COVID-Hit Lyles Misses Out on a Double, US Team Breaks 100-Medal Mark

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (2ndL) crosses the finish line ahead of US' Noah Lyles (R) to win the men's 200m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 8, 2024. (AFP)
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (2ndL) crosses the finish line ahead of US' Noah Lyles (R) to win the men's 200m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 8, 2024. (AFP)
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COVID-Hit Lyles Misses Out on a Double, US Team Breaks 100-Medal Mark

Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (2ndL) crosses the finish line ahead of US' Noah Lyles (R) to win the men's 200m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 8, 2024. (AFP)
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (2ndL) crosses the finish line ahead of US' Noah Lyles (R) to win the men's 200m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 8, 2024. (AFP)

Sprinter Noah Lyles revealed he had COVID-19 after missing out on another gold medal for the United States at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.

Elsewhere, French basketball star Victor Wembanyama moved closer to his dream of a first gold after helping Les Bleus beat Germany to set up a dream final against the US team after the Americans edged Serbia 95-91.

On the same Stade de France track where he won the historically close 100 meters by five thousandths of a second, Lyles was third behind gold medalist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and US teammate Kenneth Bednarek.

Medics tended to a tired-looking Lyles and took him off in a wheelchair. Wearing a mask as he spoke with reporters, Lyles later said he had COVID.

“It definitely affected my performance,” said Lyles, adding that he tested positive early Tuesday morning but was cleared to compete. The US track federation said it and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee adhered to all Olympic and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Over at Bercy Arena, with former NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki and Tony Parker watching their respective countrymen, France held on to win 73-69.

Wembanyama, the NBA rookie of the year, clenched his fists at the buzzer and teammate Evan Fournier jubilantly threw the ball into the crowd.

The 20-year-old star didn't play three years ago in Tokyo, when the French lost the final to the US. They meet again Saturday, when Wembanyama hopes to give France its first Olympic gold in men's or women's basketball.

Highlights of what happened on Day 13 of the Paris Olympics:

Curry leads semifinal fightback against Serbia

LeBron James had a triple double and Steph Curry scored 36 points as the American men rallied from 17 points down.

The US faced an 11-point halftime deficit — the biggest successfully overcome by an American team since NBA players were added to the Olympic mix in 1992 — and again trailed the Serbs by 11 with just over seven minutes left.

Serbian players fell on their backs at the buzzer after coming so close.

It was a far cry from their group opener when the US rolled to a 110-84 win.

US team gets a world record, breaks the 100-medal mark

The United States now has more golds and more overall medals than any other nation.

With three days left of competition, American athletes total 30 golds for 103 medals overall.

The US went 1-2 in the women's 400 hurdles with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone breaking her own world record in a time of 50.37 seconds, and Anna Cockrell taking the silver.

Grant Holloway followed up with gold in the men's 110 hurdles in 12.99, beating countryman Daniel Roberts.

Also, Long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall won the women's long jump with Jasmine Moore taking the bronze behind Germany's Malaika Mihambo.

China’s diving double ends with tears

China claimed its sixth gold medal in diving at the Paris Games with defending champion Xie Siyi winning the 3-meter springboard.

The Chinese made it a podium 1-2 as Wang Zongyuan took the silver ahead of Mexico’s Osmar Olvera Ibarra.

Wang was in tears afterward.

He hadn’t lost a major diving competition in the event since finishing behind teammate Xie at the Tokyo Olympics. After that silver, Wang won three straight world championship titles.

“It is regrettable I lost,” Wang said through an interpreter. “I must learn to accept any failure and my response is to make a greater effort to improve myself.”

Another world record but no gold

American Sam Watson left the Games with another world record to his name but didn't get the gold medal.

The 18-year-old Watson broke sport climbing's speed world record on Thursday for the second time at the Paris Games, but that came in the fight for bronze.

Veddriq Leonardo of Indonesia won gold in 4.75 seconds in the final.

Charron lifts for another medal Maude Charron raised Canada's flag at the opening ceremony for the Paris Games and lifted up another medal in weightlifting.

Charron took the silver medal in the 59-kilogram category to add to her gold in the 64-kilogram competition at the Tokyo Games.

Rahimi stars as Morocco gets bronze

Football-mad Morocco fans finally have an Olympic medal to celebrate after routing African rival Egypt 6-0 for the bronze.

