SPORTS

Liverpool’s Tony Bellew won the vacant WBC cruiserweight title with a sensational third-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park. Bellew, challenging for a world title for a third time, was floored by a left hand in the opening round. However, Bellew rocked Makabu with a left hook and right uppercut before rendering him unconscious with a barrage of blows. ...

Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for the 11th time after beating Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in Milan. Sergio Ramos’ controversial finish put Zinedine Zidane’s side ahead before Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty. However, substitute Yannick Carrasco sent the Champions League final into extra-time with a close-range finish. Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning penalty ...

Ten-man Zanaco maintained second place and moved to within a point point of MTN FAZ Super League leaders Nkana following a 2-0 victory over Red Arrows in a week thirteen match played at Sunset Stadium on Saturday. The bankers went a man down in the second half when Aaron Katebe was sent off for a deliberate handball, which earned him ...

Manchester City midfielder Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score his first senior goal for Nigeria in an unimpressive 1-0 friendly win over Mali on Friday. Iheanacho, who claimed 14 goals in all competitions for City last season, replaced fellow teenager Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and grabbed the 77th-minute winner. Michael Babatunde, who plays for Raja Casablanca in Morocco ...

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said he expects Cristiano Ronaldo to “transcend” the Champions League final on Saturday and lead them to victory over Atletico Madrid. Real striker Ronaldo gave fans a scare when he limped out of training on Tuesday. But not only is the Portuguese superstar fully fit and in a position to beat his own Champions League ...

Nine-time winner Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the French Open because of a wrist injury. The Spaniard had progressed to the third round with a straight-sets win over Facundo Bagnis on Thursday – his 200th Grand Slam victory. “Yesterday I played with an injection,” the 29-year-old told a news conference on Friday. “Yesterday evening I started to feel more ...

Jose Mourinho has agreed to become the new manager of Manchester United, according to British media reports on Thursday. Mourinho has been in negotiations with United since Louis van Gaal’s sacking on Monday and it is understood an agreement is now in place for the former Chelsea manager to take charge at Old Trafford. The 53-year-old is reportedly yet to ...

Brazil have called on Kaka as a late addition for next month’s Centenary Copa America in the United States, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Thursday. The Orlando City midfielder will replace Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa, who was cut from the squad because of an injury to his left thigh. Former AC Milan and Real Madrid player Kaka has been ...

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he has decided on his next move but remained coy on a possible transfer to Premier League club Manchester United. The 34-year-old, who is leaving Paris St-Germain after his contract expired, said he has had “many” offers from around the world. “The future is written,” he said. “I made my choice a long time ago. ...

Portuguese champions Benfica have secured the services of Brazilian international goalkeeper Julio Cesar for a further two seasons, the club said on Wednesday. The 36-year-old stopper joined Benfica in 2014 in the wake of a 7-1 World Cup semifinal humiliation at the hands of eventual champions Germany. And after a poor stay at Queens Park Rangers Julio Cesar, who won ...