The final showcased the growing level of the sport in the region, with Ourinhos building on a strong semi-final win over São Bento de Sorocaba to impose a disciplined and efficient game plan. Esperia, who had knocked out Argentina’s Rosario Central earlier in the tournament, defended resolutely but was eventually beaten as Ourinhos converted their opportunities.

Players and staff highlighted the broader significance of the victory, stressing the role of sport in rehabilitation and inclusion for athletes who have lost a limb through accidents or illness. The tournament also marked a wider landmark, establishing the Americas as the second continent after Europe to stage an international amputee football club competition, under the umbrella of the World Amputee Football Federation.

Visitors move through displays featuring shirts, trophies, boots and personal items linked to key milestones in his career. Beyond traditional memorabilia, the exhibition invites fans to engage with interactive installations designed to recreate defining moments on the pitch, blending sport with immersive storytelling.

Organisers say the timing is significant as Brazil approaches a World Cup year, when football and national identity often take centre stage. The exhibition’s title frames Neymar as “great by nature,” a reference to both his natural talent and his long-standing presence in Brazilian football culture.

The event also highlights Pacaembu Stadium’s transformation into a cultural and entertainment space. Part of the proceeds will support the Instituto Neymar Jr, extending the exhibition’s impact beyond football and linking it to social initiatives.

Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 edition of AFCON will proceed as scheduled in Uganda, Kenya , and Tanzania. However, the next edition, originally planned for 2029, will now take place in 2028. The subsequent AFCON will be held in 2032.

This adjustment allows room for the inaugural African Nations League to be staged in 2029. Motsepe stated that the competition will include all 54 CAF member associations, grouped into four geographical zones. Matches are expected to be played in September and October, with the final phase held in November.

“What is new is that … in Africa there’s going to be a competition every year where the best African players who play in Europe and worldwide will be with us on the continent,” Motsepe said.

CAF has not yet clarified whether the African Nations League will be held annually or every two years.

The opening fixture of the 2025 AFCON took place on Sunday, December 21, between host nation Morocco and Comoros in front of a sold-out crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. 

The Atlas Lions, one of the favourites to win the competition, triumphed with a 2-0 victory over their East African counterpart.

All goals were scored in the second half. Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, who plays for Greek side Olympiacos, added a second goal in the 74th minute, just nine minutes after entering the field.

The tournament marks the 35th edition of AFCON and features 24 teams from across Africa. It is the second time Morocco is hosting the competition, the first being in 1988. 

The final is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

Since the inception of the AFCON in 1957, 15 different countries have won the tournament. The 2025 edition brings together 24 teams, half of which have previously lifted the AFCON trophy and the other half have never tasted glory. 

These 12 past champions represent some of the established powerhouses of African football, including record seven-time winners Egypt, defending champions Ivory Coast, three-time winners Nigeria , and five-time champions Cameroon.

Past champions

Grouped across all six pools, these teams bring varying degrees of historical success:

Group A:  Morocco (hosts) - Won the title in 1976.   Zambia - Won the title in 2012.

Group B:  Egypt - Record seven-time champions, winning titles including 1957, 1959, and completing a hat-trick between 2006 and 2010. South Africa - Won on home soil in 1996.

Group C:  Nigeria - Three-time champions, winning titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Tunisia - Won the title in 2004.

Group D:   Senegal - Champions of AFCON 2021. DR Congo - Two-time winners, having won the competition in 1968 (as Congo (Kinshasa)) and 1974 (as Zaire).

Group E:  Algeria - Two-time champions, winning in 1990 and 2019. Sudan - Won the title in 1970.

Group F: Cote d'Ivoire - The defending champions and three-time winners, with victories in 1992, 2015, and 2023. Cameroon - Five-time champions, winning titles including 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017 .

Non-winning nations

The tournament also includes 12 nations that have never claimed the title. These teams, which are also spread across all six groups, include Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda , who have each reached the final once in the past but fell short. 

For others like Comoros, Botswana, and Mozambique, reaching the knockout stages would itself mark a milestone.

Full list of non-winners and their groups: 

Group A: - Mali (finalist in 1972), Comoros

Group B: - Angola , Zimbabwe

Group C: - Uganda (finalist in 1978), Tanzania

Group D: Benin , Botswana

Group E:   Burkina Faso (finalist in 1978), Equatorial Guinea

Group F: Gabon , Mozambique

With the first kickoff just days away, the question remains whether AFCON 2025 will see one of the 12 non-winning nations break new ground or whether a past champion will rise again.

