Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield

LIVERPOOL,  England 

Arsenal flagged up the early heavyweight confrontation with Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield with the social media message: "Make a statement."

The game was billed as a meeting between the club that wears the crown and the pretenders whose recent attempts to win the title have ended in the bitter disappointment of falling short.

After Dominik Szoboszlai's brilliant 83rd-minute free-kick gave Liverpool victory, it is tough to escape the suspicion that the cloak of caution Arteta draped over Arsenal makes this a significant missed opportunity to secure a landmark - albeit very rare - Anfield victory.

Arsenal, on this ultra-conservative evidence, failed to read the pre-match memo.

No-one expects manager Arteta to order his players to throw the kitchen sink at Liverpool in their Anfield fortress, but this was a Gunners' display that seemed designed to get a point but ended with nothing.

Arteta has been handed the weapons to cure that shortfall as the biggest net spenders of the transfer window so far, with deals totalling £248m.

Chief among them was, finally, the acquisition of a recognised striker in Viktor Gyokeres - signed from Portuguese giants Sporting for £64m - then, most eye-catching of all, the coup that saw Arsenal snatch Eberechi Eze away from Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m move from Crystal Palace.

The pressure is on Arteta to finally end a barren era of five years without a trophy after that backing - and this means the big prizes of the Premier League or Champions League.

Arsenal ended up losing a dour, largely colourless, encounter - two teams showing each other huge respect until Szoboszlai curved a magnificent direct free-kick past David Raya from 30 yards.

They rarely troubled a Liverpool defence that has looked vulnerable even in victory in their first two league games against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

In the end, it was Liverpool who made the big early title statement against Arsenal, the side expected to be their closest challengers, by making it a maximum nine from nine without reaching anywhere near the standards that saw them stroll to the Premier League last season.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 01/09/2025

 

"Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida killed in Gaza" - Israel authority

GAZA CITY,  Palestine

Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, has been killed in an air strike in Gaza City, Israel has said.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz congratulated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel's security agency, Shin Bet, for the "flawless execution" in a post on X.

He gave no detail on the time or location of the operation, but the IDF earlier said its aircraft attacked "a key terrorist" in the al-Rimal neighbourhood on Saturday, prompting reports in Israeli media that Obeida had been the target.

Hamas has not confirmed his death. The Palestinian armed group earlier said dozens of civilians were killed and injured in Israeli strikes on a residential building in the district.

Katz warned on Sunday that many more of Obeida's "criminal partners" would be targeted with "the intensification of the campaign in Gaza" - a reference to a recently approved Israeli plan to seize control of Gaza City.

Separately, the IDF and Shin Bet offered more details about Saturday's strikes that targeted the Hamas spokesman.

They said in a joint statement that the operation had been "made possible due to prior intelligence gathered by [Shin Bet] and the IDF's Intelligence Directorate" that had identified his hiding place.

Obeida was among the few remaining senior members of Hamas's military wing from before its deadly 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

Five missiles struck the second and third floor of the six-storey apartment in the al-Rimal neighbourhood building simultaneously from two different directions.

The flat that was targeted had been used as a dentist's surgery. Witnesses reported seeing hundreds of thousands of dollars flying in the air after the strikes, with large sums stolen by locals but later recovered by Hamas.

The joint statement said Obeida "served as the public face of the Hamas terrorist organization" and "disseminated Hamas' propaganda".

Over the past few years, Obeida - believed to be about 40 years old - delivered a number of long diatribes against Israel on behalf of Hamas's military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.

Always masked in a Palestinian scarf, he became an idol to Hamas supporters throughout the Middle East.

In what may have been his final speech on Friday, Obeida said the fate of remaining Israeli hostages would be the same as that of Hamas fighters, warning Israel against its planned invasion of Gaza City.

Local journalists reported that at least seven people had been killed and 20 injured in the strikes on the densely populated al-Rimal neighbourhood, with children among the casualties.

Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

VATICAN CITY,  Italy 

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa met Pope Leo XIV on Saturday at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the discussions in the Secretariat of State focused on the positive relations between the Holy See and Zimbabwe.

