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The Basque Derby is more than just a football match; it’s a cultural event steeped in pride, history, and fierce rivalry. As Athletic Bilbao prepared to face Real Sociedad, the absence of Iñaki Williams due to injury is a major talking point. A talisman for Athletic, Iñaki has long been a central figure in these high-stakes clashes, embodying the spirit of the derby with his relentless energy and commitment.
Speaking to the media earlier in the week, Iñaki expressed his deep connection to the fixture. “The derby is a game that motivates me,” he said, his voice tinged with both excitement and regret. “I’m really looking forward to it. There are no favorites. Either team can win.” Despite knowing he wouldn’t feature in the match, his passion for the game was evident, a reflection of his dedication to the club and its supporters.
The injury, which would sideline him during one of the most important matches of the season, seems to have left a noticeable void in the squad. Coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player of Iñaki’s caliber. “Iñaki Williams is all heart and brings us a lot,” Valverde said during the pre-match press conference. “He can be dangerous at any moment and is an important asset because he is one of our key players. Unfortunately, he won’t be part of the game as he is nursing an injury.”
Valverde admitted that Iñaki’s absence would force the team to adapt their approach. “It’s a big blow not having him on the pitch, but we have a strong squad, and we’ll need every player to step up. Iñaki’s spirit and leadership will still inspire us, even from the sidelines.”
The Basque Derby is always unpredictable, and with both teams in strong form, the stakes are higher than ever. Athletic Bilbao, playing in front of their passionate home crowd at San Mamés, will look to channel the energy of their supporters to overcome Real Sociedad.
For Iñaki, the derby will be a bittersweet experience. Though unable to contribute on the field, his presence in the stands will undoubtedly fuel the team’s desire to secure a victory.
The stage is set at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat in Brazzaville as Congo welcome Uganda for their final match in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. With Uganda already assured of their place in Morocco and sitting comfortably at the top of the group, this match offers them a chance to preserve their unbeaten run. For Congo, however, the game is about salvaging pride in front of their home fans after their qualification hopes were dashed earlier in the campaign.
The Red Devils of Congo have endured a frustrating qualifying campaign, and this final match presents an opportunity to give their supporters something to cheer about. Head coach Paul Put has emphasized the importance of ending on a high note, urging his team to play with passion and purpose.
“This match is not about qualification but about representing our nation with dignity. Our fans deserve a performance that makes them proud,” Put said in his pre-match comments.
Congo will lean on experienced players to spearhead their attack, while their defense will need to remain resolute against Uganda’s dangerous forward line.
For the Cranes, this match is not just a formality. Coach Isaac Ngata has made it clear that maintaining their unbeaten record in the qualifiers is a priority.
“We’ve had a strong campaign, but it’s not over yet. We want to finish as we started: with focus and determination. This is also a chance to test ourselves in a challenging away environment,” Ngata said.
The Cranes will likely rely on their star players, to deliver the goods. Uganda’s defensive solidity, which has been a hallmark of their campaign, will also be key as they look to keep Congo at bay.
History favors Uganda in this matchup. The two teams have met seven times, with Uganda winning four of those encounters, drawing once, and losing twice. The last meeting between the sides saw the Cranes secure a 2-0 victory, and they will be confident of repeating that success.
Congo, however, will be motivated to improve their record against Uganda, especially in front of their passionate home crowd.
When the action unfolds on the pitch, pride, records, and national pride will be on the line in Brazzaville.
The Ghana Black Stars are gearing up for an all-important match against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. With qualification hopes already gone for Ghana and at the same time hanging on a thread for Niger, this final group-stage encounter presents a battle for both pride and a slim chance for the teams —should Angola defeat Sudan in their own match.
Niger’s resounding 4-0 victory over Sudan in their previous matchday has given them a huge boost, positioning them as serious contenders for a potential qualification spot. Meanwhile, Ghana is left to reflect on a disappointing campaign but remains determined to finish on a high note and protect the nation’s pride.
Ahead of the game, Coach Otto Addo addressed the team’s focus and the importance of the upcoming clash.
“We want to beat them to at least, for our honour, get the third place. And this is what we’re working for. I know it’s very, very difficult, but surely, again, we need the support. And if anyone of us wants to make Ghana better, the players need support. That’s all I can say,” Addo said.
The coach acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans, confessing his own frustrations with the team’s performance but emphasized the need to move forward and keep eyes on the long-term goal—the World Cup qualifiers.
“I understand that people are disappointed, maybe angry. I was also disappointed, but surely we have to move on now. We have to move on, and we have to do our best to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers now.”
The match against Niger, which kicks off at 4:00 PM local time, will be broadcast live on SuperSport, offering fans a chance to see whether the Black Stars can rise to the occasion and secure at least third place in the group.
While the door to qualification may have closed, the game represents an opportunity for Ghana to showcase resilience, character, and a renewed commitment to representing the pride of the nation. Fans will be hoping for a performance that offers a glimpse of the team’s potential, as the Black Stars turn their focus to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
For Ghana, this match is more than just another fixture—it’s a chance to redeem themselves and rebuild trust with their supporters, showing that despite setbacks, they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda put up a stunning performance for Orlando Pride to help the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) shield winners emerge 4-1 victors over Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL playoffs quarter-final.
Banda scored a first half brace after Haley McCutcheon’s opener to give Pride a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
A 56th minute VAR check confirmed Banda’s penalty and Brazilian Marta buried home Pride’s fourth goal of the game that rendered Stars’ by Jameese Joseph on the hour mark a mere consolation.
Banda’s countrymate Racheal Kundananji will take to the field on Sunday for Bay FC as they play Washington Spirit in the last eight.
The playoffs are played to crown the 2024 NWSL champions. Pride are the first team to secure a semi-finals spot and will face the winners of the match between Kansas City and NC Courage.