Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 19 January 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with soccer: Sport, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie signed a cooperation agreement with FIFA Development Zurich AG, establishing a fully-supported FIFA regional development office in Johannesburg. Spokesperson Zimasa Velaphi says the agreement provides a framework for South Africa to facilitate the world governing body’s administrative, movement and operational activities in the country, while FIFA assumes responsibility for funding and staffing the office, which will serve South Africa and neighbouring countries:

Other soccer news: Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to secure a second Africa Cup of Nations title. The final was marked by controversy as the Senegalese players walked off the pitch after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, which was deemed controversial, with the match goalless. After some encouragement from Sadio Mane, the players re-emerged in the 20th minute of stoppage time and Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The final then went to extra time, where Pape Gueye’s goal secured victory for Senegal.

# Rugby: The Springbok Women’s Sevens were crowned champions of the inaugural World Rugby Sevens 3 tournament in Dubai after beating Argentina 12-5 in the final. South Africa finished the tournament unbeaten, qualifying for the Sevens 2 series. The Czech Republic shocked Poland 24-14 to claim the third place on the podium. Bok Women’s coach Cecil Afrika praised his team’s defence throughout the weekend:

# Cricket: Sunrisers Eastern Cape beat defending champions MI Cape Town by seven wickets in their SA20 clash in Gqeberha. Reeza Hendricks’ unbeaten 70 anchored MI Cape Town to 148 for six. In reply, Quinton de Kock shared a 109-run partnership for the second wicket with Matthew Breetzke as Sunrisers reached the target with a ball to spare. The result ensured Sunrisers a top-two finish and eliminated MI Cape Town, who needed to win with a bonus point to have a chance of reaching the playoffs.

# And, tennis: Three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev is through to the second round in Melbourne. The Russian beat the Netherlands’ Jesper de Jong in straight sets. Seventh-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada was forced to retire during his first-round match due to cramping. Home favourite Alex de Minaur eased past American Mackenzie McDonald. In the women’s draw, American Coco Gauff began her quest for a maiden Australian Open title with an easy victory over Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova.

Stay tuned for more news………….