With every group featuring a mix of experience and ambition, the potential for an upset is present, but so is the likelihood of history asserting itself once more.

Angry fans stormed Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, after football star Lionel Messi left the venue earlier than expected during a heavily attended event . Thousands of fans, many wearing Argentina jerseys and waving flags, had gathered as part of Messi’s three-day “GOAT Tour” of India. Frustration grew as tight security limited access to the player, despite high ticket prices. Fans vandalised stadium property, ripped out seats and hurled objects onto the track, while some stormed the pitch. A senior police official confirmed the arrest of the event’s chief organiser, adding that authorities were exploring refunds. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and fans and ordered a probe, while the All India Football Federation said it was not involved in organising the private event.

World Bank approves major clean air programmes in India

The World Bank has approved financing for two major air quality programmes in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, aimed at improving air quality for about 270 million people. The Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program will invest nearly $300 million in cleaner transport, agriculture and industry, including electric buses, electric three-wheelers and access to clean cooking for millions of households. A separate $300 million programme in Haryana will strengthen air quality monitoring and support clean transport and cleaner technologies for small businesses. The initiatives are part of a broader regional effort to tackle air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan foothills.

Prada partners with Indian artisans after cultural backlash

Italian luxury brand Prada will launch a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals, turning earlier accusations of cultural appropriation into a formal collaboration with Indian artisans. Around 2,000 pairs will be produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka and sold globally from February 2026. Prada has signed agreements with two state-backed Indian leather development corporations and plans a three-year partnership that includes training programmes in India and Italy. The company said artisans would be fairly compensated, with the project expected to cost several million euros.

Pakistan and Bangladesh signal openness to new regional grouping

Pakistan has indicated openness to forming a regional grouping with Bangladesh, following Dhaka's assertion that it is strategically possible to pursue such cooperation without India. Pakistan’s Foreign Office  said  any proposal from Bangladesh would be viewed within the context of Islamabad’s commitment to multilateralism. The comments follow confirmation that a trilateral mechanism involving Bangladesh, China and Pakistan has already begun, with the first meeting held in China in June. Officials from the three countries said the framework is based on cooperation, openness and “true multilateralism,” and is not directed at any third party.

India eases business visas for Chinese professionals

India has moved to speed up business visas for Chinese professionals by cutting bureaucratic scrutiny and reducing approval times to under a month, according to officials. The decision marks a shift after years of tight restrictions following the 2020 border clashes between the two countries. Industry groups say the earlier delays led to billions of dollars in production losses, particularly in electronics and solar manufacturing. China welcomed the move as a positive step toward improving people-to-people exchanges, while Indian officials said the changes were part of broader efforts to stabilise economic ties and attract investment.

The Games were first launched in Bangkok as the “SEAP Games,” before expanding in 1977 to include all Southeast Asian nations.

Across 32 completed editions, Southeast Asia has seen a wide range of records set . 

Thailand remains the winningest nation in SEA Games history, with 13 overall titles, ahead of Indonesia’s 10 and Vietnam’s three. 

Vietnam holds the mark for the most gold medals in a single edition, winning 205 golds at the 2021 Hanoi Games. It was the first time any country surpassed 200 gold medals.

The SEA Games have grown not only in the level of competition but also in scale. The 2023 Phnom Penh SEA Games recorded 6,210 athletes — the highest participation on record — and marked Cambodia’s return as host after six decades.

Individual athletes have contributed their own milestones . Singapore’s Joscelin Yeo remains the most successful SEA Games athlete with 40 gold medals from eight appearances. Fellow Singaporean Eileen Chai Ee Juang is the youngest athlete ever to compete, joining the 1985 Games at age seven.

Conversely, Filipino billiards icon Efren Reyes competed at the 2021 Games at 68, making him the oldest known SEA Games athlete. Since his debut in 1987, Reyes has taken part in 11 editions and won six gold medals.

Host nations have also played a major role in shaping the competition. Manila holds the record for the most sports in a single edition, staging 56 events in 2019. This year’s Games in Thailand feature 50 sports and four demonstration events, with 574 gold medals at stake.

As competition continues across Thailand, the 2025 SEA Games are poised to add another chapter to a regional sporting tradition now more than six decades old.

