News for 'africa'

'This was my final match': Mahrez ends Algeria career

'This was my final match': Mahrez ends Algeria career

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian football star, has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 by Switzerland. Mahrez confirmed his decision after Algeria's 2-0 defeat, concluding a distinguished career with 119 appearances, 40 goals, and 45 assists, including a pivotal role in Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

Women's T20 World Cup: India Face Must-Win Clash Against Australia For Semi-Final Spot

Women's T20 World Cup: India Face Must-Win Clash Against Australia For Semi-Final Spot

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India will be desperate to overcome their fielding and batting woes when they take on six-time champions Australia in their final Group A clash at Lord's, in London, on Sunday.

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

'India Has Only 15 More Years Left...'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'

'His parents were watching': Marsch's emotional tribute after Eustaquio's winner

'His parents were watching': Marsch's emotional tribute after Eustaquio's winner

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with coach Jesse Marsch paying an emotional tribute to the midfielder's late parents after the dramatic 1-0 win over South Africa.

Gill fitness, Rohit form: India's big ODI worries

Gill fitness, Rohit form: India's big ODI worries

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

India is set to face England in the second ODI, aiming for a series victory, but concerns over Shubman Gill's fitness after he walked off injured in the first match, and Rohit Sharma's inconsistent batting form, are prominent. The team will also consider potential changes to the playing eleven.

Indian Golfers Shine: Aditi Ashok Finishes Third, Diksha Dagar Seventh In Belgium

Indian Golfers Shine: Aditi Ashok Finishes Third, Diksha Dagar Seventh In Belgium

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok secured a commendable third-place finish at the Hulencourt Women's Open, carding a final round of two-under 70. Fellow Indian Diksha Dagar also performed well, finishing tied seventh. Spain's Carolina Lopez Chacarra won the title, while Australia's Kelsey Bennett was runner-up.

Muzumdar hails India Women's 'perfect game' in historic Lord's Test win

Muzumdar hails India Women's 'perfect game' in historic Lord's Test win

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Chief coach Amol Muzumdar lauded the Indian women's cricket team for their historic 270-run Test victory over England at Lord's, attributing the success to a blend of 'patience mixed with the right amount of aggression' and highlighting centurion Yastika Bhatia's 'special knock' and pacer Kranti Gaud's 'controlled line and length'.

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Ireland coach Heinrich Malan quits after India T20I series sweep

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Following a stunning T20I series triumph against World champions India, Ireland coach Heinrich Malan has stepped down from his role.

FIFA World Cup: The Billion-Dollar Secret Behind Morocco's Football Boom

FIFA World Cup: The Billion-Dollar Secret Behind Morocco's Football Boom

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Morocco's impressive rise in global football is uniquely funded by its vast phosphate reserves, with the state-owned OCP Group investing heavily in national team development. This strategic investment, driven by a royal directive, supports training academies and infrastructure, contributing to the nation's recent successes like reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The country's abundant phosphate resources provide a stable economic base for these ambitious sporting endeavours.

Why India Could Be Facing Early Menopause

Why India Could Be Facing Early Menopause

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Early and premature menopause can heighten risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, metabolic disorders, cognitive decline, depression and early death and are major public health concerns. The conditions also seriously affect a woman's quality of life.

Harmanpreet retained as captain for Asian Games despite T20 World Cup debacle

Harmanpreet retained as captain for Asian Games despite T20 World Cup debacle

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur was on Tuesday retained as captain of a largely predictable 15-member India squad for this year's Asian Games in Japan.

Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Powers India to five-wicket win over Bangladesh

Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Powers India to five-wicket win over Bangladesh

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Shafali Verma's aggressive 53 laid the foundation for India's five-wicket win over Bangladesh, though dropped catches and fielding lapses remained a major concern ahead of the Australia clash.

Jasprit Bumrah trains with red ball after long break

Jasprit Bumrah trains with red ball after long break

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Jasprit Bumrah has started practicing with the red ball as he gears up for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka next month.

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.

India to play two Tests in Sri Lanka in August

India to play two Tests in Sri Lanka in August

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

India's two-Test series against hosts Sri Lanka will be played in Galle and Colombo from August 15 to 27.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Senior PCB selector Aaqib Javed has revealed that Shan Masood's leadership and game management issues led to Babar Azam's reinstatement as Pakistan's Test captain. The PCB plans to give Babar a long-term run, backing him for two to three years to bring stability ahead of challenging tours to the West Indies and England.

Indian Golfer Diksha Dagar Shares Lead In Belgium

Indian Golfer Diksha Dagar Shares Lead In Belgium

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar has taken a joint lead after the first round of the Hulencourt Women's Open in Belgium, carding a bogey-free 4-under 68. She is aiming for her third Ladies European Tour title.

Indian Golfer Diksha Dagar Shares Lead In Belgium

Indian Golfer Diksha Dagar Shares Lead In Belgium

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar has taken a joint lead after the first round of the Hulencourt Women's Open in Belgium, carding a bogey-free 4-under 68. She is aiming for her third Ladies European Tour title.