Soufiane Rahimi scored twice and the Casablanca-born striker will surely become a household name back home after netting an impressive eight goals in the tournament.

He was comfortably the leading scorer ahead of Friday's final between Spain and 1984 Olympic champion France.

Morocco won the African Cup of Nations title in 1976.

Dutch end long wait for gold in men's field hockey

Duco Telgenkamp scored the golden goal in the shootout to give the Netherlands a 2-1 victory over Germany.

It was the Netherlands’ first gold in men’s hockey at the Olympics since 2000 and third in the country’s history.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored both goals as India beat Spain 2-1 for a second straight bronze, after beating Germany at the Tokyo Games.

French get gold, Portugal a rare medal

Track cyclist Benjamin Thomas overcame a crash in the men's omnium race to give France its 14th gold medal of the Paris Games.

Thomas held off Iúri Leitão, whose silver medal was only Portugal's second medal so far — compared to 54 for the French.

Also, world champion Ellesse Andrews of New Zealand won the Olympic title in the women’s keirin.

Nadeem gets Pakistan's first medal with an Olympic record

Arshad Nadeem got Pakistan's first medal of the Paris Games in style by setting an Olympic record in javelin.

Nadeem's throw of 92.97 meters beat Norwegian Andreas Thorkildsen's mark of 90.57 from the 2008 Games in Beijing.



Ronaldo Double Drives Al Nassr to Record 10th Straight Win

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)
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Ronaldo Double Drives Al Nassr to Record 10th Straight Win

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Nassr v Al Okhdood - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 27, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo with teammates celebrate after the match. (Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr beat struggling Al Okhdood 3-0 on Saturday to become the first team in Saudi Pro League history to win their opening 10 matches, setting a new record and extending their perfect start to the season.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 31st ‌minute with a ‌close-range finish after ‌a ⁠corner and ‌added a spectacular backheel in first-half stoppage time to take his tally to 12 goals this season.

The Portuguese forward now sits joint-top of the scoring chart alongside teammate João Félix, who ⁠sealed the victory with a late strike in ‌second-half stoppage time.

The win ‍keeps Al Nassr ‍top of the table with 30 ‍points from 10 matches, four clear of nearest rivals Al Hilal.

By achieving 10 consecutive wins, Al Nassr surpassed the previous best start in the league’s history — nine straight victories by Al ⁠Hilal in the 2018-2019 season under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who now leads Al Nassr.

Ronaldo, who also had a third goal ruled out for offside in the 65th minute, continues to dominate in a campaign with Al Nassr.

The match came after the resumption of the league following the Arab ‌Cup in Qatar earlier this month, won by Morocco.


Mane Rescues AFCON Draw for Senegal Against DR Congo

 Senegal's Sadio Mane reacts after scoring a goal during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP)
Senegal's Sadio Mane reacts after scoring a goal during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP)
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Mane Rescues AFCON Draw for Senegal Against DR Congo

 Senegal's Sadio Mane reacts after scoring a goal during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP)
Senegal's Sadio Mane reacts after scoring a goal during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, Morocco, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP)

Sadio Mane's equalizer earned 2022 champions Senegal a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations clash on Saturday.

Cedric Bakambu had given the Leopards the lead just after the hour mark in Tangiers but Al Nassr forward Mane replied soon after and the result ensures Senegal stay on top of Group D with one round of matches still to play.

Both teams have four points but Senegal have a superior goal difference before their final group match against Benin on Tuesday.

Benin have three points after a 1-0 victory earlier Saturday in Rabat against Botswana, who are bottom without a point or a goal scored.

Sebastien Desabre's Congolese side were seeking revenge after a dramatic defeat in the last meeting of the nations, in World Cup qualifying in September.

Senegal came from 2-0 down to win that encounter 3-2 in Kinshasa, a result which allowed them to go on and top their group to secure a place at next year's finals in North America.

DR Congo were therefore forced to settle for second place but can still make the World Cup if they win a one-off play-off against either New Caledonia or Jamaica in Mexico in March.

Senegal, fresh from beating Botswana 3-0 and seen as perhaps the biggest threat to Morocco's chances of winning the title on home soil, had more of the possession and more chances on the day.

However, the Leopards took the lead in the 61st minute when Theo Bongonda -- scorer of the only goal in their opening win against Benin -- had a shot at the end of a fine move parried by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Real Betis striker Bakambu pounced to convert the loose ball.