Malawi’s Parliament has approved Bill No. 2 of 2025, a constitutional amendment that embeds the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) into the supreme law without any changes. Out of 224 MPs, 199 voted in favour while 25 were absent, with no dissenting votes recorded. The amendment, introduced by Mzimba South MP Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, defines the purpose and management of the CDF and places it under the authority of Members of Parliament “as prescribed by an Act of Parliament.” A motion by Dedza Central MP Joshua Malango fast-tracked the vote, ending debate and limiting scrutiny. Critics warn that granting MPs constitutional control over the fund risks deepening patronage politics and weakening accountability. Supporters argue it ensures predictable development financing for constituencies. Parliament is now expected to draft accompanying legislation governing fund management and reporting.

Malawi becomes early adopter of injectable HIV prevention drug

Malawi has authorised the use of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, becoming the fourth African nation to approve the medicine. The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority approved a 46-day expedited review. National AIDS Commission Executive Director Dr Beatrice Matanje described the approval as a major milestone in reducing new infections, noting that biannual injections ease the burden of adherence. PMRA Director General Mphatso Kawaye said the decision reflects efforts to accelerate access to life-saving innovations, supported by collaboration with the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organisation. South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have already approved the drug, with first consignments expected by year-end. Malawi continues to face high HIV prevalence, with an estimated 950,000 people living with the disease.

Preparations intensify for 2025 Africa Netball Cup

The Netball Association of Malawi has confirmed that preparations are well underway to host the 2025 Africa Netball Cup from December 8–14 at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe. Nine national teams—Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini—will compete for the continental title. The Local Organising Committee is finalising upgrades to courts, training facilities and logistics ahead of the event. LOC chairperson Limbani Matola said hosting the tournament is an opportunity to showcase Malawi’s sporting talent and inspire young players. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting both women’s and men’s netball as Africa Netball continues its campaign for the sport’s inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Rural connectivity expands through Starlink-powered project

Fast Networks Malawi has delivered a major rural connectivity project using Starlink technology to provide affordable internet access in underserved areas. Over six months, the organisation and its partners—including the Internet Society, Unconnected.org, World Mobile, 48.org, the Ministry of Education, Xulendo and Inethi South Africa—developed a mesh network extending connectivity far beyond each Starlink terminal’s range. The project connected 67 schools and established 20 rural WiFi hotspots, enabling clinics, trading centres and additional schools to access online resources. Low-cost community vouchers help subsidise Starlink subscriptions for schools, supporting long-term sustainability. Co-founder Barros Atupele Mweso said communities previously without internet access are now digitally engaged, though challenges remain, including device shortages, low digital literacy and maintenance costs.

New $100 million cement plant inaugurated 

Malawi has commissioned a $100 million Portland Cement Manufacturing Plant in Balaka, a township in Southern Malawi, hailed as a catalyst for economic transformation. Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka presided over the commissioning, calling it a testament to Malawi’s commitment to strengthening its manufacturing base and boosting foreign exchange reserves. The project aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises manufacturing-led growth and job creation. Mwanamveka said the plant represents resilience in overcoming long-standing challenges in the manufacturing sector and reaffirmed government support for both local and foreign investors contributing to national development.

President-elect Donald Trump has recently reiterated the strong economic ties between the US and Vietnam during a phone conversation with Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam. Emphasising the contributions of the Vietnamese-American community, he reflected on his previous visits to the country and discussed enhancing bilateral relations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership established during President Joe  Biden's visit, with plans to celebrate 30 years of normalised relations in 2025, highlighting significant trade achievements.

Proposed penalties for marital rape and domestic abuse

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has proposed new penalties for marital rape and domestic abuse, aiming for fines of up to VNĐ30 million (approximately $1,185). This initiative follows the enforcement of stricter penalties two years ago, with over 1,000 cases of domestic violence reported since that time. The current data for 2023 indicates a rise in male victims and underscores the ongoing challenges of unreported cases due to fear of stigma.

Vietnamese artists among Grammy nominees

Vietnamese-American artist Sangeeta Kaur has garnered a Grammy nomination for her album Mythologies II, which illustrates her continued dedication to music after her previous Grammy win. In parallel, director Bảo Nguyễn was nominated in the Best Music Film category for his documentary The Greatest Night in Pop. Designer Duy Đào also joins the recognition, being invited to the Recording Academy as a voting member, with a nomination for his box set design.