Women's T20 WC: Can India fix middle-order woes, fielding lapses?

Women's T20 WC: Can India fix middle-order woes, fielding lapses?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in a critical T20 World Cup Group A match, aiming to address persistent middle-order batting struggles and fielding lapses. While openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have provided strong starts, the inability of the middle order to capitalise has put pressure on the lower order. India, currently second in their group, needs a strong performance to solidify their semi-final chances, especially after a recent loss to South Africa highlighted their vulnerabilities.

FIFA World Cup: What France's chess post really means before Morocco

FIFA World Cup: What France's chess post really means before Morocco

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.

Can Jemimah Rodrigues Repeat Her Big-Tournament Heroics?

Can Jemimah Rodrigues Repeat Her Big-Tournament Heroics?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India's path to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals has become more challenging following a defeat to South Africa.

FIFA WC: Mbappe hugs Dembele as France prepare for Morocco

FIFA WC: Mbappe hugs Dembele as France prepare for Morocco

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele shared a warm embrace in France training ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, easing rumours of tension as Les Bleus chase another semi-final appearance.

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

How India's VALORANT Team Qualified For Esports Nations Cup

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India's VALORANT esports team has successfully qualified for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 main event in Riyadh, emerging as one of two teams from the Asia regional qualifiers. The team, led by Sagnik Roy, overcame tough competition, including a crucial victory against Hong Kong, to secure their spot in the global tournament featuring a USD 1.5 million prize pool.

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Julian Quinones continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign with his third goal as Mexico defeated Ecuador to reach the last 16, ending a 40-year knockout drought and inspiring fresh belief among the home fans.

Women's T20 World Cup: Spin quartet guide Australia to easy win against SA

Women's T20 World Cup: Spin quartet guide Australia to easy win against SA

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Australia's spinners shone in a 65-run win over South Africa as the six-time winners made a successful start in their quest to regain the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

ODI World Cup 2027 likely to be played from October 4 to November 21

ODI World Cup 2027 likely to be played from October 4 to November 21

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup is provisionally scheduled to be held from October 4 to November 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia Dump Sorry India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur's rapid 56 helped India post 170 for four against Australia in a must-win Women's T20 World Cup match. Despite a strong start from openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the middle order struggled for acceleration, leaving Harmanpreet to boost the total in the final overs.

FIFA World Cup: Who is DR Congo's viral 'statue fan'?

FIFA World Cup: Who is DR Congo's viral 'statue fan'?

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, DR Congo's famous 'statue fan', was seen supporting his team during their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K clash. Colombia secured their place in the Round of 32 with a hard-fought victory, while DR Congo still has a chance to qualify.

First T20I: Wolvaardt leads South Africa to victory vs India

First T20I: Wolvaardt leads South Africa to victory vs India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

South Africa defeated India by six wickets in the opening match of the Women's T20 series, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge. India's batting lacked momentum, and their bowling attack struggled with indiscipline, allowing South Africa to comfortably chase down the target.

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

ICC Unveils Cricket Qualification Criteria For Los Angeles Olympics

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the qualification criteria for cricket's return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The Indian men's team needs to be Asia's highest-ranked in T20Is by end of 2026, while women's teams will qualify based on continental performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Historic! DR Congo Qualify for FIFA World Cup Knockouts After 52 Years

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo has made a historic return to the World Cup knockout stages, 52 years after a disastrous debut.

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

I would say I'm an all-rounder now: Shafali Verma on growing role with ball

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma says her growing effectiveness with the ball is no accident as meticulous preparation and visualisation have helped her evolve into an all-rounder capable of contributing in multiple roles for the team.

Australia chase record seventh title as England eye history at Lord's

Australia chase record seventh title as England eye history at Lord's

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Australia will chase a record seventh Women's T20 World Cup title when they face unbeaten England at Lord's, with Nat Sciver-Brunt's side looking to end a 17-year wait for the trophy and halt Australia's dominance.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur needs to stop thinking about the wickets falling around her and focus on playing her natural attacking game, believes former pacer Shikha Pandey, who says the batter can transform into a completely different player once she gets settled at the crease.

Diksha Dagar Leads Indian Charge At Hulencourt Women's Open

Diksha Dagar Leads Indian Charge At Hulencourt Women's Open

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Indian golfers Diksha Dagar, Aditi Ashok, Avani Prashanth, and Pranavi Urs have all successfully made the cut at the Hulencourt Women's Open in Belgium. Diksha Dagar is in a strong position, tied for third, while Aditi Ashok is also within the top 10.

'Back Our Own Strengths': Shafali's Simple Plan To Beat Australia

'Back Our Own Strengths': Shafali's Simple Plan To Beat Australia

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Shafali Verma believes that keeping the game plan simple is the best way for India to get the better of Australia in their must-win Women's T20 World Cup clash at Lord's on Sunday.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).