border to what is now DR Congo. This stoked ethnic tensions as a marginalised Tutsi group in the east – the Banyamulenge – felt increasingly under threat.

Rwanda's army twice invaded DR Congo, saying it was going after some of those responsible for the genocide, and worked with members of the Banyamulenge and other armed groups.

One of the Hutu groups, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which includes some of those responsible for the Rwandan genocide, is still active in eastern DR Congo.

Rwanda describes the FDLR as a "genocidal militia" and says its continued existence in eastern DR Congo threatens its own territory.

Rwanda accuses the Congolese authorities of working with the FDLR - DR Congo denies this.

The conflict flared last January, when the M23 captured large parts of the mineral-rich east, including the regional capital Goma.

The fighting has continued despite Rwanda and DR Congo signing a peace deal, spearheaded by the US, in December.

Türkiye beat US 3-2 with last-gasp winner

LOS ANGELES, United States 

Türkiye ended their World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over a much-changed United States side thanks to Kaan Ayhan's stoppage-time winner in an entertaining Group D encounter in Los Angeles.

Already assured of top spot, the United States made nine changes with one eye on next week's Round of 32 meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Türkiye, meanwhile, had already been eliminated after defeats to Paraguay and Australia and arrived still searching for their first goal of the tournament.

Despite the lack of jeopardy, a packed SoFi Stadium produced a vibrant atmosphere from the opening whistle.

The hosts made the perfect start for a third successive match.

Auston Trusty, one of Mauricio Pochettino's changes, was left unmarked at the far post from a corner and controlled the ball before firing home his first international goal after just three minutes — the second-fastest World Cup goal in US history.

Türkiye responded almost immediately.

Having failed to score with their previous 62 attempts at the tournament, Arda Guler finally broke the drought in the 10th minute after Baris Alper Yilmaz's cut-back found the Real Madrid midfielder inside the area.

The contest quickly developed into an open affair.

Mark McKenzie thought he had restored the United States' lead after reacting quickest to Ricardo Pepi's saved effort, only for the offside flag to cut celebrations short.

Instead, Türkiye struck again.

Guler released Eren Elmali down the left and the wing-back's low cross was turned home by Yilmaz to give Türkiye the lead just after the half-hour mark.

The United States responded within four minutes of the restart.

McKenzie's long throw was only partially cleared and Sebastian Berhalter drilled a first-time finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

Pochettino then welcomed back Christian Pulisic for the first time since the opening match against Paraguay after the captain recovered from injury.

The forward immediately injected fresh energy into the attack, twice forcing blocks from close range before seeing another effort strike the post.

Türkiye continued to pose a threat, however, and Kenan Yildiz curled narrowly wide as both sides searched for a winner.

It eventually arrived deep into stoppage time.

Ayhan reacted quickest inside the penalty area to fire home from close range and hand Türkiye a first victory of the tournament.

The result was not enough to prevent elimination, but it ensured Türkiye bowed out with a performance to remember, while the United States now turn their attention to the knockout rounds after suffering their first defeat of the competition.

Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1, enter World Cup knockouts as group winners

KANSAS, United States 

Two goals within the first seven minutes helped to guide the Netherlands to victory over Tunisia as they finished top of Group F.

Winning the group sets up a tie with Group C runners-up – and 2022 semi-finalists – Morocco in Monterrey at 02:00 BST on Tuesday.

Ronald Koeman's side were ahead before the clock had reached the three-minute mark as Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri turned a Denzel Dumfries cross into his own net.

Sunderland's Brian Brobbey then added the second, grabbing his third goal of the tournament, when he tapped in from close range after Virgil van Dijk nodded a delivery across the face of goal.

The Netherlands rarely needed to get out of first gear as they continued to get the better of a lacklustre Tunisia, dragging them out of position with ease and carving out chances.

But a defensive lapse allowed Tunisia to pull one back in the second half as Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders lost track of his man from a corner, allowing Hazem Mastouri to send a header into the bottom corner.

Jan Paul van Hecke restored the Dutch's two-goal advantage as he nodded a corner towards goal at the near post which flicked off a Tunisia defender before going past the goalkeeper.

Tunisia finish bottom of Group F with three defeats, having conceded 12 goals in the process.

Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador reach last 32 as Germany crash out, Curacao eliminated

PHILADELPHIA, United States 

Ecuador squeezed into the last 32 of the World Cup with an upset 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday as Ivory Coast ended Curacao's fairytale campaign to seal their passage to the knockout rounds.

A nailbiting Group E game between Ecuador and group winners Germany at the MetLife Stadium was settled 13 minutes from time, when Gonzalo Plata jabbed home the winning goal from close-range for the South Americans.

Plata's winner came after Ecuador had recovered after Germany took the lead from a controversial Leroy Sane goal after two minutes before equalising through Nilson Angulo.

The result means Ecuador finished Group E with four points, guaranteeing them a place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Germany had already been assured of winning the group after wins over Ivory Coast and Curacao.

Ivory Coast meanwhile sealed the runners-up spot in Group E after eliminating Curacao in Philadelphia, Nicolas Pepe scoring twice in a 2-0 victory. It is the first time that the west African nation have reached the knockout stage.

Curacao, the smallest country by population ever to play in the World Cup, depart the tournament with one point to finish bottom of the group.

The Group E games kicked off another packed slate of six games across the tournament on Thursday which will give more clarity to the shape of the knockout rounds.

The United States have already clinched top spot in Group D and will be looking to end their first round campaign with a victory over already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles.

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rest a number of players saying it was "unnecessary to take a risk" with Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun, who are facing suspension if they collect another yellow card.

The US have not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 2002, but a strong start has raised hopes they could go on a deep run on home turf.

Australia and Paraguay square off in a battle for second place in Santa Clara. A draw would favour the Socceroos thanks to their better goal difference but would likely be enough to send Paraguay through too. 

Group F remains wide open with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden still able to finish first.

In Kansas City, the Dutch face a woeful Tunisia team that have suffered successive four-goal defeats and sacked their coach after the opening game. 

Herve Renard was parachuted in after Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal in the wake of a 5-1 loss to Sweden but his arrival did nothing to change Tunisia's fortunes, as a 4-0 defeat by Japan knocked them out of the tournament.

Japan are level with the Netherlands on four points going into their clash with Sweden in Arlington. After beginning the World Cup with a bang, the Swedes were hammered 5-1 by the Dutch.

On Wednesday, Brazil clinched first place in Group C with a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami, where Neymar made his first international appearance since October 2023.

Scotland face an anxious wait to see if they scrape through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Co-hosts Mexico sailed into the last 32 with a 3-0 defeat of the Czech Republic in an ebullient Estadio Azteca to wrap up a perfect Group A record. 

The biggest surprise was South Africa's qualification for the first time in their history as they pulled off a shock 1-0 win against South Korea to grab second place in Group A.

That set off late night celebrations in South Africa, with fans singing and honking vuvuzelas from 5:00 am, when the match finished.

"There were fireworks outside and the celebration went on for more than an hour after the game," Soweto resident Nandi Ntini, who was woken up by the din, told AFP.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 26/6/2026

 

FIFA issues five-match ban to Qatar’s Madibo

WASHINGTON, United States 

The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) announced on Wednesday that Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for 5 matches after receiving a red card for a violent tackle that led to a serious injury to Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné.

Qatar lost 6-0 to Canada in their second Group B match of the World Cup group stage, which Koné left after breaking his leg following a rough tackle from Madibo in the second half.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed a five-match suspension for a serious infraction, a decision that can be appealed to the FIFA Appeals Committee.

Koné has since undergone surgery, and the Qatar Football Association said Madibo and Qatar’s sports minister visited him in hospital to check on his health.

Qatar played its final group stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, the clash ended 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Kenya police arrested 355 protesters during Gen Z demos anniversary

By Benjamin Muriuki, NAIROBI Kenya 

At least 355 people have been arrested following Thursday's nationwide demonstrations held to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, anti-government protests in Kenya.

Speaking during a media briefing on the country's security situation after the demonstrations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the suspects had been apprehended for various offences and would be arraigned in court to face charges. The offences include robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads, and attempted theft.

Nairobi County recorded the highest number of arrests, with 161 suspects apprehended. Kajiado followed with 123 arrests, while Kiambu recorded 36.

