Daily Focus Bothma Africa

Djordje Mihailovic lit up the CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg, striking twice to help Colorado Rapids edge LAFC 2-1. His clinical penalty and stunning free kick put the Rapids ahead, while Aaron Long’s late header gave LAFC a lifeline. Colorado holds a slim advantage heading into the second leg.

Chelsea have landed Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal that could reach £60 million. The 23-year-old arrives after an impressive goal-scoring season and signs a lengthy contract, boosting Chelsea's attacking options ahead of a busy schedule.

Kylian Mbappé rejoined Real Madrid's training after losing 5kg to a severe bout of gastroenteritis that kept him out of two critical Club World Cup matches. With a group-deciding clash against Salzburg looming, his return could sway Madrid's push for tournament advancement.

The Haiti vs. Saudi Arabia Group D showdown in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup took place in San Diego and aired on FOX Sports. Saudi Arabia grabbed a narrow 1-0 win, giving fans much to talk about as streaming options included the Fox Sports platforms and possibly FuboTV or Sling TV.

Trump has publicly warned Iran to enter negotiations or risk escalating conflict after Israeli forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader vowed harsh retaliation, labelling the attacks as crimes. The White House clarified that the U.S. was not directly involved in the Israeli operation.

Lionel Messi stands out in the 2026 South American World Cup qualifiers with six goals, including a spectacular hat-trick against Bolivia. He leads the scoring chart ahead of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, and a viral video highlights his ongoing global popularity. Messi continues to break international records for goals and assists.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted video evidence showing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu making threats against top Igbo politicians, including explosive allegations tied to Peter Obi and others. The court also penalized Kanu’s sister-in-law for contempt after she livestreamed the trial.

Fujifilm has announced the X Half, a digital camera that revives half-frame film photography with a modern twist. Featuring an 18MP vertical sensor, a fixed 32mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, and classic manual controls, it blends nostalgic experience with current digital strengths. Connectivity and creative modes round out its compact, stylish package.

Josué Sá, a 1.87m central defender from Lisbon, has become a key part of Gil Vicente FC in the Primeira Liga. Despite limited international recognition, his reliability and physical presence secure Gil Vicente’s backline.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will clash in the 2025 UEFA Europa League Final at Bilbao's San Mamés on May 21. It's the first all-English final in over a decade, with both clubs chasing glory, Champions League qualification, and the heavy Europa League trophy in front of over 50,000 fans.

Karachi Kings crushed Multan Sultans by 87 runs in PSL 2025 Match 20, with James Vince’s unbeaten 65 and Mohammad Nabi’s bowling dismantling Multan’s batting. Multan’s inability to chase and recurring top-order collapses continue to cost them as the tournament heats up.

With a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Chelsea rotated key players against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-final, resting stars ahead of Premier League battles. Despite a 2-1 defeat on the night, Jadon Sancho impressed with another assist as the Blues advanced 4-2 on aggregate, keeping player fitness at the forefront.