But Senegal were only behind for eight minutes, their equalizer coming after a superb run by teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye.

The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger Mbaye, who was born in France and represented them up to Under-20 level, recently committed his international future to Senegal, for whom he qualifies through one of his parents.

He replaced Ismaila Sarr just after Bakambu's opener, and made the leveler from a penetrating run down the right.

Mbaye burst away from Arthur Masuaku, who appeared to injure himself going to tackle, and then saw his shot blocked by Lionel Mpasi, but Mane was on hand to score.

It was a 10th AFCON goal for former Liverpool superstar Mane, who is appearing at his sixth tournament.


Man City Go Top With 2-1 Win at Forest After Cherki Heroics

 27 December 2025, United Kingdom, Nottingham: Manchester City's Rayan Cherki (L) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with teammate Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at the City Ground. (Barrington Coombs/PA Wire/dpa_
27 December 2025, United Kingdom, Nottingham: Manchester City's Rayan Cherki (L) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with teammate Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at the City Ground. (Barrington Coombs/PA Wire/dpa_
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Man City Go Top With 2-1 Win at Forest After Cherki Heroics

 27 December 2025, United Kingdom, Nottingham: Manchester City's Rayan Cherki (L) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with teammate Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at the City Ground. (Barrington Coombs/PA Wire/dpa_
27 December 2025, United Kingdom, Nottingham: Manchester City's Rayan Cherki (L) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with teammate Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at the City Ground. (Barrington Coombs/PA Wire/dpa_

Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 to move provisionally to the top of the Premier League table after Rayan Cherki grabbed a goal and assist away at The City Ground on Saturday.

The French midfielder first threaded the pass for City's opener before striking an 83rd-minute winner from a set-piece to secure their eighth straight victory across all competitions.

The result moved City to 40 points, one ahead of Arsenal who face Brighton & Hove Albion later on Saturday. Forest remain in 17th place, nervously looking over their shoulder at a five-point gap between them and the relegation zone.

"When the games come we need just one thing: to win. We take the points because the championship is so long and so hard, so today is a big win," Cherki told TNT Sports.

"It's good for the team because the game was not simple."

City dominated ‌possession in a ‌goalless first half but struggled to break down Forest's compact defensive ‌shape, ⁠with striker Erling ‌Haaland largely isolated up front.

Forest's best chance fell to Morgan Gibbs-White, who failed to convert Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross in behind the defense early in the game.

CHERKI AND REIJNDERS FIND CITY BREAKTHROUGH

The breakthrough came within three minutes of the restart when Cherki slipped the ball through for Tijjani Reijnders and the Dutchman fired home from an angle to make it 1-0.

"Cherki knows how to find those passes and I could finish that one. He is very good, he finds spaces and when he gets the ball ⁠you have to be ready and in position," Reijnders said.

But City's lead lasted only six minutes as Forest launched a swift counter-attack ‌that ended with Igor Jesus crossing for Omari Hutchinson, who ‍took his shot first-time and beat Gianluigi ‍Donnarumma to score his first goal for the club.

Forest sensed victory but squandered chances when Jesus ‍and Nicolo Savona both shot over, while at the other end Phil Foden's effort was well saved by goalkeeper John Victor.

City's sustained pressure finally paid off when Josko Gvardiol headed down a corner kick for Cherki, who took it on the half-volley and sent a low drive from the edge of the box into the back of the net to restore their lead.

"All the kilos I won (gained) over Christmas time in weight, today I lost it. I am fit again. ⁠What a team Sean Dyche has made again. That's a really, really big three points," Guardiola said.

Forest's loss also extended Sean Dyche's winless record against Pep Guardiola to 17 Premier League games, the longest winless streak for a manager against another in the league.

DYCHE UNHAPPY WITH MATCH OFFICIALS

But Dyche blamed the match officials for the defeat, describing their performance as "unacceptable" after he felt decisions did not go their way.

Dyche complained that Gibbs-White was pushed to the ground for the second goal and could not get back up in time to block Cherki's shot.

"Unfortunately, the officials had a huge part of the game today and that's very unfortunate," Dyche said.

"We don't want that, but scratching my head now, I can't believe it. Just look back at some of the incidents, I just can't believe what I'm watching.

"There's ‌plenty of people here, there's TV cameras here, but everyone can see the performance today. But it's unacceptable, in my opinion, because it affects the game massively."