The death of Johan Cryuff certainly shook the world of football. Nick Blackwell ended up in an induced coma after suffering from a bleeding brain and Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitle tragically passed on. Jozi Gist Sport has more updates on these touching stories and much more. These are the headlines today:
Afcon 2017: Equatorial Guinea go out after defeat to Mali
Equatorial Guinea, who hosted last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, became the first team to be eliminated from the qualifiers for the 2017 tournament in Gabon after a 1-0 home defeat to Mali.Mustapha Yatabare hit Mali’s winner in the 89th minute in Malabo to put his team top of Group C, two points above Benin on 10 points.
“Football is not scared of terrorism” says Portugal boss
Belgium’s friendly going ahead in Portugal on Tuesday shows “football is not afraid” after the Brussels attacks, says home coach Fernando Santos.The match was moved from the Belgian capital after attacks in the city killed 35 people last week.”It’s very important the match is being held, and to organise it in Portugal is a very good solution,” said Santos.
Wales fringe players disappoint in Kiev
Wales were beaten by Ukraine as some players’ hopes of securing squad places for Euro 2016 appeared to fade in Kiev. Wales started brightly but trailed at half-time as Andriy Yarmolenko seized on slack defending to score with Ukraine’s only shot on target.
Northern Ireland extend unbeaten run
Conor Washington marked his home debut by earning Euro 2016-bound Northern Ireland victory over Slovenia in yesterday’s friendly at Windsor Park. The QPR striker scored in the 42nd minute. Northern Ireland have now gone 10 games unbeaten.
In Tennis news: Andy Murray out of Miami Open
Britain’s Andy Murray went out of the Miami Open as he lost 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-3 to Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.
Serena Williams shown the exit door at Miami Open
World number one and defending champion Serena Williams was knocked out in the fourth round of the Miami Open.The 34-year-old American lost 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 6-2 to Russian 15th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova – her joint earliest exit from the tournament.
In Boxing news: Nick Blackwell ‘not deteriorating’ in hospital, says family
Boxer Nick Blackwell is “not deteriorating” while in an induced coma following his British middleweight title defeat by Chris Eubank Jr.Blackwell was found to have a small bleed on the brain after Saturday’s fight was stopped in round 10.A family spokesman confirmed that the 25-year-old is “heavily sedated” but could be brought round soon.
DemoitiÈ’s condition was that serious that he was taken to ICU/hospital where he later died of his injuries.
Team Wanty-Groupe Gobert 2016 pre-season training camp
Benidorm, Spain
In Cycling news: Antoine Demoitie: Motorbike collision was ‘unfortunate accident’
A recent crash with a motorbike which killed Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitiewas an “unfortunate accident”, says his team. The 25-year-old was hit by the motorbike after several riders came down in a crash as the Gent-Wevelgem race passed through northern France.May his soul rest in peace.