The conversations covered various aspects of Zimbabwe's political and economic situation, particularly the collaboration with the local Church in fields such as healthcare, education, and the environment.

Additionally, the parties exchanged views on regional issues, underscoring the importance of promoting multilateralism, dialogue, and cooperation among nations.

Following the meeting with the Pope, Mnangagwa met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, as well as Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

Zimbabwe has faced a significant economic downturn in recent years, characterized by hyperinflation and a devalued currency.

Sudan stun Algeria on penalties to reach CHAN 2024 semi-finals

ZANZIBAR,  Tanzania 

Sudan advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after edging Algeria 4-2 on penalties in Zanzibar, setting up a last-four meeting with Madagascar.

The Falcons of Jediane held their nerve in a dramatic shoot-out at the Amaan Stadium after a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja the hero after saving twice.

Kwesi Appiah’s side, who topped Group D, remain unbeaten in the tournament and continue to build on their remarkable resurgence.

Both teams had entered the contest with high expectations, underpinned by mutual respect voiced by their coaches on the eve of the clash.

Algeria’s Madjid Bougherra had praised Sudan’s progress under Appiah, while the Ghanaian coach himself insisted his side would not sit back.

The encounter began tightly, with chances at both ends but no breakthrough in a scrappy first half.

Sudan thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time, but Salah Adil’s effort was clawed away by Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.

The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half in chaotic fashion.

Musa Hussien’s strike was saved, only for Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala to inadvertently turn the ball into his own net, handing Sudan the lead in the 48th minute.

The Desert Foxes, unbeaten in their last 10 CHAN fixtures, showed resilience.

They poured forward in waves, and their pressure told in the 73rd minute when Soufiane Bayazid bundled home from close range after sustained attacks.

From then, both sides traded blows. Mohamed Tia Asad went close for Sudan with a header, while Aimen Mahious forced two superb saves from Abooja in extra time.

Injuries and substitutions disrupted the rhythm, but neither side could find a winner.

As the whistle blew at 1-1 after 120 minutes, penalties loomed.

In the shoot-out, Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Ahmed Saeed converted confidently for Sudan, as did Bayazid and Mahious for Algeria.

But then the drama swung. Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui saw their penalties saved by the inspired Abooja, while Ahmed Tabanja and Mohamed Tia Asad sealed the deal for Sudan.

The Falcons triumphed 4-2, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Sudanese contingent and their supporters in Zanzibar.

Sudan’s victory secures their third-ever CHAN semi-final appearance, continuing a tournament where they have already beaten Nigeria 4-0 and held champions Senegal.

They will now face Madagascar at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, 26 August, at 17:30 local time.

Algeria, finalists in 2022, bowed out earlier than expected and saw their impressive unbeaten run snapped in painful fashion. Their wait for a CHAN crown continues.

The other semi-final pits Morocco against defending champions Senegal in Kampala later the same day — a heavyweight clash ensuring one of Africa’s giants will contest the final.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 24/08/2025

Arsenal beat Leeds 5-0

LONDON, England 

Jurriën Timber, Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyökeres all scored for Arsenal as they blew away newly promoted Leeds United 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

However, despite being able to parade new signing Eberechi Eze in front of their fans before kick-off, there were also some negatives for Mikel Arteta, as the influential duo of Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard were both forced off injured. 

That’ll be a worry ahead of next weekend’s trip to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool.

While their 1-0 victory on the opening matchday against Manchester United was unconvincing to some, they looked nowhere near as heavy-legged in this rout, with another two of their goals coming following corner kicks.

Arsenal opened the scoring with one of those. Declan Rice swung in his corner and Timber headed the ball into the back of the net from inside the six-yard box. 

Funnily enough, all three of Timber’s for Arsenal have been headers assisted by Rice.

Saka doubled their lead in first half added time, with his powerful strike from an angle proving too fast for Leeds’ goalkeeper Lucas Perri to react quickly enough to save. 

That goal meant that the England forward has scored in Arsenal’s opening home league game in each of the last three seasons (against Nottingham Forest in 2023-24, versus Wolves in 2024-25).