Health Minister addresses proposed ban on e-cigarettes

Vietnam’s Health Minister Đào Hồng Lan addressed rising e-cigarette use among youth during a National Assembly session. Citing increased usage among students aged 13-15, she outlined measures to revise the current tobacco laws. The Ministry of Health is proposing a ban on e-cigarettes due to their health impacts, highlighting challenges in regulating these products and the industry's profit motives. Minister Lan also emphasised ongoing efforts to manage tobacco harm and improve public health policies.

Vietnam to host largest World Teqball Championships

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most populous city is set to host the seventh World Teqball Championships from December 4-8, 2024. This event is poised to be the largest yet, featuring various competitions and attracting athletes from over 90 countries. Organisers aim to enhance the atmosphere with cultural exhibitions and celebrations of Vietnamese culture, coinciding with the rising popularity of teqball, a sport that merges football, volleyball, and table tennis, with aspirations for Olympic inclusion. An investment conference will accompany the event, supporting the sport's development in Vietnam.

Bolaji’s historic win came against Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna, whom she defeated 21-9, 21-9 to clinch the bronze medal.

In an emotional tribute, Bolaji dedicated her victory to her late coach, Bello Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident three years ago while she was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics.

On social media, she shared, “It was an incredible round-up as I secured a bronze medal for myself, my country, my supporters, and Africa at large at the 2024 Paralympics. God willing, I dedicate this achievement to my late coach, Bello Oyebanji.”

In a heartfelt follow-up post, she added, “How I wish Coach Bello Oyebanji were alive, but Allah knows best.”

Bolaji’s bronze medal is also Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics. Her achievement has garnered widespread recognition across Nigeria, with commendations pouring in from the Nigerian presidency and various state institutions celebrating her accomplishment.

Like the opening of the just-ended Olympics, the Paris 2024 Paralympics happens away from the main stadium. The games will officially open with a grand ceremony at Place de la Concorde, a central square in Paris that also hosted urban sports like skateboarding during the Olympics.

According to AFP, the Paris 2024 Paralympics organisers revealed on August 27 that over two million tickets have already been sold as excitement builds for the Games, which will run until September 8.

A total of 18 out of the 35 venues used during the Olympics will host Paralympic events, marking a significant continuation of the sporting celebration in the French capital.

“We've heard a lot of comments, most of them are very positive, and you're right when we talk about food, there's also a question of taste. Just to say that we've worked with the NOCs (National Olympic Committee) for months on the menus that are provided to the athletes. They were all shared with them, previous to the Games so that we make sure that we can provide them with the right menus and food needed for their performances," Descamps said, as quoted by the AFP.

Athletes have expressed dissatisfaction with the large quantity of vegan food being served, which they claim has left them without enough meat. Olympians in Paris reported a shortage of protein-rich food, with some alleging that organizers had restricted the amount they were permitted to consume.

Before the Games began, it was announced that 60% of food options in the athlete’s village would be “plant-based” as part of an initiative to make Paris the most sustainable Olympics ever.

"We have been having cases of hyperthermia and heatstroke for several years now, particularly involving racing events, like the 20 km of Paris race, and other similar incidents that we didn't necessarily have before, but with the rise of temperatures, we clearly have this problem, so our first-aiders are well-prepared," said Daphne Maurel, general manager of the association, quoted by AFP.

Maurel further emphasised the current situation: "We know that there are more cases of hyperthermia on the Olympic sites that are open, we can see this first-hand, and we are reinforcing all cold packs and water, if necessary. We also tell all our first-aiders that, when they take charge of a victim, whether it's someone who's fainted or not feeling very well, they immediately check their temperature. This is done systematically, and they place the person in the shade in a cool place, and as soon as they suspect hyperthermia or see that the temperature is high, they quickly carry out a medical check-up and call for medical advice.”

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games , which began on July 26, feature over ten thousand athletes competing in 32 different sports, including various outdoor events like marathons, football, and rugby. The games will conclude on August 11.

Returning to the United States for the second time, the tournament will feature matches across various cities, culminating in a grand finale at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This year's competition includes 16 teams, ten from CONMEBOL and six from CONCACAF, competing in four groups .

Defending champions and group stages

Argentina, the current world champions and defending champions of the Copa América who secured their record 15th title to go level with Uruguay in Brazil in 2021, will aim to continue their success. They are placed in Group A alongside Peru, Chile, and Canada. Group A's matches, including the opening clash between Argentina and Canada, will span from June 20 to 29 across six U.S. cities.