Other counties where arrests were made include Murang'a (12), Bungoma (9), Meru (6), Laikipia (5), and Machakos (3).

No arrests were reported in the North Eastern, Coast, and Nyanza regions.

Murkomen said the 355 arrests were recorded as of the time of the briefing, noting that the number could increase as authorities continue to compile reports from across the country.

The Cabinet Secretary also confirmed that Mr. Anthony Kathungu, the Assistant Chief of Kariti Sub-location in Murang'a County, was injured after being attacked by individuals allegedly attempting to erect a barricade in Kandara.

"He was treated and discharged in fair condition," Murkomen said.

Despite the arrests, the Interior CS commended Kenyans who exercised their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully and lawfully.

"I would like to commend all Kenyans for heeding the government's call to maintain peace and go about their daily activities. As I said yesterday, today was a working and school day like any other day. No widespread cases of looting, vandalism, skirmishes, or injuries were reported across the country. This is not only commendable but also a testament to the maturity of our politics and governance," he said.

Murkomen also praised security agencies for what he described as their professionalism in maintaining law and order during the demonstrations.

"I commend our security agencies for their commitment and dedication to maintaining law and order. They acted with utmost professionalism and responded promptly to concerns raised by wananchi. We salute them for their effective organisation and meticulous planning," he added.

Howver, a small group of activists and politicians managed to reach parliament where they laid flowers outside the entrance for those killed two years ago.

Zimbabwe Senate approves bill to extend presidential term

HARARE, Zimbabwe 

Zimbabwe's Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved controversial constitutional amendments that would keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030, giving the changes full parliamentary support after earlier consent from the lower house.

The amendments are among the most contentious political issues in the country where 83-year-old Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF party holds a strong majority in parliament and has ruled since independence in 1980.

Senate president Mabel Chinomona said 75 senators voted in favour and four against.

The bill also sailed through the national assembly on June 18, when 216 voted in favour and 42 against.

The bill will have to return to the National Assembly to sign off on technical adjustments before being signed into law by Mnangagwa, an official said.

The raft of sweeping changes -- labelled a "constitutional coup" by critics -- includes a provision that would extend the presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.

This means that the last of Mnangagwa's constitutionally limited two terms would be extended until 2030.

Another amendment gives parliament the power to appoint the president, doing away with direct presidential elections that were introduced in 1987, seven years after independence.

Zimbabwe's opposition, weakened by years of repression and tainted elections, charges that the measures will entrench Zanu-PF's grip on power in the resource-rich nation.

Activists who have tried to mobilise resistance have reported intimidation and violence, including arrests or assault by suspected state agents.

Mnangagwa -- nicknamed "The Crocodile" because of his ruthlessness -- came to power in 2017 in a military-backed coup that ousted Robert Mugabe at the age of 93 and after 37 years in power.

Judged by some analysts as more autocratic than his predecessor, he was elected for two five-year terms in 2018 and 2023.

When the cabinet approved in February the plan to extend his term, it said this would "enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion".

Opposition figures have vowed to continue to challenge the amendments in court.

They were an "effective breach" of constitutional provisions, including on the right to vote for public officials, and so should be put to a national referendum, senior opposition figure and former senator David Coltart told AFP.

"I have no doubt that the faction of Zanu-PF promoting this will ignore their constitutional obligations," Coltart said.

"The only way we will be able to get a referendum is if the Constitutional Court issues an order that this is compulsory, as it is."

The Constitutional Court, however, threw out on June 17 an earlier bid to challenge the amendment bill, saying it had no legal grounding.

Prominent journalist Hopewell Chin'ono said on X that the enactment of the bill "will represent a further consolidation of Zanu-PF's hold on power and diminish the prospects of Zimbabwe having a president from outside the ruling party in the foreseeable future."

Musa Kika, director of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa NGO, said the bill should be referred to the judiciary "if only for the record, and to also expose them for being complicit in constitutional mutilation."

Rejecting the need for a referendum, officials have claimed a public consultation process through hearings and written submissions showed overwhelming support.

Human Rights Watch said in March that authorities were using violence and intimidation against opponents of the amendments.

"Over the last few months, the police and unidentified armed men have threatened, harassed, and beat up several people who are opposed to the proposed constitutional amendment," it said in a statement.