It was also the 99th Premier League goal that Saka has been involved in (54 goals, 45 assists), needing just one more to become the seventh youngest to reach the landmark in the competition. 

Following his injury in the second half, however, he may have to wait a while for a chance to hit the century.

The fact that Arsenal had won each of their previous 38 league games after leading by two or more goals at half-time meant that a Leeds United comeback was unlikely, but that became near impossible when Gyökeres opened his Premier League account three minutes into the second half.

The Swedish striker, who netted 97 goals in 102 games for previous club Sporting CP before his summer move to the London club, endured a difficult debut at Old Trafford versus Manchester United last weekend. 

His goal in this match came following a trademark dribble in from the left flank, before he placed a strike inside the near post with what was only his second shot in the competition.

Timber doubled his goal tally in the game in the 56th minute, with yet another goal coming from an Arsenal corner.

The Gunners have now scored 33 goals from corners in the Premier League since the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign, at least 13 more than any other team (Liverpool – 20).

Already 4-0 up and having the chance to rest some players, Arteta introduced 15-year-old Max Dowman in the 64th minute for his Premier League debut, who became the second youngest player to appear in the competition. 

Only teammate Ethan Nwaneri (15y 181d) debuted at a younger age, while he and Dowman are two of only three players to play in the Premier League aged under 16, along with Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga (15y 271d).

Dowman made an impact in his cameo, winning a penalty in added time, which was converted by Gyökeres for his second goal of the evening to complete the scoring, and a miserable day for Leeds United

Guinea’s junta suspends three main political parties

CONAKRY, Guinea

Guinea’s military junta has suspended three major political parties, including that of former president Alpha Conde, for three months ahead of a controversial constitutional referendum campaign. 

The suspension targets Conde’s Rally of the Guinean People, the Union of Democratic Forces led by ex-PM Cellou Dalein Diallo, and the Party of Renewal and Progress.

The move comes as Guinea braces for mass protests starting September 5, organized by opposition groups and civil society to denounce what they call a power grab by junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya.

Doumbouya seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted Conde, who ruled for a decade.

The referendum, scheduled for September 21, aims to rewrite the constitution, but critics warn it could pave the way for Doumbouya to run for president despite a previous ban on junta leaders standing in elections.

The military government has banned protests since 2022 and cracked down on opposition leaders, forcing many into exile or arrest. 

Earlier this year, dozens of political parties were suspended or dissolved for failing to meet new regulations.

International rights groups have condemned the junta’s harsh measures, warning that Guinea’s fragile democracy faces an uncertain future as the country navigates this critical transition.

Pentagon fires intelligence agency chief after Iran attack assessment

By Rachel Muller-Heyndyk, WASHINGTON United States 

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon's intelligence agency chief, just weeks after a White House rebuke of a review assessing the impact of American strikes on Iran.

Lt Gen Jeffery Kruse will no longer serve as head of US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Pentagon said in a statement. Two other senior military commanders have also been ousted by the Pentagon.

The defence department has not offered any immediate explanation on the firings.

In June, President Donald Trump had pushed back strongly on a leaked DIA report that found that attacks on Iran had only set back its nuclear programme by months. The White House declared the agency's assessment "flat out wrong".

Trump had declared the nuclear sites in Iran "completely destroyed", and had accused the media of "an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history".

Speaking at the Nato summit at the time, Hegseth had said that the report was made on "low intelligence" and that the FBI was probing the leak.

Kruse's exit was first reported by the Washington Post.

The DIA is part of the Pentagon and specialises in military intelligence to support operations. It collects large amounts of technical intelligence, but is distinct from other agencies like the CIA.

It is understood that Hegseth had also ordered the removal of the chief of US Naval reserves and the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, an anonymous source told Reuters on Friday.

In a statement, US Senator Mark Warner warned that Kruse's sacking was a sign that Trump had a "dangerous habit of treating intelligence as a loyalty test rather than a safeguard for our country".

Trump has removed a number of officials whose analysis have been seen to be at odds with the president.

In July, Trump said that he had ordered his team to dismiss Commissioner of Labor Statistics Erika McEntarfer "immediately", after a report showed that job growth had slowed.