Group B features Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica, with their matches scheduled from June 22 to 30. Group C includes the host nation, the United States, alongside Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia, playing from June 23 to July 1. Group D comprises Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica, with matches taking place from June 24 to July 2.

Knockout stages and path to glory

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, beginning with the quarter-finals. The knockout stage pairings are set as follows: the winner of Group A will face the runner-up of Group B, and the winner of Group B will play the runner-up of Group A. The winner of Group C will compete against the runner-up of Group D, and the winner of Group D will face the runner-up of Group C.

Victorious teams from the quarter-finals will move on to the semi-finals, leading to the highly anticipated final match on July 14 where the winner will eventually be crowned champion of the  2024 Copa América at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The 2024 competition serves as a warm-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , which the United States, Canada, and Mexico are jointly hosting.

Biologist Flavio Gallo-Cardozo, inspired by the TV show 'River Monsters,' has made a remarkable discovery in Bolivia's Amazon Basin. His research led to the identification of a new species of piranha , named Serrasalmus magallanesi. “My dream of being able to discover a new species actually began long before my training as a biologist, it began during my time at school when in natural science subjects I saw the great diversity of species that exist, and I always thought that being able to discover a serious something that at the time considered unreal and impossible,” Gallo-Cardozo said. The biologist stated that the fish was compared to current collections from national natural history museums, which included 153 specimens in total.

Bolivarian Youth Games

The 2024 Bolivarian Youth Games are set to commence in Sucre, the capital of the Latin American nation from April 4 – 14 with the inauguration to be officiated by the President of Bolivia Luis Arce. Over 1,500 athletes from seven countries will compete in 27 disciplines, with Bolivian participants striving for a prominent position in the medal table. According to Prensa Latina , Bolivia’s Vice Minister of Sports, Karen Palenque, said that the Bolivian athletes will participate in a host of fields including athletics, swimming, wrestling, and weight lifting among others.

Argentina, Brazil negotiate gas pipeline reversal

Argentina and Brazil are engaged in discussions regarding the reversal of the flow of a Bolivian gas pipeline due to potential shortages. A preliminary proposal has failed to gain traction with Bolivia, leaving Brazil exposed to volatile liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices. Argentina possesses the second largest shale gas reserves in the world, and Brazil has made it clear in recent months that gas from Argentina will be required to balance supplies, according to Reuters . Experts suggest that Bolivia, which was formerly a major producer in the area, may not have any exports available after 2029 due to its sharp fall in exports.

Highway crash kills four

A tragic highway crash in southern Bolivia has claimed the lives of four individuals and left 36 injured. The incident, near Yotala, a small town located 14 kilometres away from Bolivia’s capital Sucre involved a passenger bus and another vehicle. Authorities are investigating the cause, with initial beliefs pointing to the possibility of one of the vehicles crossing into the opposing lane.

Bolivia warns of interference in Venezuela elections Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned against extreme right-wing organisations that may destabilise the upcoming elections in Venezuela. The Bolivian ministry urged that the United States respect the Venezuelan process and not interfere in its internal affairs, Radio Habana Cuba reports.  "We express our concern for the threats and actions of some extreme right-wing organizations that, instead of joining the electoral competition as other opposition organizations decided to do, are in line to destabilize the elections and the Venezuelan political system," they said. According to Radio Habana Cuba, Other organisations and countries have expressed support for the democratic process of the Venezuelan elections, with the Union of Journalism and Communication Workers of Peru expressing support for Venezuelans' participation in the elections.

Argentina on March 26 accused Venezuela of cutting the electricity supply to its embassy in Caracas after hosting a meeting with Venezuelan opposition leaders. The embassy's power was cut off on March 25 in a "deliberate action that endangers the safety of Argentine diplomatic personnel and Venezuelan citizens under protection," according to a statement from the Office of Argentine President Javier Milei. This move is seen as a sign of souring relations between the two ideologically opposed governments. Tension between the two countries has been rising since Venezuela's socialist leader Nicolás Maduro criticised far-right President Milei's election victory, CNN reported.

Ten Argentines sentenced to life

Ten Argentinians on March 26 were sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping, torture, rape, and disappearance of over 400 victims during the 1976-1983 military dictatorship. Six of the defendants have died since the trial began three years ago. Victims included 23 pregnant women, some given forced abortions, and their newborns given to regime loyalist families. The accused, who all maintained their innocence, included military physicians, police officers, and jail officers, as well as a former province minister.

