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Kobe's Sasaki Scores Late Penalty to Claim Draw in Asian Champions League

Soccer Football - Friendly - Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - June 6, 2023 Vissel Kobe players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
Soccer Football - Friendly - Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - June 6, 2023 Vissel Kobe players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
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Kobe's Sasaki Scores Late Penalty to Claim Draw in Asian Champions League

Soccer Football - Friendly - Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - June 6, 2023 Vissel Kobe players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo
Soccer Football - Friendly - Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - June 6, 2023 Vissel Kobe players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

Hosts Vissel Kobe salvaged a 2-2 draw with Chinese Super League outfit Chengdu Rongcheng through Daiju Sasaki's 90th-minute penalty in the Asian Champions League Elite on Tuesday to bring down the curtain on coach Takayuki Yoshida's time in charge.

Yoshida announced last week that he was standing down after three-and-a-half years in charge having led the club to the J-League title in 2023 and 2024, but Kobe were unable to give the 48-year-old a winning send-off.

Yoshinori Muto put Kobe in front in the 18th minute when he scored on the turn from eight yards out but Chengdu forward Felipe lashed in the equaliser from distance in first half stoppage time, Reuters reported.

The Brazilian was on target again from the penalty spot with 13 minutes remaining, although Sasaki was also successful with his spot kick in the final minute to earn Kobe a point.

The draw means Kobe are two points clear in the eastern league phase standings of second-placed Machida Zelvia, who cruised to a 3-1 win over Ulsan HD from South Korea.

Asahi Masuyama gave the home side the lead when he deflected Hokuto Shimoda's volley past Jo Hyeon-woo in the sixth minute and Takuma Nishimura doubled the advantage 15 minutes later.

Oh Se-hun's header two minutes into the second half extended Machida's lead before Um Won-sang slid in to score a consolation for Ulsan in the 55th minute.

GOALKEEPER CHEN DENIES JOHOR DARUL TA'ZIM

Johor Darul Ta'zim moved up to sixth with a 0-0 draw against Shanghai Port with the Malaysian side thwarted by a stellar performance from Chinese goalkeeper Chen Wei while Bergson and Nacho Mendez hit the woodwork for the hosts.

Buriram United, meanwhile, were frustrated by a late penalty decision that earned Gangwon FC a 2-2 draw in Thailand after Mark Jackson's side had come from behind to lead.

Mo Jae-hyeon put the visitors in front in the 33rd minute but Ko Myeong-seok's header levelled the scores 13 minutes into the second half.

Suphanat Mueanta's calm finish from an angle put Buriram in front in the 65th minute before Guilherme Bissoli was judged to have fouled Park Ho-yeong in the area. Kim Dae-won converted the 74th-minute spot kick to earn his side a point.

The first eight finishers in the 12-team league phase will advance to March's last 16 in both east and west Asia with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final to be played in a centralized venue in Saudi Arabia in April.

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Jeddah to Host 2026 E-Prix Electric Racing in February

The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA
The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA
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Jeddah to Host 2026 E-Prix Electric Racing in February

The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA
The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will host the "Jeddah E-Prix" race on February 13 and 14, as part of the 12th season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The event is overseen by the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

The race will take place on an updated 3-kilometer track featuring 19 turns, with the Attack Zone located at Turn 13 to boost excitement.

The race will feature 20 drivers from 10 global teams, including Jaguar, Porsche, and Nissan.

The event will include a "Fan Zone" offering interactive experiences and entertainment activities for families, in addition to concerts to be announced later.

Last year's edition recorded the highest viewership in the championship's history, reaching 65 million viewers globally.

Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal affirmed that hosting the race reflects the accelerated development of motorsports in the Kingdom.

Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo noted that Jeddah is considered an essential stop on the season's calendar.

The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar.