And in April, Trump fired General Timothy Haugh as director of the National Security Agency, along with more than a dozen staff at the White House national security council.

Hegseth has also pushed out a number of military officials at the Pentagon. In February, he fired Air Force General C Q Brown, who was dismissed along with five other admirals and generals.

Title holders Senegal edge Uganda to reach CHAN semi-finals

KAMPALA,  Uganda 

Defending champions Senegal moved a step closer to retaining their crown at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after edging co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in a tense quarter-final at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.

Oumar Ba struck the decisive goal just after the hour mark as the Lions of Teranga showed their tournament know-how to silence a passionate home crowd of over 35,000.

The decisive strike arrived in the 62nd minute. Libasse Guèye, who had been a constant menace on the right, whipped in a teasing cross that evaded Uganda’s centre-backs.

Ba ghosted in at the far post and fired a low right-footed finish past Joel Mutakubwa to give Senegal the lead.

It was a goal that summed up Senegal’s pedigree: patient, clinical, and perfectly timed in a contest where chances had been limited.

The Cranes, who had made history by reaching the knockout stages of CHAN for the first time, gave everything in front of their fans but could not find the finishing touch.

Allan Okello, Uganda’s standout player of the group stage, tested goalkeeper Marc Diouf with a rasping drive before half-time, while substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe was twice denied in the second half.

The closest they came was in the 68th minute when Gavin Kizito met an Okello corner but headed just wide with Diouf beaten.

Later, Ahimbisibwe and Arnold Odong both forced saves from the Senegal keeper in a frantic finale.

Uganda had more shots overall but lacked the composure that Senegal demonstrated in the key moment.

Senegal entered the game with the best defensive record of the quarter-finalists, and they lived up to that reputation.

Diouf commanded his area well, while Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse marshalled the backline with authority.

Even when the home side poured forward late on, the Lions of Teranga kept their shape, blocking efforts from range and dealing calmly with Uganda’s aerial threat.

Coach Souleymane Diallo’s decision to freshen the attack with Moctar Koïté and Vieux Cissé in the second half also helped relieve pressure, while Mbaye Ndiaye provided energy in midfield after coming off the bench.

For Morley Byekwaso’s side, defeat was a bitter pill, but the broader picture remains historic.

Uganda had never reached this stage in six previous CHAN appearances, and topping a group ahead of Algeria and South Africa showcased their progress.

Okello’s three goals, Ssemugabi’s tireless running, and the resilience shown in their comeback against South Africa have given fans reasons to believe this generation can deliver more.

As the final whistle blew, the Cranes were applauded off by their supporters — recognition of a campaign that restored pride despite falling just short.

Senegal now advance to their second successive CHAN semi-final, where they will face Morocco.

For Uganda, attention turns to building on this foundation, with Byekwaso insisting post-match that his team “will learn and come back stronger.”

The Mandela Stadium may have fallen silent after Ba’s goal, but Uganda’s performance across CHAN 2024 ensures their journey will be remembered as the start of something significant.

Congo prosecutor seeks death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila

KINSHASA,  DR Congo 

On Friday, the country’s public prosecutor called for the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila, who is being tried in absentia for treason, war crimes, and supporting the M23 rebel group.

Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, took power at just 29 after the assassination of his father, former President Laurent Kabila. He later delayed elections for two years past his term, sparking widespread unrest.

The government accuses him of backing Rwanda-supported M23 rebels, who in recent months have captured major cities in eastern Congo. 

Kabila returned from self-imposed exile in April, arriving in Goma, a city under rebel control, raising even more questions about his ties to the insurgency. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

In court, Gen. Lucien René Likulia, representing the prosecution, also requested a 20-year sentence for Kabila’s alleged condoning of war crimes and 15 years for conspiracy, though no further details were provided.

Kabila’s immunity as a senator for life was revoked in May. His allies call the trial politically motivated. 

Ferdinand Kambere, a former minister under Kabila, called the move “a disgrace for the Republic.” Meanwhile, security analyst Henry-Pacifique Mayala said the prosecution’s case appears more like a “settling of scores” than a genuine pursuit of justice.

A verdict date has not been set.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 23/08/2025