Hosting of Pan American Championships 2024

The 2024 GAMMA Pan American Championships will be held in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina from 5-7 July. The three-day tournament, hosted by GAMMA ARGENTINA, will feature 17 senior weight categories in MMA and Striking MMA. The event will also include the Pan American MMA Youth Championships for 16-17-year-olds. "It will be a pleasure to welcome the best athletes from all over the continent to a city with as much sporting significance as Rosario. We firmly believe that it will be a great boost for all combat sports in Argentina," GAMMA Argentina Secretary and Sport Director, Lucio Gianni said .

Protest against dismissal of science workers

The Association of State Workers of Argentina (ATE) is planning a protest at the Scientific Pole in Buenos Aires against the dismissal of science workers. According to Prensa Latina , the protest will condemn the termination of labour contracts of the National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation and the cuts promoted by the Government of Javier Milei in the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET). Over 60 Nobel Prize winners have expressed concern about the impact of these measures on Argentina's development. Renowned scholars from different countries alerted the president in a letter that these sectors in Argentina are on the verge of "a dangerous precipice," which might have an impact on both the people and the rest of the world, Prensa Latina reported.  On March 26, President Milei announced that over 50,000 employees in the national public administration had lost their jobs during this period. He also verified that the contracts of an additional 70,000 employees would not be extended.

Surge in beef export

Argentina's beef exports reached their highest level in over five decades, reaching 82,548 metric tons in February. This is the largest monthly haul since 1967. The government of the Latin American nation ended export restrictions for some meat cuts, resulting in a record 160,478 tons of beef shipments in the first two months of the year. Argentina's farm sector is a major supplier of grains and beef. More than 75% of the nation's beef exports in January and February went to customers in China, followed by the European Union and Israel.

The 300m world record was previously held by South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk after he ran 30.81 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on 28 June 2017.

“He's a brother to me. We share the good vibes. There's no bad energy between us… so thank you (van Niekerk) for always pushing me and telling me not to belittle myself. Thank you so much, mate,” Tebogo is reported by the South African news agency Times Live to have said after he broke the world record set by van Niekerk

Tebego now joins an exclusive list of four athletes in the world to have run under 31 seconds for the discipline. American sprinter Michael Johnson who ran 30.85 in Pretoria to set the 300m world record in 2000, Usain Bolt’s 30.97 in 2010, and Wayde van Niekerk’s 30.81 in 2017.

The young athlete who also won bronze in the 200m race and silver in the 100m event in the 2023 World Athletics Championships will be looking to have a similar impact in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics in July.

The Costa Rican Health Surveillance Directorate has reported that in the last five years, 139 Costa Ricans have died from methanol-adulterated alcoholic beverages. According to local media Teletica , the poisonings began in 2019 with 126 poisonings related to the consumption of colourless alcohol. The number of fatalities increased in 2021, but recovery rates remained low. There was an 88.2% decrease in number of cases in 2023.

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines

Costa Rica has received a donation of 12,000 doses of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines from the United States, half for children aged six months to five years and the rest for minors aged five to 11, local media El Pais reported. According to El Pais, the vaccines will be available in healthcare centres of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund starting on February 12. Three weeks ago, Panama donated anti-COVID-19 vaccines to Costa Rica, with the majority intended for adult recipients over the age of 12 and a smaller portion designated for paediatric use. The Latin American nation has reported a rise in COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations, and deaths since December of last year; however, notifications from the prior week indicate a decline in SARS-Cov-2-related sickness., El Pais reports.

Seized cocaine in Guatemala

525 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in a container that arrived at a port on the Pacific from Costa Rica were taken into custody by Guatemalan anti-drug officials, according to official sources on February 10.  The drugs were seized in a metal box container at a port 110 kilometres from Guatemala City, local media AM Prensa reports. The Guatemala authorities told reporters that the operation started in the afternoon on February 9 and that there was a possibility of a rise in narcotics seizures.

Cocoa excellence award

Costa Rica's Chocolatera del Volcán company won the gold award at the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The award recognizes exceptional cocoa producers for their superior quality and diversity of flavours. A total of 222 cocoa bean samples from 52 different sources, including Africa and the Indian Ocean, Asia and the Pacific, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America, competed with the Costa Rican sample. Costa Rica took part in the awards ceremony for the Caribbean and Central America area, El Pais reports.