Sports

Swiss Haenni Takes over RB Leipzig as First Female CEO of a Bundesliga Club 

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
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Swiss Haenni Takes over RB Leipzig as First Female CEO of a Bundesliga Club 

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)

Former Switzerland international and experienced football administrator, Tatjana Haenni, became the first female CEO of a Bundesliga club after she was appointed to the post at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Haenni has decades of experience following her playing career, having held various posts in women's football at global governing body FIFA for more than a decade.

She was also in charge of women's football at the Swiss football association and sports director at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States among others until her departure earlier this year.

"In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength and strategic thinking," said Oliver Mintzlaff, chair of RB Leipzig's supervisory board in a club statement.

The 59-year-old will take up her role on January 1, 2026.

Leipzig, owned by energy drinks maker Red Bull, are currently in second place in the Bundesliga, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga will go into a winter break between December 21 and January 9.

"I am very much looking forward to this new role. I am convinced that with strong teamwork and a focus on RB Leipzig’s strengths, we can tap into significant potential," Haenni said.

"I can’t wait to get started in January and to get to know the club on a deeper level," Haenni said. "Together, we want to continue on what is already a successful path, and achieve our ambitious goals."

Sports

Egypt Teammates Rally Behind Unsettled Salah before AFCON 

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)
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Egypt Teammates Rally Behind Unsettled Salah before AFCON 

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)

While the future of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool hangs in the balance, Egypt teammates have rallied behind the national team captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The record seven-time continental champions are in Group B with Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and will be based in southern coastal city Agadir throughout the first round.

"Players like him do not get benched," said striker Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan on social media, referring to Salah being a substitute in the last three Liverpool fixtures, and coming on only once.

"If he starts on the bench, you must make sure he is the first to come on, after 60 minutes, 65 at the latest.

"Mo is not just a teammate, he is a leader, a legend for club and country. Keep working hard brother, every situation in life is temporary, moments like this pass, what stays is your greatness."

Head coach and former star Hossam Hassan posted a photograph of himself and Salah and a message: "Always a symbol of perseverance and strength."

"The greatest Liverpool legend of all time," wrote winger Ahmed "Zizo" El Sayed. Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy called Salah "always the best".

Liverpool have struggled in their title defense this season and lie 10th after 15 rounds, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Salah has also battled with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances.

After twice surrendering the lead in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United last Saturday, Salah told reporters "it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus".

"I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame (for the slump)... someone does not want me in the club."

Salah was omitted from the squad that travelled to Milan for a Champions League clash with Inter on Tuesday and has hinted that he may not play for Liverpool again.

- 'Great feeling' -

Although Egypt last won the AFCON 15 years ago in Luanda, Salah, 33, believes they will lift the trophy again before he retires.

"It will happen -- that is what I believe. It is a great feeling every time you step on the field wearing the Egyptian colors."

Salah has suffered much heartbreak in four AFCON tournaments as Egypt twice finished runners-up and twice exited in the round of 16.

He created the goal that put the Pharaohs ahead in the 2017 final, but Cameroon clawed back to win 2-1 in Libreville.

Hosts and title favorites Egypt were stunned by South Africa in the first knockout round two years later, conceding a late goal to lose 1-0.

Egypt reached the final again in 2022 only to lose on penalties to Senegal after 120 goalless minutes in Yaounde.

In Ivory Coast last year, Salah suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana and took no further part in the tournament. Egypt lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a last-16 clash.

This year, Egypt boast an array of attacking talent with Salah, Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes and Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan and Zizo from Cairo giants Al Ahly.

Group B is the only one of the six in Morocco featuring two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt and South Africa heading to the global showpiece in North America.

South Africa exceeded expectations by finishing third at the 2024 AFCON, but Belgian coach Hugo Broos expects a tougher campaign in a tournament that kicks off on December 21.

"It will be harder because every opponent will be more motivated to beat us after our bronze medals," said the tactician who guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title.

Angola and Zimbabwe recently changed coaches with France-born Patrice Beaumelle and Romanian Mario Marinica hired.

The Angolans have reached the quarter-finals three times, including last year, while the Zimbabweans have never gone beyond the first round.