Taekwondo champions

The Costa Rican taekwondo team won gold and silver medals at the Canadian Open Taekwondo 2024 event. Young players Alejandro Román, Carlos Jiménez, and Fabián Carrillo won gold and silver medals while other members of the team placed in respectful positions at the competition. “There is no point in having teams if they do not compete internationally. The idea is to maintain the level of our athletes against the best in the world. We are going to the Canadian Open with nine taekwondo players where we hope that 2024 will be as successful as 2023 was,” Wilmar Alvarado, president of the Costa Rican Taekwondo Federation is quoted by local media La República .

The Egyptians’ seven-times triumph is the most in the history of the AFCON while Ghana’s four wins come third, only one win away from equalling Cameroon after the Central African nation defeated the Egyptians to win their fifth title in 2017.

The Black Stars of Ghana have become a sleeping giant in the competition having won their last trophy more than four decades ago in 1982.

The Ghanaians were tied with the Egyptians as the most successful nations in the competition until the North African nation won a three-peat in 2006, 2008 and 2010, leaving Ghana behind to go down as the most successful country.

Since that last win in Angola 14 years ago where the Egyptians defeated the Black Stars in an intense game by just a single goal, the Pharaohs have suffered several heartbreaks in the competition.

After missing qualification for three successive AFCON tournaments in 2012, 2013 and 2015, the Pharaohs managed to get to the finals in two out of the last three tournaments with the last being in 2021.

Both teams could not manage a win in their opening matches as Egypt managed to scrape a point to avoid an upset in the dying moments of their game against underdogs Mozambique courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty. However, the Black Stars were stunned by Cape Verde and now sit bottom of the group.

Many believe that this year’s competition represents the last chance for Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah to win the elusive eighth AFCON for the Pharaohs as he enters the twilight years of his very impressive career.

Others also believe that the Ghanaians, who in the past would have been considered heavy favourites to win the competition alongside the Egyptians will continue their four decades of wait for an AFCON title because of their poor performances in recent years, most notably their failure to make it out of the group stage in the last edition of the AFCON in 2021.

Ghanaian sports journalist Joseph Nii Adamafio who is in Ivory Coast to cover the journey of the Black Stars at the AFCON 2023 told GSW that after the opening match defeat to Cape Verde, the atmosphere in the Black Stars dressing room was “tensed” and that the players have been disappointed with the recent performances.

“The mood in the dressing room is very heavy. Everyone is upset with the results because they want to start on a good note. Already there are rumours that Chris Hughton (Black Stars Head Coach) has lost control of the locker room,” Adamafio told GSW.

“It looks like the Black Stars will repeat what happened in Cameroon where we got knocked out at the group stages,” he added.

On January 18, the Black Stars will go toe-to-toe with the Pharaohs once more in a group game that would ultimately ensure qualification to the knockout stages of the competition for both teams.

Will the four decades of wait go on for the Black Stars of Ghana or will the Pharaohs of Egypt move a step closer to achieving their eighth title?

This means that the runner-up in the AFCON 2023 will receive $4 million. Two semi-finalists and four quarter-finalists will each get $2.5 million and $1.3 million respectively, CAF announced in a statement .

“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions. We have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money,” said President of CAF Patrice Motsepe.

“I am confident that a portion of the Prize Money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.

Senegal, the winner of the 2021 edition of the competition received $5 million while Egypt received $2.75 million as runner-up.

The opening match of the AFCON 2023 will take place between the host Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on January 13, 2024.

The AFC Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations will kick off the year with two continental football tournaments, featuring some of the best teams and players from Asia and Africa. The Asian Cup will be hosted in Qatar from 12 January to 10 February, while the Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February. Both competitions will have 24 teams competing for the trophy, with the likes of Japan, Iran, Senegal and Algeria among the favourites.

The Formula One World Championship will rev up its engines for another thrilling season of motorsport, starting on 2 March in Bahrain and ending on 8 December in Abu Dhabi. The calendar will feature 24 races, including venues such as Miami and Shanghai.

The World Chess Championship 2024 will pit the best minds in the game against each other in a battle of strategy and skill. The match will take place from 3 April to 25 April, in Toronto, Canada. The defending champion Ding Liren of China will face the winner of the Candidates Tournament, which will be held in March 2024.

The Diamond League 2024 will showcase the finest athletes in track and field, as they compete for glory and prize money in a series of meetings around the world. The season will start in Xiamen, China on April 20 and end in Brussels, Belgium on September 13.

The Men’s Cricket World Cup will be the highlight of the cricketing year, as 20 teams will battle for the ultimate prize in international cricket. The tournament will be hosted by the United States and the West Indies from 4 June to 30 June. The Cricket World Cup will feature some of the best players in the world, such as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam and Ben Stokes.

The European Championship 2024 will be another major football event, as 24 teams will compete for the title of the best team in Europe. The tournament will be hosted by Germany from 14 June to 14 July, with matches being played in 10 cities.

The Copa America 2024 will be the oldest continental football tournament in the world, as Lionel Messi will lead World Cup winners and the current Copa champions Argentina in a title defence against 15 other teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) from June 20 to July 14 in the United States.

The Paris 2024 Olympics will be the biggest sporting event of the year, as thousands of athletes from various countries will feature in some of the most popular sports such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, football and basketball. The Games will take place from 24 July to 11 August, with venues spread across Paris and other regions of France. The Paralympics will follow the Olympics from 28 August to 8 September, with thousands of para-athletes competing in various events.

The Women’s Cricket World Cup will be the pinnacle of the women’s cricket season, as 10 teams will play for the title of the best team in the shortest format of the game. The tournament will be hosted in Bangladesh from September to October.

Other sporting events to look out for are the heavyweight boxing bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in February, the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Final in June and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in December.

Tournament context

The AFCON 2023 is the 34 th edition of the competition. The opening match is scheduled for January 13, 2024, where the host Ivory Coast will face Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

The Ivory Coast is hosting the competition for the second time in the history of the month-long competition expected to end on February 11, 2024, after hosting for the first time in 1984.

Tournament favourites

Egypt, the record holders of the competition with seven titles have made the finals in two out of the last three editions and also boast arguably the greatest footballer on the African continent in Mohammed Salah.

Nigeria will also look to secure their fourth title after their last triumph in 2023. The chances of the Super Eagles have also been boosted by the emergence of marksman Victor Osimhen as the best player on the African continent after he was awarded as the best footballer at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards 2023.

Other tournament favourites include Senegal, the current champions, winners of the 2019 competition Algeria and Morocco, fresh from a historic World Cup semi-final and tournament host Ivory Coast.

Tournament underdogs

Sleeping giant the Black Stars of Ghana will be looking to redeem themselves in the competition after failing to make it past the group stages in the previous edition of the tournament. The four-time winner is also buoyed by the inimitable Mohammed Kudus.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is also another nation with history in the competition after going against the odds to defeat a heavily favoured Egyptian side in the finals in 2017. The Central African nation will be spearheaded by the top goal scorer of the AFCON 2021 edition Vincent Aboubakar.

2013 darkhorse and finalist Burkina Faso and surprise 2012 winner Zambia will also be looking to cause major upsets in the tournament.

One continent that the UFC has never visited is Africa, despite having African-born champions like Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya and Francis Ngannou.

These fighters, dubbed "Africa's Three Kings" , have boosted the profile of the UFC on the continent and sparked the interest of UFC president Dana White to bring the sport to their homeland.

Possible destinations

White expressed his desire to hold a UFC event in Africa in 2022 during a press conference following UFC 279 . He told reporters that there had been discussions to host UFC fights in Africa.  However, he did not reveal which country or city in Africa he was targeting to host the UFC events.

In December 2023, the questions surrounding “UFC Africa” resurfaced. In a post-fight press conference for UFC 296 , White reiterated his intention to bring UFC fights to the UFC fans on the continent.

"My long-term goal is to plant some roots there like we're doing in Mexico and China. We're going to do it in other spots too... Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa are the two places that we're talking about," White said.

African contingents

Israel Adesanya , also known as "The Last Stylebender", is a renowned UFC fighter from Nigeria with a record of 24 wins and 3 losses, including 16 knockouts. He debuted in the UFC in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence to become the Undisputed Middleweight Champion of the UFC in 2019. Known for his precise striking, Adesanya has received multiple performance awards and is considered one of the world's most dangerous strikers.

While Cameroonian Francis Ngannou is no longer with the UFC, his impressive record of 17 wins and 3 losses, with a significant number of victories by knockout is no mean feat. His big moment in the UFC came when he won the UFC Heavyweight title in 2021. Ngannou also holds the world record for the hardest punch ever recorded . He recently crossed to the world of professional boxing to fight British World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

South African Dricus du Plessis is one of the rising names in the UFC. His fight record is an impressive 20 wins and 2 losses. He was ranked second-best fighter in the UFC Middleweight Division as of December 19, 2023.